What Are The Best Food Delivery Services To Work For

Our website is supported past our users. We sometimes earn chapter links when you click through the affiliate links on our website

These days, it's easy to earn cash with merely a smartphone and a car.

Food delivery services are everywhere.

Just when the options are endless, it gets harder to decide which platform offers an ideal opportunity for you.

And so what is the best food delivery service to piece of work for and why?

Every brand offers its commitment drivers unique app features and pay models that touch on your overall experience on the job.

Understanding the best (and the worst) that each platform has to offer will help you brand an informed decision when choosing the best food delivery app for you.

In this article, nosotros'll break down the pros and cons of driving for each of the big four food delivery services so your option is a niggling scrap easier.

What Is the Best Food Commitment Service To Work For?

It's difficult to pinpoint a single food delivery service that's perfect for every commuter.

Every single platform offers something a lilliputian bit different, whether it be scheduled delivery blocks and special bonuses or expedited pay for little or no fees.

Equally you lot make your decision, consider how likely you are to have advantage of bonuses, or if you're more likely to take advantage of curt shifts or surge.

Think most the feel you're looking for and what features are must-haves.

Average driver pay is fairly similar on all these platforms as a whole, so if coin is a huge factor for you lot, we recommend diving a piffling deeper and looking at new driver bonuses in your specific area.

This volition guide y'all toward the platform that's willing to pay drivers in your market the most, since drivers in New York City can brand wildly different earnings than drivers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or elsewhere.

If you lot ever need to switch apps, residue bodacious that the sign-up process on all these platforms is incredibly uncomplicated.

The Best Food Delivery Apps for Drivers

Deciding on the best food delivery app to work for can be a complicated endeavor.

With so many to cull from, picking the correct 1 tin can exist complicated.

Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, Shipt. and a slew of others are competing to attract drivers.

This is all while expanding their client bases with the promises of convenient features like real-time order tracking and in-app payments via credit card.

But with then many dissimilar apps, how are you supposed to know which one is best?

In addition to our complete list of food delivery services available to customers, nosotros have created the post-obit guide to make information technology easy to detect out which nutrient delivery service is the best i for yous.

vector graphic showing the best food delivery services to work for

1. DoorDash

DoorDash is easily the most pop food commitment service in the The states, but whether or not information technology's the best food delivery app for you depends on what y'all're looking for.

DoorDash Pay

The DoorDash pay model is piece of cake to understand and doesn't really take whatever gear up commission away from you.

Instead, information technology starts with a $2 to $ten base pay, depending on the estimated time, distance, and even desirability (previously rejected orders offer higher earnings).

Then, you can earn summit time and Challenge bonuses, while receiving 100% of tips.

DoorDash Requirements

You must be 18 years one-time or older
You demand to possess a valid driver's license
Yous must ain an iPhone or Android smartphone to download the Dasher App with
You must accept access to a vehicle (automobile, scooter, wheel, motorcycle, or truck)
If your vehicle requires insurance, and so yous need to secure a policy that meets your state'southward minimum policy requirements
You need to provide DoorDash with your social security number
You must give DoorDash permission to run a background cheque
Yous need to pass your background check (it includes a Motor Vehicles check)
Finally, y'all need to complete an in-person or online orientation procedure

Pros and Cons of DoorDash

Similar most gigs, at that place are pros and cons to driving for DoorDash.

Pros

Scheduling perks: DoorDash allows drivers to go guaranteed requests by scheduling shifts ahead of fourth dimension.
DoorDash Drive perks: High-performing drivers can access DoorDash Drive, which allows you to access large catering orders, exclusive requests, and even special bonuses.
Caviar orders: Cheers to the acquisition of Caviar by DoorDash, DoorDash drivers now automatically receive Caviar orders in markets where both food delivery services operate. Caviar requests tend to bring in college tips, since you lot'll exist picking upward nutrient orders for higher-end, pricier restaurants.
Lots of delivery options: In addition to driving for DoorDash, the platform allows you to evangelize on wheel, scooter, and pes in select markets.
24/7 availability: Every bit long every bit restaurants are open and customers are submitting requests, you can exist making money whatever time of the day.

Cons

Limited Availability: DoorDash is only bachelor in select cities. If you are in a smaller market, Uber Eats might be your only option.
High instant pay fee: Dashers are paid weekly, simply if you want to cash out earlier, you must pay a $one.99 fee for Instant Pay and have a debit card.
Limited shift availability: DoorDash scheduled shifts are in loftier need. If yous don't merits them early on, you lot may miss out or go stuck with less desirable delivery times.

Ridester'southward Take

DoorDash is a great option for drivers who are interested in but making food deliveries.

Unlike Postmates, DoorDash is strictly food.

The perks associated with streamlining the delivery process are passed on to drivers and each 1 is fairly interesting, also.

2. Uber Eats

Uber, the rideshare service, launched their own nutrient delivery service called Uber Eats in 2014.

By letting passengers know about Uber Eats through their main app, the service chop-chop gained a massive user base.

Because of Uber'due south proliferation, Uber Eats may exist the ideal pick for drivers.

With this growth comes a handful of pros and cons to consider.

Uber Eats Pay

Uber Eats calculates commuter pay based on a variety of factors, including distance traveled and tipping amount.

Drivers can expect to make betwixt $xv-17 on a proficient night, but this number tin fluctuate based on a few dissimilar factors.

Uber Eats Requirements

At that place are multiple Uber driver requirements that applicants must meet before becoming approved.

These include, just are not limited to, being 18 years of age and older, having a clean driving record, and passing a criminal groundwork check.

Pros and Cons of Uber Eats

While Uber Eats is a great option, yous should understand the pros and cons earlier rushing out to apply.

Pros

All-in-one platform: The Uber Driver app makes information technology possible for y'all to seamlessly receive food delivery requests from the Uber Eats app, ridesharing requests from Uber, and package delivery requests from Uber Connect on the same platform. Even when Uber Eats top times are over, you can continue getting lots of requests without switching to another rideshare or delivery app.
Uber Pro rewards: The Uber Pro rewards program gives you the opportunity to earn extra coin with priority airdrome pickups, reduce expenses with car maintenance discounts, and even go gratis higher tuition for you or a family member.
Affordable instant pay: The Uber Instant Pay plan allows y'all to cash out anytime, upward to v times per 24-hour interval for just 50 cents — or for free, if you have an Uber credit card.
Bully flexibility: While Uber Eats doesn't give bonuses for scheduled shifts, this means you can drive on your own hours and always have an equal chance of getting requests.
Global availability: While most major U.South. food delivery services are simply available in Northward America, Uber Eats is found in over 45 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Taiwan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
24/seven availability: Like DoorDash, Uber Eats allows y'all to make money as long as local restaurants are accepting orders in real-time.
Tipping is Encouraged: To farther amend the experience for Uber Eats drivers, Uber recently added an in-app tipping characteristic. This makes information technology like shooting fish in a barrel for users to tip their drivers, fifty-fifty if they practise not have cash on them.
Considering Uber already has such a large reach, Uber Eats has delivery locations available in virtually U.S. cities and many other cities around the globe. This ways that y'all take a larger potential customer base (and more earning potential).

Cons

No on-foot deliveries: While Uber Eats does have wheel and scooter deliveries, they don't have walking couriers at all.
Fare reductions: While the pay model of Uber Eat works a lot similar DoorDash, starting with a base fare based on your assigned pick-upwards and drop-off locations, the platform adds a fare reduction to your pay in some markets and some modes of transportation. You may stop up earning less, depending on where your delivery gig is located, even if you take reward of promotions and surge pricing.
Although the curbside pickup is time-saving for drivers, it is non convenient for customers. This tin can outcome in smaller tips for drivers.
Another bummer is how much Uber takes of the profit. Compared to their competitors in the food delivery market, Uber charges a larger service fee. On average, 25 percent of the order's delivery fee goes to Uber, whereas almost companies have around xx percentage.

Ridester's Take

We think driving for Uber Eats is a great option for anybody looking to make extra income on the side of a total time chore.

While you can make good money, we propose treating this as "cake" or income that you don't depend on as your primary source of income.

3. Grubhub

Grubhub started every bit an online alternative to paper eatery menus.

It has since evolved into one of the largest online ordering platforms in the world.

The company has leveraged its size to pace into the commitment infinite.

Since this motility, they have acquired numerous companies including Seamless, Foodler, and Eat24.

One of the longest-standing food delivery platforms that is even so leading the market today, Grubhub is a trusted name in the gig economy.

But before you take on the Grubhub driver gig, consider these realities of working with the company.

vector graphic showing the answer to the question, "does grubhub take cash?"

Grubhub Pay

Caviar driver pay falls well within the range that you'd typically expect from somebody working every bit a food delivery commuter.

Drivers make around $12 per hr, which falls below minimum wage in some cities.

However, they can commonly make upwards for this by either driving more than, or relying on college tips for improve service.

Grubhub Requirements

If you want to get approved to earn as a delivery driver, you must:

Be at least xix years one-time (21 in Chicago and Las Vegas).
Accept a valid driver's license.
Have at least two years of licensed driving experience.
Own a machine or motorcycle with valid auto insurance.
Be able to pass a groundwork check.
Own a smartphone with a information plan that'south compatible with the Grubhub for Drivers app (iOS xi, Android 5.0, or later on).
Bikers must have a valid state ID

Pros and Cons of Grubhub

The pros and cons of working as a Grubhub driver are very much what you'd probably look from this service.

Pros

Uncomplicated pay construction: Grubhub doesn't have any hidden fees. It simply pays you lot based on your estimated driving distance and fourth dimension spent driving and waiting. In some U.Due south. cities, you may take a take chances to qualify for an hourly guarantee.
Delivery block perks: When you schedule a shift (known as a block) on Grubhub, the company guarantees more requests and you can potentially get college earnings.
Driver Recognition program perks: High-performing drivers become early access to delivery blocks and can receive larger catering orders.
Seamless requests: Much similar how DoorDash drivers receive Caviar requests, Grubhub drivers receive Seamless requests in shared markets. This could mean more back-to-back requests for you, without the demand to switch platforms.
Affordable instant pay: If you don't want to expect for payday, Grubhub's Instant Cash Out characteristic allows you to request upward to $500 of your earnings per day for fifty cents — or for complimentary, if you take a Chase checking account.
24/7 availability: Just like on other nutrient delivery platforms, yous can deliver all day, any 24-hour interval as long as restaurants are open.

Cons

Express bonuses: Grubhub doesn't emphasize bonuses as much as DoorDash and Uber Eats, which both include promotions in their pay models.
No surge pricing: Grubhub historically hasn't run on a surge pricing model, then the all-time mode to earn actress money during high-demand times is past snatching up commitment blocks before they're gone. Unfortunately, this means tiptop-tier couriers in the Commuter Recognition program tin admission higher pay before you lot.
Many restaurants on Grubhub take their ain in-firm delivery drivers, leaving less opportunity for independent contractor drivers to serve those who order nutrient.

Ridester'south Take

I personally like Grubhub, every bit drivers can take advantage of the company's contempo strings of acquisitions.

More than client demand = less downtime.

Notwithstanding, if y'all're looking to consistently make money at a wage that is college than minimum, we'd advise looking into one of the other services.

iv. Postmates

Founded in 2011, Postmates is a very respectable delivery service.

Postmates is used for all sorts of deliveries, near notably food orders. Simply they as well evangelize groceries and other items from stores.

Postmates has partnerships with a number of local restaurants to offer customers special discounts.

This helped grow the client base, making it a swell selection for drivers.

a vector graphic showing a postmates delivery courier leving a restaurant, another coming, and the restaurant owner wondering how postmates for restaurants works

Postmates Pay

The Postmates commuter pay calculation is pretty standard for the industry.

Drivers are paid on the amount of food they deliver, which ranges from city to metropolis.

Drivers can look to make effectually $11-xv per 60 minutes, earlier tips.

This is far from the $25 per hour that the company advertises, but to be fair, these numbers vary and then widely between cities that you should only exercise some inquiry in your ain city before taking these figures as fact.

Postmates Requirements

At that place are multiple Postmates requirements that must be met before being approved to bulldoze.

These include:

Be at least 18 years sometime.
Have a valid U.S. driver'southward license.
Have a valid Social Security number.
Accept a mailing address.
Live in (or almost) a city that Postmates operates in.
Be able to upload a profile photo upon request. This must exist a clear headshot.
Be able to pass a background check.

Pros and Cons of Postmates

Like every other service listed in our best food delivery service to work for list, Postmates comes with it's own pros and cons.

Pros

Great pay model: Similar the apps listed higher up, Postmates does non run on a commission fee-based construction. What makes it even more unique is the fact that it pays a apartment fee for every completed pick-up and drop-off, plus more than cash for every minute you lot look and every mile you drive. If your estimated expect fourth dimension is incorrect, y'all can actually submit a request to get paid accurately.
Bonus availability: Postmates has a number of incentives that tin help you lot make more money, including Blitz pricing for high-demand times, "Crusher" bonuses for completing a set amount of deliveries within a time frame, and limited-fourth dimension guaranteed earnings offers.
More variety: One of the nigh unique parts of the Postmates app is the fact that customers can order everything from food and dry cleaning to office supplies and booze. This delivery job will accept you to places well beyond your local fast nutrient chains and eateries.
Affordable instant pay: Postmates' instant deposit feature lets drivers cash out at any time for fifty cents.
24/7 availability: Only like the other apps on this list, you can proceed driving as long every bit restaurants and customers are available.
Behind the scenes, drivers are required to contact customers if a restaurant is out of the nutrient that was ordered. This can keep the driver from being on fourth dimension and reduce the overall number of deliveries completed in one mean solar day.
Drivers are sometimes required to actually place an order at a restaurant when they go far, then expect in that location as the order is being prepared.
In some instances, drivers must pay for the meal via a prepaid carte provided by Postmates. This added layer of responsibility can be irksome.
Postmates is not available in equally many places every bit Uber Eats.

Cons

Unknown future: In that location are lots of unknowns in the futurity of Postmates couriers. Uber Eats acquired the platform in July 2020, so information technology's very possible that there volition no longer be a carve up Postmates Armada app in the most hereafter. If yous desire to avert completing another sign-upwardly process, you may want to join Uber Eats if information technology's available in your market.
Shopping time: Because you may be sent to a grocery shop, convenience shop, or drug store that doesn't pack deliveries up for you, you may need to spend some extra time shopping for requested items. It's more of a hassle than the quick pick-upwardly orders that virtually food delivery drivers are used to.
The Postmates app actively encourages customers to tip by automatically including the monetary amount with the bill. Since customers take to get out of their manner to remove the added amount, drivers are much more than probable to receive a tip.
Since Postmates did not start out equally a rideshare app, their vehicle requirements are pretty easy to meet.
Customers tin request all sorts of items other than food. For example, customers can order groceries, schoolhouse supplies, or anything in between. Due to this, Postmates has a larger puddle of potential customers.
You don't need an automobile, such as a truck, automobile, or van, to be a delivery driver. Postmates likewise allows scooters and bicycles in some areas.
They have a bang-up driver referral plan to earn actress cash.

Ridester's Have

It is everyone's approximate what is going to happen to the long-term futurity of Postmates now that Uber has acquired them.

While we hope that the platform continues to exist, I can see a twenty-four hours that Uber erases Postmates from existence and instead replaces it solely with Uber Eats.

If you sign upward every bit a Postmates driver, exist prepared for that possibility to occur.

five. Caviar

As the proper name implies, Caviar is a high-end delivery service.

Caviar focuses on providing on-demand commitment from the all-time restaurants (which unremarkably don't offer delivery).

Caviar has too started working on coming together the delivery needs of major concern caterers.

Caviar Pay

Caviar advertises that drivers can brand up to $25 per hour, merely existing information from drivers advise that number is usually around $16 per 60 minutes.

Caviar Requirements

Be at least 18 years of historic period
Accept a car, truck, bike, scooter, or motorcycle capable of making deliveries
Take at least ii years of driving experience
Have a smartphone capable of running the Caviar courier app
Take a current driver's license (all drivers) and current vehicle insurance (if delivering with a vehicle that requires it)

Pros and Cons of Caviar

If Caviar is of interest to you lot, check out the following pros and cons of becoming a Caviar courier before selecting this option from the list.

Caviar Pros

Earlier yous even take an order, drivers are able to encounter exactly how much money will be earned by completing the delivery.
Since Caviar works with more expensive restaurants, drivers are typically paid well.
Caviar offers drivers parking ticket reimbursement! Couriers can be reimbursed for one parking ticket for every 100 deliveries.
Caviar couriers make about $25 an hour on average.

Caviar Cons

Unlike the other big players in the food delivery manufacture, Caviar is non well-established (yet). To date, this food delivery app has a very limited commitment surface area, focusing generally on wealthier markets like New York Urban center, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, prominent markets similar Denver and Atlanta are however missing from the service (though that will likely change as Caviar continues to expand).
Couriers accept reported that not many restaurants use the service. So even if you are able to exist a Caviar driver, at that place may non be any deliveries to make

Ridester's Accept

Caviar is a great selection for drivers looking to accept reward of a lesser-known food delivery service.

While Caviar has gained a big corporeality of market place share over the past few years, most drivers will likely flock to the best-known services, pregnant you might be able to get more than deliveries by driving for this service.

The Best Nutrient Delivery Apps: Our Take

All food delivery services have their pros and cons.

Depending on your location and what yous are looking for, ane service may be supremely better for you than some other.

Bear in mind, you do not have to limit yourself to one food delivery service.

But new drivers should focus on getting familiar with one service before branching out.

This will help you lot prepare for the stress (and rewards) associated with juggling multiple food delivery service apps.

Drivers who are simply starting out should consider going with ane of the more established nutrient delivery services.

Nosotros suggest starting with one of the big three companies: Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Postmates.

And whatever you lot practise, make sure to accept advantage of lucrative driver sign-up bonuses.

Many people know that customers can get complimentary delivery on their first orders from these services, but in that location are as well sizeable bonuses available for new drivers.

These bonuses are a groovy way to earn some extra cash on top of your usual earnings.

I great way to use these referral codes is to endeavour each app and collect the bonuses on the style.

This is the best manner to maximize your earnings in the shortest amount of time.

Just make sure you meet the minimum requirements to ensure you go your guaranteed earnings.

Finally, no matter what nutrient delivery app y'all choose, never forget the value of first-class customer service.

Customers will capeesh it if you lot keep the commitment time for each lodge depression, run into any reasonable requests they have, and requite them polite service.

Oft Asked Questions

Every nutrient commitment service is a great coin-making opportunity for drivers like yous.

To larn more most your options, read these FAQs:

How does driving for nutrient delivery services compare to driving for grocery delivery services?

While driving for apps similar Postmates may require a bit of shopping every once in a while, Shipt and Instacart Shoppers are expected to drive and shop on every lodge.

You're likewise more than likely to receive big requests on grocery delivery apps, where nearly customers are placing orders worth over $35, which can mean more time and effort per society.

Still, this means you can earn more than the average food delivery commuter.

Do food delivery services have strict vehicle requirements?

Most food delivery platforms are very lenient when it comes to vehicle requirements.

You usually merely need a working vehicle that can reliably get you lot to your pick-upward and drop-off locations — no inspection needed.

Uber Eats is but a tad stricter, since information technology'due south endemic past a rideshare platform, but nearly vehicles should qualify.

What happens if I don't show up for a commitment shift on Grubhub or DoorDash?

Both platforms may penalize you if you're consistently cancelling shifts or being a no-show by disallowing you lot from scheduling more in the future.

This can bear upon your earnings over time, since you won't be able to maximize requests.

Grubhub does allow y'all to cancel without penalty 72 hours or more ahead of your shift.

Constant cancellations and no-shows can too hurt your performance, so yous may not authorize for the platforms' driver perks programs.

Choose the Best Food Delivery Service for You

There's no single food delivery service that's perfect for everyone.

The virtually of import thing y'all demand to exercise is learn about the pros and cons of every platform, then compare them to the features and opportunities you're looking for.

In one case you lot take your platonic company in mind, start looking at commuter requirements for the service and use before long if it's a skillful fit.