Navigating the bustling world of gig platforms can be a bit of a maze, especially if you're looking to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and financial needs. Whether you're planning to drive full-time or just looking to make some extra cash on the side, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option. From established giants like Amazon Flex and Spark Driver to more localized services like Favor Delivery, our review will dive deep into the nuances of working with these popular delivery gig platforms, covering everything from how to sign up to the real perks and drawbacks you might encounter, and earnings information. Ready to discover which gig might be right for you? Let's get started!

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is a delivery program that allows independent contractors to deliver packages for Amazon. Drivers can sign up for delivery shifts, known as “blocks”, and use their own vehicles to deliver packages from Amazon facilities to customers' homes. These blocks typically range from 2 to 6 hours, and workers can earn between $18-$25 per hour on average.

Pros of Amazon Flex:

  • Flexible Scheduling: Choose delivery blocks that fit your schedule, allowing you to work as much or as little as you want.
  • Competitive Pay: The pay is competitive, ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, depending on location and delivery type. You can also choose how often you get paid (every weekday, once a week, or somewhere in between). 
  • Amazon Flex Rewards: After you complete your first delivery, you’ll unlock additional rewards like cash back with the Amazon Flex debit card or Preferred Scheduling access. The more deliveries you complete, the more rewards you can unlock. 
  • Straightforward Tasks: The job involves simple pick-up and delivery, with the Amazon Flex app guiding you through each step.

Cons of Amazon Flex:

  • Vehicle Wear and Tear: Using your own vehicle means it will incur mileage and maintenance costs. You can use apps like Solo to help you track your deductible mileage automatically while you’re driving with Amazon Flex. 
  • Variable Work Availability: Delivery blocks can be hard to get, especially in highly competitive areas. You can join Flex’s Interest List to be notified when delivery opportunities become available. 
  • No Benefits: As an independent contractor, you won’t receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.

How much do Amazon Flex drivers make? 

Solo found that the highest paying cities for Amazon Flex in 2023 were Seattle, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Atlanta. When compared to other delivery platforms, Solo found that Amazon Flex drivers earn $25.07 per hour worked, putting them at the top spot nationally. Uber rideshare fell just below, at $22.96, while Instacart, UberEats, and DoorDash drivers earned $16.45, $16.37, and $13.55 per hour respectively. 

Of course, earnings will fluctuate depending on the specific market you are driving in. For a more specific view of your market’s earnings on Amazon Flex, check out Solo’s Pay Insights. It’s also worth noting that drivers will take home100% of tips added to the delivery by the customer.

How to Sign Up for Amazon Flex:

There are a few requirements to consider before signing up for Amazon Flex: you must be 21 years of age or older and eligible to work in the U.S. You will also need a valid driver’s license, access to a mid-size or larger vehicle, and a smartphone. If you meet these requirements, you can download the Amazon Flex app, fill out the application form, provide proof of insurance, and wait for a background check. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery blocks.

Learn more about Amazon Flex at Solo’s Gig App Profile Review 

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Spark Driver

Spark Driver is Walmart's delivery platform that allows drivers to deliver groceries, food, home goods, and other items directly to customers' doors. Customers place orders through Walmart, which are then delivered by drivers on the Spark delivery app.

Pros of Spark Driver:

  • Access to Consistent Orders: Being part of one of the largest retailers ensures a steady stream of delivery opportunities.
  • Flexible Hours: Like other gig apps, you can choose when you want to work.
  • Easy to Use App: The Spark Driver app is user-friendly, making navigating deliveries straightforward.

Cons of Spark Driver:

  • Limited Geographic Availability: Currently, Spark Driver is not available in all areas.
  • Customer Interaction: More direct interaction with customers can sometimes lead to complications or delays.
  • Inconsistent Pay: Earnings vary greatly depending on order size, tips, and location.
  • Payouts Schedule: While drivers are paid for each delivery order completed, Spark Drivers can access earnings only once a week on Tuesdays via Branch wallet. 

How Much Do Spark Drivers Make?

Solo found that the highest paying cities for Spark Driver in 2023 were Minneapolis, Boston, Portland, and Philadelphia. However, it’s important to note that earnings may vary based on the market. 

How to Sign Up for Spark Driver:

Spark Driver is not available in all major cities quite yet, so make sure that Spark Driver is available where you work by checking out their local delivery zones. If Spark Driver is available, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to start driving. You must be at least 18 years old, be able to provide proof of auto insurance, have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and pass a background check. 

Learn More About Spark Driver at Solo’s Gig App Profile Review

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DoorDash

Arguably one of most popular gig platforms out there for drivers, DoorDash is a food delivery service that connects customers with the restaurants in their cities by delivering food directly to their door. 

Pros of DoorDash:

  • High Demand: Food delivery is in high demand, providing many opportunities for drivers.
  • Promotions and Bonuses: DoorDash often offers extra pay for meeting certain conditions like number of deliveries.
  • Flexibility: Choose your own hours and which deliveries you want to accept.

Cons of DoorDash: 

  • Income Fluctuations: Earnings can be inconsistent, depending heavily on tips and delivery frequency. 
  • Competition for Orders: High demand for shifts can make it challenging to find consistent work, and as DoorDash is the one of the most popular apps, many markets may be oversaturated with drivers, making it challenging to receive consistent orders. 
  • Mileage and Expenses: Drivers use their own vehicles and must cover all associated costs. An app like Solo can help you manage your expenses and deductible mileage more easily, and keep track of your total take home pay considering your expenses. 

How Much Do DoorDash Dashers Make?

According to Solo’s earnings data from December 2022 to June 2023, DoorDash drivers make the smallest hourly rate of any delivery-style app at $13.55 per hour. This is exceeded by UberEats ($16.37/hour), Instacart ($16.45/hour), and Amazon Flex ($25.07/hour). 

Learn More About DoorDash Earnings at Solo's Review

How to Sign Up for DoorDash:

To become a Dasher, start by submitting your personal information, your vehicle type, and complete an identity verification process using a valid Drivers License or Government ID. After you’ve successfully passed the background check, you’ll be prompted to select your payout preferences, including linking your bank account. Because DoorDash is a popular delivery app, you may be added to the driver waitlist for your market before you are approved to start delivering. 

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Instacart

Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery platform helping customers get groceries and drugstore items delivered from local stores in as little as an hour. There are two types of Instacart Shopper tasks that are available, full-service shoppers (delivery drivers) and in-store shoppers (no driving involved). 

Pros of Instacart:

  • Flexible Work Hours: Work according to your schedule by selecting hours that suit you.
  • Immediate Payment: Option to cash out earnings immediately.
  • Varied Work: Choose between being a full-service shopper who shops and delivers or an in-store shopper who just packs orders.

Cons of Instacart: 

  • Highly Variable Earnings: Total earnings can vary significantly based on order size, tips, and time of day.
  • Physically Demanding: Shopping and delivering groceries can be physically taxing.
  • Competition for Batches: Sometimes there’s stiff competition for orders, especially in busy markets.

How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make? 

When compared to other delivery platforms, Solo found that Instacart is right in the middle for hourly earnings at $16.45/hr (for full-service shoppers), while Amazon Flex drivers make $25.07/hr (at the high end) and DoorDash drivers collected $13.55/hr (at the low end). 

Learn More About Instacart Earnings at Solo’s Review

How to Sign Up for Instacart:  

Prospective shoppers can sign up on the Instacart app or website. Like the other delivery apps, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to work on the platform and have a valid driver’s license or government issued ID. You will also need access to a smartphone, and the ability to lift at least 30 pounds. 

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Favor

Favor is a Texas-based on-demand delivery service that allows users to get anything delivered from food and groceries to dry cleaning and personal items, usually within an hour.

Pros of Favor:

  • Local Focus: Strong presence in Texas with a dedicated customer base that appreciates local service.
  • Flexible Schedules: Runners (what Favor calls its delivery drivers) can set their own hours, making it ideal for those who need a flexible work schedule.
  • Competitive Pay: Favor offers a minimum guaranteed pay rate, plus keep 100% of your tips, which can significantly boost overall earnings.

Cons of Favor:

  • Limited Service Area: Currently available only in Texas, which limits the potential for drivers outside this area.
  • High Customer Expectations: Because the service is positioned as premium, customers often have higher expectations, which can be a challenge to meet consistently.
  • Vehicle Costs: Like with other gig jobs, using your own vehicle means you'll be responsible for all the associated costs, like gas and maintenance.

How Much Do Favor Runners Earn?

Because Favor is only available in select Texas metros, earnings information is limited. Solo found in 2023 that Favor runners earned on average $12.70 per hour in San Antonio, $12.26 per hour in Houston, and $11.93 per hour in Dallas. Because the earnings are a bit lower than the other delivery platforms covered in this article, it’s important to consider using multiple apps in case earnings falls shorts. Solo’s Smart Schedule feature can be a huge asset to find the highest paying jobs at any given time in your market.

How to Sign Up for Favor:

To become a Runner for Favor, you need to download the app, complete the application with your personal details, verify your eligibility to work in the U.S., and pass a background check. After approval, you can start accepting delivery tasks based on your availability.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—a detailed look at some of the most popular gig platforms in the market today. Each platform offers unique advantages and challenges, making it essential to choose one that aligns with your needs, whether you prioritize flexibility, earning potential, or the type of work involved. By understanding the specifics of each gig, you can make a more informed decision that ideally suits your lifestyle and financial goals. So, why not give one of these platforms a try and see how it can help you drive your way to success?