There are so many ways to make money today by driving, including taking delivery jobs. If you’re looking for a way to add more money to your pocket but feel like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber are too saturated in your area, consider Amazon Flex.
The delivery app has existed since 2015, though not everyone knows about this legit money-making opportunity. Continue reading to learn exactly how much you can expect to make driving for Amazon Flex.
How Does Amazon Flex Work?
Amazon Flex is the gig economy version of delivering for Amazon. Think DoorDash or UberEats, but for Amazon.
You don’t have to apply to be an employee or work certain hours. You pick your shifts and work as little or as much as you want using your vehicle.
The downside is you’re an independent contractor, so you’re responsible for all expenses and your taxes.
But its flexibility, enabling you to supplement your regular income when free, is fantastic.
Drivers have a few options when driving for Amazon Flex, including:
- Amazon.com: These are usually blocks of 3 to 6 hours. You get orders from the Amazon warehouse and deliver them.
- Prime Now and Amazon Fresh: These are blocks of 2 to 4 hours. You pick up grocery or household item orders from the Amazon warehouse and deliver them to customers.
- Store orders: Some areas offer the option to pick up buyer’s orders from specific stores and deliver them. These are two to four hour blocks.
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How Much Does Amazon Flex Pay?
As with any side hustle, it’s important to know how much Amazon Flex pays. According to Amazon, drivers earn an average of $18 to $25 an hour. The exact amount varies based on where you live, the type of deliveries you take, how long it takes to complete the required deliveries, and any tips you receive.
The best part is you decide how often you get paid. You can set up payments daily, weekly, or at any interval you decide. You can also change when you get paid as often as you want. Earnings made Sunday to Thursday are available the next business day. Deliveries completed on Friday and Saturday are available on Monday.
10 Tips to Earn More Money with Amazon Flex
The hourly rate for Amazon Flex is good for gig economy jobs. The average DoorDash driver makes $18 an hour, so if you’re in an area where Amazon pays closer to $25/hour, you can increase your earnings much faster.
Here are some great tips to help you increase your Amazon Flex pay.
1. Track Your Expenses Efficiently
Since you’re an independent contractor, you are responsible for all expenses. However, that also means you may be eligible to deduct them from your taxes, but only if you keep careful track of them.
A few common expenses to track include mileage, gas, parking, tolls, and car maintenance. It can seem overwhelming to track everything, but with an app like Stride, you can easily track your expenses and potentially save money on your taxes.
The key is to use a tool you’ll use consistently so you don’t lose track of what you spend and can easily file your taxes.
2. Optimize Your Routes
Consider using an app like Google Maps or Waze to plan the best route. While the Amazon app offers routes, some drivers claim it gives bad directions, and every extra minute you spend delivering decreases your earnings.
Take a couple of minutes to optimize your routes so you avoid excessive traffic, don’t drive in circles, and can complete your deliveries as efficiently as possible.
3. Stay Informed on Amazon Flex Updates
Update your Amazon Flex app regularly. They update it as often as once a week, so always ensure you use the latest version. The updates may address security issues, offer new features, or improve existing ones. The easiest way to do this is to allow the app to update automatically, but it’s always a good idea to check, too.
4. Maximize Earnings During Surge Pricing
Amazon Flex is known for its surge pricing, but not how you’d expect it with companies like Uber or Lyft.
Amazon pays certain blocks surge pricing when the need goes unfilled. For example, if a block isn’t assigned yet, Amazon will increase its pay 45 minutes to an hour before the block begins. This means checking the app for last-minute shifts, but if you’re free, why not grab the shift and earn higher pay?
The most common times for surge pricing are early in the morning (before sunrise) and at the end of the day when there are last-minute deliveries or if the regular Amazon drivers can’t complete the deliveries.
5. Save Money on Gas Expenses
Gas is a primary expense for Amazon Flex drivers. You need it to drive your car, but it decreases your earnings.
You can find the cheapest gas using apps like GasBuddy or Upside. Both apps allow you to search for the cheapest gas near you and earn cash back on your gas purchases.
You can also check your favorite gas stations for loyalty programs that either offer discounted prices at the pump or cashback rewards. In addition, if you live near a wholesale club like Sam’s Club or Costco and have a membership, you can take advantage of their lower gas prices.
6. Opt for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
You need a large car or truck to drive for Amazon Flex, but that doesn’t mean you must drive a gas guzzler. Do your research and determine which car or truck has the best gas mileage to help reduce your operating costs.
7. Provide Excellent Customer Service
If you work blocks that allow tips (Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods deliveries), be sure to provide excellent customer service. The more courteous you are and the better service you provide, the higher your chances are of receiving tips.
Even if you deliver strictly for Amazon and don’t receive tips, the more efficient you are, the faster you’ll complete your deliveries, increasing your hourly pay.
8. Take Advantage of Amazon Flex Rewards
Amazon Flex drivers can access the Amazon Flex Rewards programs that pay drivers points for making deliveries. The more deliveries you make and the more points you earn, the higher you level up and access greater rewards.
Drivers earn one point for each delivery and ten points per block worked. However, this is where great customer service helps. If you have ‘Fantastic’ standing, you earn three points per delivery and 30 per block; ‘Great’ standings get two points per delivery and 20 per block.
Amazon Flex Rewards has four levels, each with greater benefits. All drivers start on Level 1 after their first delivery, but you can quickly work your way up and get access to things like:
- Preferred scheduling
- Higher cash back percentages on your Amazon Flex debit card
- Discounts on gas and car maintenance
- Mileage and expense tracking
- Tools to help you find low-cost insurance
9. Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly
Your vehicle is your office when you’re an Amazon Flex driver. Maintaining it ensures you can complete your deliveries on time. It also decreases your overall repair costs. When you catch issues early, they often cost less and decrease the amount of time you must be without a car.
10. Diversify Your Delivery Platforms
Like any platform, Amazon Flex has its busy and slow times. When learning how much Amazon Flex pays, it’s important to diversify your efforts and drive for other platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, or Lyft.
When you diversify your efforts, you can make yourself available in the app that’s the best at the time. Why spend time making less money per hour than you should? Find the app that’s the busiest and take advantage of the higher earnings.
Driver’s Take
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where Amazon Flex is available, consider adding it to your list of platforms. It’s a great way to make money working short blocks. You know when you need to work and can make $18 to $25 an hour making deliveries and not dealing with restaurants, stores, or anyone in your car. It’s a great way to make money in your free time and put more money in your pocket!
