Have you considered working for a food delivery service to earn extra money? It can help you make money on demand, helping you reach your FIRE goals.
Like any opportunity to make money, you must understand the ins and outs of each company you’re considering. Determine how much you might make, how to qualify, and the pros and cons of each service to see if they are right for you.
There are many food delivery services to consider, most of which operate nationwide, but some are more popular in certain areas than others. Read on to decide which is the best food delivery service to work for.
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The 13 Best Food Delivery Services to Work For
We’ve rounded up the 13 best food delivery services to work for to help you find the one that works best for you.
1. Instacart
Instacart is one of the biggest online grocery delivery companies. You can earn over $20 per hour shopping and delivering groceries to people through the app!
- Flexible Schedule - set your own hours
- Fast and Accessible Pay
- Tip Earning Potential
- Mileage Deductions
- Easy Application Process
- Vehicle Wear & Tear
- Gas Costs
Instacart offers two options for gig workers, full service and in-store shoppers.
Full-service shoppers accept orders in the Instacart app, shop the order at the grocery store, and deliver groceries to the customer. This option provides the most flexibility because you accept orders when you’re available and don’t have to pre-schedule hours. However, to work this gig, you must have a car.
You earn a flat fee based on the order size, location, and distance you must drive. Instacart pays weekly, and you keep 100% of the customer tips.
You may also work as an in-store shopper for Instacart. You don’t need a car for this position because you only fill orders inside a store. In-store shoppers are part-time employees, but you pick your hours. Unlike full-service shoppers, you must choose your hours ahead of time and work your full shift.
Potential Earnings
Instacart shoppers who do full-service delivery make an average of $21.15 per hour, and in-store shoppers make an average of $15.42 hourly pay.
Company Requirements for Driver
To work for Instacart, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Have access to a reliable vehicle
Own a working smartphone
Be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds
Pass a background check
Company Pros
Option to instantly cash out (for a small fee)
Provides variety since no two orders are the same
The app is transparent and offers all necessary information, including fees and tips, upfront
Company Cons
No guarantee work will be available
Requires extensive physical labor
Why We Think Instacart Is a Great Option
Instacart is an excellent option for a food delivery app because you have options. You can shop in-store or do a full-service order depending on what you prefer or have the means to handle. In addition, they are entirely transparent in what you’ll earn and are available in most areas.
2. DoorDash
Get started delivering food for DoorDash. You choose your own schedule and delivery goals as your own boss. Earn base pay, tips, and promotions with DoorDash.
- Flexible schedule - pick your own hours
- Preview pick-up/drop-off locations - choose your own orders
- Fast Payment
- Maximize earning potential with tips, bonuses, peaks, and hotspots
- Wear and tear from vehicle usage
- Cost of Gas
DoorDash is the best food delivery service for drivers, according to many drivers or what
Like most food delivery service apps, you can accept or decline orders when active on the app. You’ll earn a flat fee plus tips if you provide great customer service.
Potential Earnings
While an exact rate for what you can expect to make it not available due to many factors impacting delivery payouts, you can earn a base pay per delivery plus tips.
Company Requirements for Driver
To be a Dasher, you must meet the following:
Be at least 18 years old
Own a car, scooter, or bike
Provide a valid driver’s license number and Social Security number
Agree to a background check
Company Pros
Offers many promotions, including Peak Pay (higher pay during busy times) and Challenges, to help drivers earn more money
Offers instant payouts, but the fee is steep
Offers opportunities for grocery delivery or other errands plus restaurant delivery
Company Cons
Instant Pay costs $1.99 per withdrawal
No guarantee work will be available
Why We Think DoorDash Is a Great Option
DoorDash is one of the most friendly apps for food delivery drivers. They provide many opportunities for increased pay, and the company always looks for new ways to improve things for Dashers.
3. GrubHub
GrubHub is one of the original delivery services for independent contractors. They primarily deliver for restaurants, but they’re branching out into convenience stores in some markets. GrubHub allows drivers to deliver via car, bike, or scooter, but they request that drivers schedule hours in advance.
Potential Earnings
The average driver pay for GrubHub is $12.35 an hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for GrubHub, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 19 years old
Have a working car, bike, or scooter
Have a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle if driving a car
Own a smartphone
Pass a background screening
Company Pros
The app is very transparent and offers all the necessary information to accept or decline orders
Offers many ways to deliver food, no car required
The app encourages healthy customer tips
Company Cons
You must schedule your hours ahead of time
Doesn’t offer many incentives for drivers
Why We Think GrubHub Is a Great Option
GrubHub has been around the longest out of all food delivery apps and has been reliable from the start. In addition, they support their drivers and offer many ways to deliver food, even without a car.
Related Article: Checkout the best Gig Work Apps!
4. Shipt
Shipt is one of the largest online grocery delivery companies. Select deliveries and earn upwards of $20 per hour shopping and delivering groceries to people through the Shipt App!
- Flexible Hours - Take or Leave Orders at Your Leisure
- Paid Per Order - Higher Earning Potentional Including Tips
- Easy User-Friendly App - Easy Customer Communication
- Free Shipt Membership
- Set Distance and Proximity of Orders to Fit You
- Usage of Your Vehicle
- Gas Costs
- Must-Shop Alone
- App Glitching is Often Reported
- Competing for Orders with Other Shoppers - First Come First Servce
Shipt started as a membership-based grocery delivery service, but today customers no longer have to be members. Shipt is available in over 5,000 cities and was acquired by Target in 2017. Shipt works much like Instacart, paying drivers to shop for and deliver groceries.
Potential Earnings
Shipt shoppers make an average of $13.83 per hour but may make more with customer tips.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Shipt, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a driver’s license and valid auto insurance
Drive a car from 1997 or newer
Be able to lift 45 pounds
Have a smartphone
Pass a background check
Company Pros
The app shows the total amount you’d earn before accepting an order
You can shop for multiple orders at once
Located throughout the United States
Company Cons
Pays less than many delivery apps
Not as widely known as Instacart
Why We Think Shipt Is a Great Option
We like Shipt because they are one of the few delivery services allowing drivers to accept multiple orders simultaneously. So if you’re good at multi-tasking and can keep your orders separate, it’s a great way to increase your hourly pay.
5. Postmates/Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a food delivery app connecting customers with delivery drivers. When customers order food from their favorite restaurant in either app, it’s matched with an available driver. Anyone active on the app in the area can accept or reject the order.
If you accept it, you pick the order up from the restaurant. You then deliver it to the customer. Uber Eats pays drivers a flat fee, plus you keep all customer tips. You must have reliable transportation to take food deliveries for Uber Eats.
Potential Earnings
The average Uber Eats driver makes $15.92 per hour, which may be higher or lower than what you earn, depending on the number of tips received.
Company Requirements for Driver
To do food delivery for Uber Eats, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 19 years old
Have a valid driver’s license
Drive a two or four-door vehicle
Pass a background screening
If you have a scooter or bike, you may also drive for Uber Eats in some areas. If you’ll deliver food by anything except a car, check the appropriate box when signing up.
Company Pros
Uber drivers are automatically approved to deliver food for Uber Eats
One of the highest-paying delivery apps
Offers promotions periodically
Company Cons
Charges a high service fee to delivery drivers
You’re dependent on the restaurant’s service to provide great customer service
Why We Think Postmates/Uber Eats Is a Great Option
We like Postmates/Uber Eats because of its flexibility, especially if you’re an Uber driver. You can make extra money delivering food if the Uber side of the business is slow and vice versa.
6. Caviar
Caviar was once a high-end delivery service, but in 2019,
Like
Potential Earnings
Caviar drivers make an average of $17 an hour, but sometimes more, depending on the tips.
Company Requirements for Driver
To be a Caviar driver, you must meet the following:
Be at least 18 years old
Have access to a reliable car, bike, or scooter
Proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance
Agree to a background check
Company Pros
Transparent app that shows your earnings before accepting the order
A wider variety of restaurants (some higher-end) to choose from
Pays bonuses during busy times
Company Cons
Not as widely available as
DoorDash You must schedule your hours
Why We Think Caviar Is a Great Option
Caviar is an excellent option for delivery drivers who want to work with higher-end restaurants and who want a smaller delivery area. With fewer miles between deliveries, you can get more done quickly.
7. Saucey
Saucey isn’t your typical delivery business. Instead of delivering food, it’s an alcohol delivery service. Unfortunately, it’s not available everywhere yet, and of course, you must be 21 years old to deliver alcohol.
Potential Earnings
The average Saucey driver makes $18 per hour, which is more than most food delivery app drivers, so it’s a nice change.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Saucey, you must meet the following:
Be at least 21 years old
Have a car from 2007 or newer
Not have any DUIs in the last five years
Have proof of a current driver’s license and insurance
Pass a background check
Company Pros
You can choose your delivery area
They offer guaranteed pay if you schedule hours ahead of time
Has longer delivery hours on the weekends
Company Cons
You must be 21
Not available everywhere
Why We Think Saucey Is a Great Option
If Saucey is in your area, it’s a great way to make above-average pay for delivery services. You don’t have to deal with delivering food and making your car smell. You also have more control over how long orders take.
8. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex offers an alternative to food delivery services. Unlike Amazon employees, you don’t need a truck. Instead, you can deliver packages with your car. However, to work for Amazon Flex, you must choose blocks of hours, usually 3 – 6 hours, so it’s a little less flexible than other delivery apps on this list.
When driving for Amazon Flex, you head to the warehouse for your scheduled shift and pick up your scheduled orders. In some areas, you may need insulated bags or coolers to keep some items cold.
Potential Earnings
Amazon Flex drivers make an average of $17.59 per hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Amazon Flex, you must:
Must be at least 21 years old
Must have a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle
Your car must be at least mid-sized
Must have a smartphone
Company Pros
Pays twice a week
You make the predetermined amount even if you finish your shift (deliveries) early
Many shifts to fill
Company Cons
You will lift heavy packages
Not available in all areas
Why We Think Amazon Flex Is a Great Option
Amazon Flex helps you make above-average earnings with set shifts. You don’t have an app you must turn on. Instead, you know when you’re working and what you’ll make.
9. Favor
Favor is one of the best food delivery apps in Texas. It’s owned by the grocery chain H-E-B, and drivers can deliver food, dry cleaning, prescriptions, and any other items customers need. Like many food delivery apps, you can choose when you want to work and when you’re done.
Favor calls their delivery drivers ‘runners,’ because they can provide delivery services for almost anything.
Potential Earnings
Favor runners make an average of $17 per hour, but it may be more or less depending on customer tips.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Favor, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a smartphone
Have a reliable car
Pass a background check
Company Pros
Offers flexible schedules
Runners keep a portion of the delivery fee plus tips
You can deliver by bike or scooter
Company Cons
Only available in Texas
Not as widely known as other delivery apps
Why We Think Favor Is a Great Option
If you live in Texas and want something other than food or grocery delivery apps, Favor provides a little bit of everything, giving you more variety and fun.
10. GoPuff
GoPuff is a delivery app that delivers almost anything a person could need, including groceries, alcohol, household goods, medicine, or items from big box stores.
However, instead of driving to different stores or local restaurants for items, you only have to go to the GoPuff warehouse to wait for orders to be placed. In addition, unlike other delivery driver jobs, you must wait for a customer’s signature to accept the delivery. Other delivery apps allow you to leave the items on the porch.
Potential Earnings
GoPuff drivers make an average of $11.33 per hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To be a GoPuff driver, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Have a smartphone
Have a valid license
Pass a background check
Pass alcohol training
Company Pros
You’ll drive around less than other delivery apps because you only have to go to a warehouse for orders
GoPuff offers guaranteed pay
You can set your own hours
Company Cons
Not as widely known as other delivery apps
You must interact with customers to get a signature
Why We Think GoPuff Is a Great Option
GoPuff is excellent for delivery drivers who want to save on gas and don’t like running around to different stores. Having one warehouse to visit makes getting orders and saving on gas easy.
11. Eaze
Eaze is a cannabis delivery service in California. Delivery drivers for Eaze earn hourly pay and get mileage reimbursement. Eaze doesn’t call its delivery drivers independent contractors, but they also aren’t employees. Independent cannabis retailers hire Eaze drivers to deliver their products as needed.
Potential Earnings
Eaze drivers make above-average earnings of $23 an hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Eaze, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 21 years old
Have a valid license and insured vehicle
Pass a criminal background check
Have a clean driving record
Company Pros
Higher pay than other delivery apps
Guaranteed minimum pay
Mileage reimbursement
Company Cons
Strict requirements to get approved
More red tape because of the compliance issues
Why We Think Eaze Is a Great Option
If you live in California and meet the strict requirements, Eaze can be a great way to make extra money at higher hourly pay than other apps.
12. Delivery.com
Delivery.com offers delivery of almost anything customers could need including restaurant food, groceries, laundry services, and alcohol. They are in 2,400 cities and increase your chances of making extra money.
Potential Earnings
Delivery.com is one of the higher-paying delivery apps, paying an average of $21.22 an hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Delivery.com, you must meet the following:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
Pass a background check
Own a smartphone
Company Pros
Higher pay than other delivery drivers make
Easy to qualify
Provides variety
Company Cons
Not as widely available as other apps
Customer service for drivers is lacking
Why We Think Delivery.com Is a Great Option
Delivery.com provides many opportunities to make money, including more than delivering food, making it easier to stay motivated to run a side gig.
13. Bite Squad
Bite Squad is a smaller restaurant delivery service that operates in 14 states. It works a little differently than other food delivery apps because you must schedule your shifts or blocks of time to work.
Potential Earnings
The average delivery driver for Bite Squad makes $17.31 an hour.
Company Requirements for Driver
To drive for Bite Squad, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid license and insured vehicle
Have a clean driving record
Pass a background screening
Company Pros
Offers guaranteed pay during busy times
Less competition from other drivers
Exposure to smaller restaurants
Company Cons
Not available everywhere
Not as widely known as other food delivery platforms
Why We Think Bite Squad Is a Great Option
Bite Squad is a unique food delivery service that few drivers know about, so there is less competition to for work.
Choosing a Delivery App to Work For
When choosing a delivery app to work for, consider these factors.
Delivery Locations – Make sure the delivery locations the app allows are within reasonable distance for you. Driving out of your way to make extra money doesn’t make sense. The costs will deplete your savings.
Delivery Hours – Delivery apps have different hours of operation. So be sure the app you choose works the hours you’re available.
Driver Requirements – Some delivery driver apps have strict requirements, making qualifying hard, and others have more relaxed guidelines. Make sure you meet the requirements and can get approved.
Making the Most Out of Delivery Apps to Make Money
Since most good delivery services or apps rely on customer tips and average pay for the demand when you work, here’s how to make the most of your earnings.
The Power of Courtesy and Friendliness
Go out of your way to provide excellent customer service. Stay in touch with customers when you pick up their food and are on your way, and add small touches, such as extra napkins, straws, or other conveniences that will make them feel special and tip you more.
Carefully Review Orders
Before leaving restaurants:
Take the time to review orders.
Ensure they are correct, and ask for any mistakes to be fixed.
Stay in contact with the customers if you must wait a few extra minutes to fix their order.
They’ll appreciate the service and possibly tip more.
Customer Communication
Customer communication is vital! Let them know when you’re on your way to the restaurant and then to their house or office. If you run into traffic or other delays, let them know so they don’t assume you provide lousy customer service.
Drive During the Busy Time of Day
Figure out the busiest times of day for any delivery app you use. For example, if one app has a busy lunch rush and you’re available, work that shift. Another might be busier at night, like Saucey. Each area has different rushes, so play around with your work hours to earn the highest hourly pay.
Take Orders on Your Route Home
Make the most of your drive home by picking up orders going back that way. This eliminates dead miles, allowing you to make money while you drive home.
Try the Service as a Customer First
Consider ordering from the food delivery services you want to work for to see what it feels like to be a customer. Then, note what you like and don’t like about your delivery driver’s service to ensure you can do even better when you work.
FAQs
Which Food Delivery Service Pays the Most per Day?
Each food delivery service pays different amounts depending on the area. For example,
How Do Food Delivery Jobs Compare to Delivering for a Grocery Delivery Service?
When you deliver food, you pick up already packaged orders from a restaurant and deliver them to customers. When you deliver for a grocery delivery service, you must shop for and pack the order yourself and then deliver it to the customer.
Are There Strict Vehicle Requirements for Delivery Driver Apps?
Each delivery driver app has different requirements, including the type of vehicles they allow. For example, some require newer cars, while others only require that the vehicle is reliable.
Can You Get Fired if You Don’t Show Up for a Shift?
Most delivery driver apps don’t have set schedules; however, the app may deactivate your account if you are constantly a no-show for orders you accept or shifts you sign up for.
What Skills Do You Need for Food Delivery Jobs on Delivery Apps?
You don’t need special skills to work for a food delivery app. As long as you pass a background screening, have a reliable car, and are properly licensed and insured, you can get approved by most delivery apps.
How Do You Earn Extra Tips on Food Delivery Jobs?
Providing top-notch customer service is the best way to earn extra tips with food delivery service. Go beyond what the customer expects, and you may get higher tips.
Can You Make a Living on Delivery Apps?
Food delivery apps are typically for supplemental or extra money. However, you can work multiple apps full-time and make a living.
What Is the Average Earnings Amount on Apps for Delivery Drivers?
Delivery drivers on food delivery apps average $15 – $18 an hour. The exact amount you make depends on where you live, the service you provide, and the hours you work.
How Do You Get Started With the Best Food Delivery App Jobs?
Most delivery app jobs require you to sign up for an account and download their app to start. You must provide the necessary documentation, such as your driver’s license, insurance, consent for a background check, and proof of the proper vehicle. The signup process can take a few weeks, depending on the service.
Can You Be a Driver for Different Delivery Services at the Same Time?
There isn’t a rule stating you can’t work for multiple delivery apps simultaneously. The key is to keep yourself organized and manage your time appropriately to maximize your earnings.
Best Food Delivery Service to Work for Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best food delivery service to work for, consider which services are popular in your area. Don’t limit yourself to just restaurant delivery. Instead, look at all options, including grocery and errand delivery services, to make the most money.
Samantha Hawrylack is a personal finance expert and full-time entrepreneur with a passion for writing and SEO. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Master’s in Business Administration and previously worked for Vanguard, where she held Series 7 and 63 licenses. Her work has been featured in publications like Grow, MSN, CNBC, Ladders, Rocket Mortgage, Quicken Loans, Clever Girl Finance, Credit Donkey, Crediful, Investing Answers, Well Kept Wallet, AllCards, Mama and Money, and Concreit, among others. She writes in personal finance, real estate, credit, entrepreneurship, credit card, student loan, mortgage, personal loan, insurance, debt management, business, productivity, and career niches.