As the workforce continues to change, there are growing opportunities to work as an independent contractor for big companies like DoorDash and Amazon.
If you’re looking for a new job, you might be asking, what are the differences and similarities between Amazon Flex and DoorDash? I was curious about the same thing and researched the matter further. Here’s everything I discovered!
Amazon Flex Vs. DoorDash In [currentyear]
Amazon Flex drivers deliver Amazon packages, Whole Foods, or Amazon Fresh orders, while DoorDashers deliver food, grocery items, convenience items, and more as of [currentyear]. For both companies, drivers are independent contractors. However, with Amazon Flex, you must own or rent a four-door vehicle for deliveries. With DoorDash, you can use any car you want.
To discover more similarities and differences between Amazon Flex and DoorDash, keep reading! I’ve included everything you need to know!
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is a delivery service where you use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages. This way, you can earn extra money and schedule when and where you want to work.
Further, Amazon Flex allows you to schedule a block of work where you are expected to make deliveries.
Because you get to schedule your block ahead of time, you know exactly how much you earn and how long your shift is before your block even begins.
Additionally, Amazon Flex uses an easy-to-use mobile app where you can schedule your blocks and manage your work.
What Is DoorDash?
DoorDash describes itself as a technology company that “connects people with the best of their neighborhoods.”
Put simply, DoorDash is a food delivery service allowing customers to order food from their favorite fast-food joints, convenience stores, grocery stores, and more.
Also, DoorDash gives merchants on the platform an opportunity to make more sales and expand their business.
Finally, DoorDash hires independent contractors that deliver the orders for the company. This way, DoorDashers can schedule to deliver whenever they want and earn as much as possible.
How Are Amazon Flex And DoorDash Similar?
In several ways, Amazon Flex and DoorDash are pretty similar in work structure, independence, and more.
Work Flexibility
You have more flexibility than other jobs when you deliver for either Amazon Flex or DoorDash.
With Amazon Flex, you can set your own schedule by signing up for delivery blocks or accepting “Instant Offers.”
However, if you select a delivery block with Amazon Flex, you must complete it.
Additionally, some Amazon Flex blocks start as early as 4:30 in the morning. DoorDash, on the other hand, offers a little more flexibility.
For example, all you have to do is sign on to the Dasher app, which indicates you are ready to accept and deliver orders. Then, you can opt to deliver one order or 20, whatever suits you.
Overall, delivering for DoorDash provides more flexibility because you don’t have to schedule delivery blocks in advance.
Get To Be Your Own Boss
Both Amazon Flex and DoorDash delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors. That said, delivery drivers provide a service under a written contract with the company.
Estimation Of Your Earnings
DoorDash and Amazon Flex both provide mobile apps for delivery drivers that accurately estimate their earnings.
With that, payments for Amazon Flex are based on the distance traveled, the time deliveries took, and the base rate.
In comparison, DoorDash earnings are based on customer tips, base pay, distance traveled, and the time of day.
What Are The Differences Between Amazon Flex And DoorDash?
Although Amazon Flex and DoorDash are both delivery services at their core, several differences exist between the companies.
What Drivers Deliver
When you work for DoorDash, you can expect to deliver food, convenience store items, alcohol, groceries, and pet products.
Essentially, with DoorDash, you will deliver orders from various companies, not one alone. However, Amazon Flex requires you to deliver Amazon packages from its warehouses.
Sometimes, Amazon Flex also requires Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh deliveries, classified as grocery deliveries.
Driver Requirements
The basic driver requirements to become a DoorDash driver include being at least 18 years old, having a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check.
On the other hand, you must be at least 21 years old to deliver for Amazon Flex. Naturally, you also need to have a valid driver’s license to deliver for Amazon Flex.
Vehicle Requirements
The vehicle requirements for delivery for DoorDash and Amazon Flex are different.
For example, with DoorDash, you can use any car, truck, scooter, bike, or van to complete deliveries. In some areas, you can even deliver DoorDash orders by foot.
With Amazon Flex, you must own or rent a four-door vehicle. So, if you only have a two-door car, you’ll need to rent from Amazon.
Sign-Up Process
The sign-up process varies between Amazon Flex and DoorDash, as does the time it takes to start working.
With both companies, you must complete a form to ensure you have the correct requirements.
However, when you sign up for DoorDash, you can start working almost immediately (when your account is approved).
With Amazon Flex, there is typically a long waitlist for delivery drivers, so you might not be accepted to make deliveries until months after submitting your application.
What Don’t Drivers Like About Amazon Flex?
Although they work as independent contractors, Amazon Flex drivers have some complaints about driving for the company, such as:
- Too many packages that need to be delivered per scheduled block
- The map in the mobile app isn’t always correct
- Delivery areas are too far apart
- Rather complex scheduling system
- Delivery problems have severe consequences
What Do Drivers Like About Amazon Flex?
As you can imagine, there are numerous things Amazon Flex drivers like about being an independent contractor for the company.
Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a long waitlist to work for Amazon. That said, some of the aspects Amazon Flex drivers like about the gig include:
- Simple requirements to work (only have to be 21 years old and pass a background check)
- Hourly pay
- Bi-weekly pay schedule
- Choose where you want to drive
- Choose when you want to drive
What Don’t Drivers Like About DoorDash?
Like Amazon Flex, delivery drivers for DoorDash have some parts of the job they don’t like, including:
- No guaranteed wages
- More wear and tear on your vehicle
- No benefits (like health insurance)
- Rating systems can have a critical impact on your account
- Increased chances of getting into an accident
- Some customers don’t tip well
What Do Drivers Like About DoorDash?
Although there are some downsides to the job, there are several things DoorDashers like about the job, including:
- Flexible schedule
- Can cash out every order, day, or by the end of the week
- Rewards for completing a certain number of orders
- Set your own hours
- Pay less in taxes
- Peak pay bonuses
- Know exactly where your pickup and drop off locations are
How Much Do Amazon Flex Drivers Earn?
According to Amazon’s website, Flex drivers earn between $18 – $25 per hour, depending on location. Additionally, Amazon Flex drivers get paid on a bi-weekly basis.
How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Earn?
DoorDasher pay rates vary significantly based on the time of day, location, and order distance. However, DoorDash states that the average pay rate is $25 per hour.
Also, DoorDashers get to keep 100% of the tips they receive from customers, whether they get them through the app or in cash.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what is Amazon Flex, Amazon Flex complaints, and do DoorDash drivers receive tips.
Conclusion
Amazon Flex and DoorDash delivery drivers have several components in common, including that they are independent contractors and can set their own schedules.
However, there are a few differences between the services. For example, Amazon Flex drivers receive their paychecks on a bi-weekly basis.
In comparison, DoorDashers can cash out after each order, at the end of the day, or at the end of the week.
