Amazon Flex and DoorDash are gig-economy services that hire independent contractors or drivers to deliver items and get paid. To switch or start a career with any of these services, it is essential to know how they operate.
For starters, it is safe to say Amazon Flex is slightly rigid compared to DoorDash. However, unlike DoorDash, it allows its drivers to know how much they will earn before completing a delivery.
This guide covers these differences and will help you decide which service to join. You will also discover if you can work for both services and how.
Amazon Flex Basics
Amazon Flex pays its drivers to pick up packages from Amazon warehouses and deliver them to customers promptly. After becoming a driver, you must set your availability by selecting the time and days you will be available to work.
During your active hours, Amazon expects you to select a few blocks on the app and complete them. You can choose blocks from Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Prime, to name a few. These blocks will include the location, estimated duration, and payment.
This service is available in almost all the cities in the U.S. and other countries like the U.K. Germany, Japan, and Singapore to individuals 21 years or older.
DoorDash Basics
DoorDash pays its drivers (Dashers) to deliver food and groceries from different restaurants and grocery stores to customers. After becoming a Dasher, delivery requests will start appearing on the Dasher app based on your service area and delivery radius.
Unlike Amazon Flex, which has a stable presence of delivery blocks, Dashers get offers on an on-demand basis. They also have to decide quickly when an offer appears on their screen. Every request will only feature locations, your base pay, and surcharges.
Elements such as how much tip was included in the delivery request won’t be revealed. However, Dashers are not bothered because they know how to estimate it.
Lastly, you must be 18 or older to become a Dasher and deliver food in North America, Canada, and Australia.
Amazon Flex Vs. DoorDash: 8 Essential Differences Drivers Need to Know
1. Scheduling and flexibility
From the basics explained earlier, it is safe to say DoorDash affords more flexibility. In other words, you can log in to the Dasher app whenever you want and complete deliveries.
On the other hand, Amazon Flex needs you to disclose your schedule or availability before you begin completing orders. While there are always blocks to attend to, you will only be able to select them when based on pre-registered availability.
2. Payment range
Amazon Flex pays its driver between $18 to $25 per hour. DoorDash has a base pay between $2 to $10 or more, depending on the delivery radius and service area (more flexibility).
Overall, it is safe to say both services pay well, but DoorDash is more flexible with payment. It also features in-app tipping, which encourages customers to leave a tip when placing an order.
3. Payment mode
Both Amazon Flex and DoorDash pay weekly but on different days. Amazon Flex pays its drivers on Tuesdays and Fridays via direct deposit, while DoorDash does the same on Mondays.
However, DoorDash offers more than a weekly payment option. There is the DasherDirect and Fast Pay option. The former pays Dashers daily without charges, while the latter supports one instant cashout daily at $1.99 per transfer.
4. Vehicle and hiring requirements
Aside from meeting the age requirement, Amazon and DoorDash will subject you to a background check before hiring you. The essence of this background check is to verify your driving and criminal history.
Regarding vehicles, DoorDash is more flexible than Amazon Flex. Dashers can deliver food and groceries with cars, bikes, or scooters, depending on the service area and DoorDash program. For instance, bikes or scooters are not eligible for the Catering Program.
On the other hand, Amazon Flex requires its drivers to own at least a 4-door sedan. You can also deliver with a larger SUV or truck since you will handle larger packages.
5. Gas consumption
Both Amazon Flex and DoorDash drivers boast of a similar number of miles on their vehicles. While both gig economy services do not pay drivers for gas consumption, DoorDash features an incentive program that helps cushion the effect of fuel costs.
However, you need to qualify for this program by owning a prepaid DoorDash card and maintaining a designated mileage weekly.
6. Global coverage
Amazon is a more global brand than DoorDash. This extends to its subsidiaries like Amazon Fresh. Amazon Flex is available in several countries nationwide. DoorDash is primarily available in North America, Canada, and Australia.
If you travel frequently and wish to keep earning as a delivery driver, choose Amazon Flex. However, if you are firmly rooted in the United States, choose DoorDash because it offers more openings.
7. In-app support
DoorDash features a live chat that allows drivers to resolve issues while completing a delivery. This is yet to be available on Amazon Flex. Drivers can only send mail or call their helpline for assistance.
8. Delivery distance
Amazon Flex drivers travel short and long distances to deliver packages until they complete their blocks. This is why most blocks average between 3 to 6 hours. On the other hand, DoorDash engages drivers within a radius based on their service area.
Can You Do Amazon Flex and DoorDash at The Same Time?
Yes, you can drive for Amazon Flex and DoorDash. It should not be difficult for you now that you know how both services work. The most important mistake to avoid when doing this is not to leave both apps running.
Since Amazon Flex allows you to choose a block schedule that you are comfortable with, you can decide to dash before you start or after you complete your block. Also, you can decide to work on one platform today and another tomorrow.
Since you are an independent contractor, Amazon or DoorDash will not deactivate your account for missing a day. However, you risk deactivation if you are caught completing deliveries for both apps simultaneously.
FAQs
What is the best time for DoorDash?
Peak hours for food delivery are during lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). These busy hours guarantee better base pay.
Can you make $100 a day on DoorDash?
Yes, you can, depending on your service area, how many hours you work, and how much tip you get.
Is there a limit to how many blocks you can take on Amazon Flex?
It is unlimited. However, due to the demand for each block, most Amazon Flex drivers can only complete a maximum of 2 blocks per day and 3 to 10 per week.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
Amazon Flex and DoorDash are both excellent services. Choosing the right service will depend on what you are interested in delivering, how quickly you need a job and the level of flexibility you anticipate.
To wrap up, you should choose Amazon Flex if you:
- prefer delivering packages like clothing, electronics, and sometimes groceries (from Amazon Fresh) while traveling long and short distances.
- wish to know how much you will earn before completing a block and being able to work in almost any part of the world.
- are not worried about their fewer openings, slightly rigid delivery model, and payment options.
On the other hand, you should choose DoorDash if you:
- prefer to deliver only food and groceries while traveling only short distances.
- wish to enjoy flexibility in terms of base pay and tips.
- reside in North America, Canada, and Australia and rarely travel
- wish to become a delivery driver quickly.
I hope you found this guide helpful. For further reading, please see what to do if your Amazon Flex account is deactivated.
Thanks for reading.
