Get in on the super fast grocery delivery game with the Flink app. RSG contributor Chonce Maddox-Rhea did the hard work for you in this Flink app review.
Quick-and-easy delivery services are becoming more and more popular. Whether you’re new to delivery driving or have lots of experience under your belt, this is great news. More solid food and grocery delivery companies mean more options for both customers and delivery drivers to choose from.
If you’re looking to diversify your rideshare income, Flink is a strong contender as the company is on track to appear in the U.S. soon. Flink is an online supermarket that allows customers to place orders via an app then get their items delivered with a goal time of 10 minutes. Delivering for Flink is not the same as most food and grocery delivery apps you might have heard of. Here’s what you need to know about Flink and what they offer drivers.
Quick Summary:
- Flink is on track to enter the United States market soon.
- As a Flink rider you are an employee and given transportation to complete deliveries via e-bike.
- Shop in a warehouse instead of a busy grocery store.
- Read about other super fast delivery services Getir and Jokr
Flink Overview
Flink is based on the principle that food delivery should be quick and easy for customers – this includes everything from fresh herbs, fruits, and more so it’s not just a mobile convenience store.
Flink’s goal is to give delivery partners short and frequent trips but also pay them as employees and provide transportation.
The company was launched in Germany in late 2020 by Oliver Merkel — who co-founded the company with Julian Dames and Christoph Cordes, and it’s been growing very fast. The word ‘flink’ actually means quick in German.
A few key features stand out in making Flink a successful quick grocery delivery idea.
1. Flink operates its own independent stores – They’re often called ‘dark stores’ or ‘mini warehouses’ because while they are not open to the public, they source all the products featured on the app so delivery partners can just grab what they need and get on the road.
2. Workers are provided with their own equipment – Unlike popular delivery companies like DoorDash or Instacart, Flink provides workers with their own transportation in the form of an e-bike so they don’t need a vehicle to start making money.
3. People are looking for quicker grocery delivery services – Flink already has a lot of happy customers which means more business for delivery workers. The company’s proven track record already has many customers using the service multiple times per week. Also, with delivery times being aimed at 10 minutes, you likely won’t have to travel far or even worry about gas and vehicle maintenance.
Flink Funding
Earlier this year, Flink raised more than $52 million in seed financing. Their lead investors have been Target Global, Northzone, Cherry Ventures, and TriplePoint Capital.
In just a short time, Flink has expanded to the Netherlands and France and is also available in many German cities including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. There have also even been talks of DoorDash investing in Flink as they are looking to potentially expand to Europe.
Currently, Flink has secured more than $304.2 million in funding total to support the company’s growth and expansion.
Become a Flink Delivery Driver
Flink calls delivery partners riders since you will be delivering orders on an e-bike. Riders get a free e-bike to use for work, flexible shifts to choose from and a 20% staff discount on their Flink orders.
Right now, Flink is only available in Europe but they are on track to expand to other areas, including the U.S. Here’s what they are currently offering riders in Germany:
- $10.50€ per hour (roughly $12 USD)
- Bonuses after 10pm on Saturdays and other late-night shifts
- Flexible working hours and contracts (full-time, part-time, mini-job and working student)
- 20% discount on your own groceries
You must be at least 18 years old to apply and you can download the app or fill out a form on the website to sign up.
Flink vs Instacart
Flink’s biggest advantage over Instacart is its 10-minute delivery time goal. Instacart orders can arrive quickly as well, but generally not that fast. You can also deliver for Instacart on bike or via car, but you must arrange your own transportation either way.
With Flink, you are provided with everything you need to work. Another potential benefit is that riders will grab customers’ items from the private warehouse vs. a public grocery store which could add more time and effort for the worker.
Interested in Flink but it’s not available in your area yet? Sign up for Instacart instead!
Flink vs Gorillas
Flink and Gorillas both offer super quick delivery times. Though, Flink may be slightly quicker for customers and that could make a major difference in which option they select.
However, while Flink doesn’t currently have a footprint in the U.S. just yet, Gorillas does have a presence in New York along with full-time benefits for full-time riders which could give the service a leg up on competitors like Flink.
Flink vs Jokr
Jokr promises a delivery time of around 15 minutes and also provides riders with an e-bike. Joker doesn’t have order minimums while Flink’s order minimum is around $1€ so it’s still not that bad.
When you convert what Flink pays drivers hourly to U.S. dollars, it amounts to $12.27 per hour, which is less than Jokr’s minimum rate of $15 per hour.
Summary
Flink is another promising option for quick and painless grocery delivery services. Even though they are only available in Europe right now, an expansion to the U.S. could be right around the corner. Becoming a rider could help diversify your delivery driving income if you’re already using other apps or even become a stable side hustle for you in the future.
Would you try out Flink when it comes to the U.S.? What do you think of being provided with transportation by the company?
-Chonce @ RSG
