Postmates

by Ezra Dubroff on July 21, 2017 12 Comments

How to Drive for Multiple Delivery Apps

Considering driving for multiple delivery apps? It can be a profitable way to make more money in between (or instead of) rideshare driving. Today, RSG contributor Ezra Dubroff outlines a typical day of driving for multiple delivery apps, including his total payout.

As an independent contractor in the rideshare and delivery world, my approach to the work has always been “how can I make maximum cash by leveraging multiple apps?” Previously, I wrote about my favorite delivery apps and provided some background on the driver experience for GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEATS and others. Be sure to check out that post to learn the basics and then come back here to see how we can apply that information to real-world situations.

When I log into any rideshare or delivery app, I’m sent requests for rides or delivery jobs. What many drivers fail to take advantage of is the fact that we’re not obligated to accept those requests. Sure, some apps have incentives tied to accepting a certain percentage of orders, but in my experience, I often do better by freestyling and being selective about which requests I choose to accept.

Make Every Mile Count

Did you know that every 1,000 business miles can generate $535 in tax deductions? Never miss another mile with the new QuickBooks Self-Employed automatic mileage tracker.

[Read more…]

by Ezra Dubroff on June 16, 2017 7 Comments

What Are My Favorite Delivery Apps?

Harry here. One of the best ways to make more money, diversify your income, and yes, maybe take a break from delivering people for a little while, is to drive for on-demand delivery companies. But which one is “the best” for drivers? In Part One of a two-part series, RSG contributor Ezra Dubroff breaks down the pros and cons of his favorite delivery apps. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Stay tuned for Part Two of this series, where Ezra will discuss what it’s like driving for these delivery apps at once.

By now, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve officially entered the age of the on-demand economy. You’d be hard-pressed to find another modern industry more lacking in loyalty between company and worker. The only thing promised to a driver is payment for the work he or she has completed. And after the current ride or delivery is complete, there’s no guarantee there will ever be another, no matter the effort of the worker.

Given these conditions, I’ve adopted the same approach as the app companies. I have no absolutely no loyalty to any of them and will drive or deliver for whichever will pay me the most money at that moment. After all, I’m working as an independent contractor, so I might as well take advantage of that employment arrangement as best I can.

Since all of the app companies are essentially grappling for the services of the same pool of drivers and need us on the road in order for their businesses to operate, they have to remain somewhat competitive in what they offer. So if I’m going to go out and work, why not log into multiple apps to try and find the best opportunities? Seems like common sense.

[Read more…]

by Dash Bridges on May 26, 2017 21 Comments

Postmates vs. DoorDash: Which Food Delivery Company Should You Drive For?

Harry here. I get a lot of questions about the difference between Postmates and DoorDash. While they both deliver, as Dash says below, “stuff”, there are a few key differences for couriers. Today, resident DoorDash expert Dash Bridges compares the two companies’ onboarding, scheduling, delivering, pay and more so you can decide which company is right for you. Or you can hedge your bets and sign up for Postmates here and DoorDash here!

Hey everyone, Dash here. As you may know, I’ve been driving for DoorDash since September 2015. In February, I decided to change it up a bit and try driving for Postmates, another of a handful of app-based delivery companies here in the SF Bay Area.

It was a lateral move. Postmates isn’t Lyft or Uber. They’re not delivering people. They’re delivering… stuff. Food, usually. As a driver, I wanted to check out what’s similar and different between the two companies, with the added benefit of mining a few articles out of the experience! AND, if Postmates turned out to be a better experience than DoorDash, I’d convert.

Oh, by the way…I want to be clear that I’ve never been paid or contacted by either DoorDash or Postmates for anything outside of normal driver earnings. No corporate contacts, no consulting, no favors. I’m just a dude in a Prius driving for dollars! So without further delay, let’s talk about it.

[Read more…]

by Harry Campbell on April 21, 2017 5 Comments

What’s It Like Being A Bike Courier With Postmates?

Harry here. For drivers without a rideshare eligible vehicle, delivery has always been a great option. But what if you don’t have a car at all? Today, RSG guest poster Financial Panther shares what it’s like being a bike courier for Postmates.

One of the things I love about delivery apps like Postmates is how they give you the option to do deliveries without having to use a car. I’ve never been a car guy. My preferred mode of transportation has always been a bike. That’s why I was so intrigued when I first heard there were apps out there where I could basically get paid to bike around town.

For about two years now, I’ve been working in my spare time as a bike courier on these platforms. I always get weird looks when people find out that I deliver food in my spare time. I work as an attorney during the day and most people don’t expect someone like me to be doing work like this.

But doing bike deliveries always seemed like the perfect side hustle for me. I spend 8 hours or more per day sitting in front of a computer screen. I love that I’m able to get outside on my bike after work and get paid to do it!

I’ve now been a bike courier for all of the major delivery services that operate in my city, including Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar and UberEats. Most of my deliveries have been through Postmates, mainly because it’s the one that I’ve been signed up with for the longest. Since I’ve done most of my deliveries through Postmates, this article focuses primarily on that platform.

Even if you sign up for Postmates, I still recommend signing up to deliver on all of the other major delivery platforms available in your city as well. It’s always good to give yourself multiple options when you’re working. Check out our sign up bonuses page to see if any of the courier companies are offering sign up bonuses here.

[Read more…]

by Dash Bridges on April 5, 2017 12 Comments

Dash Goes Postal: An Experiment Working for Postmates

Harry here. When it comes to delivery, there are a lot of options to choose from. Today, resident DoorDash expert Dash Bridges is back to describe his (brief) foray into the world of Postmates driving. If you’re interested in signing up for Postmates, you can use our link here.

Hellooooooo, everyone! I’m back to describe my Postmates driving experience. In my last post, I described my on-boarding experience with Postmates and to summarize, I’d describe it as:

Criminal background check
No contact with any human being
No training

Unless Postmates magically knew I was a veteran of over 1,500 DoorDash deliveries, they basically sent me out there with zero training and conceivably no knowledge of this job. But I guess that’s someone else’s problem. Let’s get out there and do it!

[Read more…]