5 Platforms to Unlock the Earning Potential of Delivery Side Hustles

Looking for a way to make extra cash on your terms? If you've got a vehicle, some spare time, and a desire for more money in your bank account, delivery side hustles could be your ticket.

With the rise of delivery apps, it's never been easier to get a piece of the parcel or food delivery job market. You'll find out how the promise of per-hour pay isn't just talk; it's as real as the cash hitting your bank account via direct deposit after a day's work.

Join DataRich on this journey through the best products and food delivery jobs in the market!

Food delivery app jobs allow you to work on your own schedule.

Top Delivery Platforms to Work With in 2023

Finding a lucrative side gig that works around your daily responsibilities is crucial in today's hectic world. Fortunately, joining a delivery company is an effective way to make some extra cash when you're pressed for time.

Here's how you can turn your spare time into cash by working as a delivery driver for five of the top delivery platforms in 2023.

DoorDash

For those looking to deliver food and enjoy the perks of peak pay, DoorDash easily made our top five list. This food delivery app lets you create your own schedule so you can work around your day job or family commitments.

To get started, you'll need a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle, and you must pass a background check. It's a straightforward way to earn extra cash as an independent contractor where you can make more during lunch and dinner rush hours, making it a lucrative food delivery service job.

Uber Eat

Uber Eats is known for its convenience and wide selection, which is why it’s considered by many to be the best food delivery app for variety. If you have customer service skills and a desire to make money on your terms, Uber Eats could be a great fit.

You'll need to have your driver's license and car insurance updated, and after a quick background check, you'll be all set to deliver food from local fast food joints to upscale dining. The delivery fee you earn can be boosted by working during rush hours, and instant pay options are available for those urgent extra-money needs.

Instacart

Instacart is one of the most popular food delivery services available nowadays. It serves a niche market within the delivery industry by specializing in grocery delivery. As a full-service shopper, you don't just deliver groceries; you're handpicking items with care.

For those who enjoy exploring the shelves and selecting fresh products, Instacart's delivery jobs can be unexpectedly fulfilling. Your success will depend on your physical condition and ability to spot quality, and tips from satisfied customers may supplement your hourly wage.

Grubhub

Grubhub prides itself on its partnership with a vast array of eateries, from the smaller restaurant delivery service to well-known chains, granting you access to a diverse clientele. You'll leverage your food delivery service skills to foster a memorable meal experience right at customers' doorsteps.

Grubhub's transparent per-order base pay plus tips model can motivate, with the added perk of peak pay bonuses during busy mealtimes.

Amazon Flex

Diving into Amazon Flex means joining a powerhouse in the delivery service world. You can choose to deliver packages or enroll in the grocery delivery services offered by Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods.

This delivery app pays well for specific blocks of time, and the app notifies you of the expected earnings beforehand. The Amazon Flex delivery program is a sturdy launchpad for those who value a robust and straightforward earning structure.

Tips to Maximize Your Delivery Side Hustle

Maximizing your earnings in a delivery side hustle is about strategy and savviness. Here are tips to ensure you're not just working hard but also working smart:

  • Schedule wisely: Target peak hours for delivery, like lunch (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and dinner (5-9 p.m.), as well as weekends. Delivery apps may offer boosted pay during these times.

  • Keep a well-maintained vehicle: This isn't just for safety; a well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient and less likely to have costly breakdowns.

  • Use multiple apps: Don't rely on a single delivery app. Diversifying your options means you can always pick the busiest platform or the best hourly rates at a given time.

  • Health and safety: Always prioritize your health and safety—both for you and your clients. A clean and sanitized delivery setup not only protects but also impresses customers, potentially leading to repeat business and better ratings.

  • Provide exceptional service: Good customer service can lead to better tips. Be friendly, keep food insulated, and follow special instructions closely.

Bonus: Platforms to Supplement Your Income

If you're already cruising the streets delivering meals or parcels, why not take advantage of your downtime between gigs with additional side hustles? 

Here are some clever ways to further supplement your income that align well with the flexible schedule of delivery driver jobs:

Take paid surveys during breaks

In between deliveries, use your smartphone to make money with paid surveys. Platforms like Forthright offer a no-fuss, immediate start to answering surveys, and you'll be compensated with cash or gift cards to popular retailers.

Earn passively by selling your data

As a delivery driver, you're already on the move, with your digital footprint covering many locations. SavvyConnect and the National Internet Observatory (NIO) can make use of this by collecting data in the background while you focus on the road. It's designed with privacy in mind, ensuring your personal information is secure.

Participate in market research studies

Your knowledge of the streets and customer preferences can be valuable to market researchers. Platforms like SJ Pulse from Survey Junkie reward you for both survey participation and sharing usage data from your phone. It's a way to cash in on your insights as a delivery expert, converting your experiences into extra money that could help cover fuel costs or car maintenance.

Ready to Start Earning With Delivery Platforms?

These platforms stand as a testament to the diverse ways you can craft a delivery side hustle to fit around your life, not the other way around. With different pay structures, customer bases, and delivery types, there's a platform that aligns with your goals, resources, and schedule.

Take the chance. Prepare your equipment, plan your route, and accelerate your earnings with DataRich! We've got the resources, tips, and community support to keep your hustle high-speed and your payments on the fast track.

Visit DataRich now and see how fast your side hustle can go!

Ready to explore these delivery side hustles?

FAQ

1. How do tips affect the overall earnings of delivery drivers?

Tips can significantly boost your overall earnings, especially if you provide quick and friendly service. They're like the cherry on top of your regular cake-pay from the app, and for many delivery app workers, tips can make a big difference, helping to turn a nice profit from each gig.

2. Are there any hidden costs associated with these platforms?

Yes, there can be hidden costs like wear and tear on your car, gas expenses, and sometimes even fees for using the platform. It's essential to track these so you don't get surprised and can truly calculate your net earnings.

3. Are there peak hours when I can earn more?

Absolutely, peak hours, often during meal times like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or during special events and bad weather, can increase demand and lead to more orders, higher prices, and better tips. Working during these busy times can increase your earnings per delivery.