Side Hustle Face-Off: Postmates vs. DoorDash – Discover the Best Money-Making Option
Are you looking for a side hustle that fits your needs and lifestyle? You’ve probably heard of both Postmates and DoorDash, and you’re wondering which is the better option.
Well, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing between the two. In this article, we’ll break down the pay structures, vehicle requirements, delivery areas, sign up process, and more to help you decide which side hustle is right for you.
We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision about which one to go with.
Let’s get started!
Pay Structure
When it comes to pay structure, you have the chance to decide which one works best for you. Postmates offers a flexible pay structure, allowing you to work when you want and make your own schedule.
However, job security is not guaranteed, as you’re an independent contractor. Doordash, on the other hand, offers a guaranteed minimum pay rate, but you must work during peak hours to make the most money.
Both services offer incentives and bonuses, so it’s important to consider which one offers the best pay structure for your needs. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which side hustle is the best fit for your lifestyle and financial goals.
Vehicle Requirements
For those looking to make a few extra bucks, you’ll need a reliable vehicle for both Postmates and DoorDash. A staggering 85% of drivers use a car for their deliveries.
Whether you choose Postmates or DoorDash, you’ll need to factor in vehicle maintenance and fuel costs into your side hustle budget. DoorDash requires a vehicle that is no more than 20 years old and in good working condition, while Postmates has no specific vehicle requirements. However, both services require that you have at least $1 million in auto liability insurance.
If you’re using an older vehicle, you may need to invest in some repairs and maintenance to make sure it passes their standards. Additionally, you should factor in fuel costs as this is an on-demand service, so you may need to travel quite a bit for your deliveries.
Overall, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is reliable and prepared for any long-distance deliveries you may get. Both services have minimum vehicle requirements, and you should always ensure that your vehicle is up to date with maintenance and repairs for safety and reliability. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of your fuel costs to make sure you’re getting the most out of your side hustle.
Delivery Areas
No matter what delivery service you choose, you’ll need to consider the delivery areas they serve. Postmates and Doordash both have large delivery areas, but the size and availability of those areas vary.
Postmates covers more than 3,500 cities and delivers to all 50 states, while Doordash is available in over 4,000 cities in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Both companies use routes optimization to ensure that drivers are able to take as many orders as possible during peak times and minimize wait times for customers.
Doordash also offers surges during peak times, which can increase the amount of money a driver can make. Both companies offer drivers a chance to earn extra money, but the delivery areas they service and the routes optimization and peak time surges they offer can vary.
Make sure to consider the delivery area and other factors that come into play when choosing a delivery service.
Sign Up Process
Signing up for a delivery service is easy – just follow the steps and you’ll be ready to start hustling in no time! To sign up for Postmates, you’ll need to provide your name, address, email, phone number, and a valid form of identification. You’ll also be asked to consent to a background check and provide bank account information for payment.
Once your application is approved, you can start making deliveries and get paid with Postmates.
Doordash also requires providing a name, address, email, phone number, and valid form of identification. In addition, you’ll need to pass a background check and upload proof of auto insurance. Doordash also requires that you be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to participate in the gig economy.
Once you’re approved, you’ll be ready to start delivering and earning money.
Preparing for Deliveries
You’ll be ready to hit the road in no time after preparing for deliveries. Just make sure you have all the gear you need to make your hustle a success!
Stocking up on supplies is important for a successful side gig. Make sure to have plenty of snacks, water, and other essentials on hand when you’re out on a delivery.
You should also plan out your route ahead of time to make sure you arrive at each destination in a timely manner. Route planning is key to getting the most out of your side hustle. It can save you time and gas, and even help you complete more deliveries in a shorter amount of time.
With the right supplies and a good route plan, you’ll be ready to get out there and make some extra money.
Quality of Service
Ensuring quality service is essential for any successful delivery driver. Make sure you’re always courteous and professional when interacting with customers, and strive to deliver their orders quickly and accurately.
Both Postmates and DoorDash offer you the opportunity to monitor your performance through customer feedback and driver feedback. When customers provide feedback, you can use that to understand what you can do better next time and how to improve your service.
Similarly, driver feedback can provide you with insight on how to better manage your deliveries. Both Postmates and DoorDash offer the ability to review customer feedback and understand what needs to be improved, allowing you to adjust your approach and ensure that customers receive the best service possible from you.
This can help you be a successful delivery driver for either service.
Tips and Bonuses
You can maximize your earnings by taking advantage of the tips and bonuses that both Postmates and DoorDash offer. Even if you’re already busy, you can still take advantage of these opportunities without having to hustle any harder.
Postmates and DoorDash both offer bonuses for working during peak hours. So, if you’re able to adjust your schedule to accommodate these times, you can make more money.
Additionally, DoorDash offers bonuses for delivering to certain customer demographics, such as elderly customers or those with disabilities. This can be a great way to make extra money without having to work any harder.
Both Postmates and DoorDash also offer tips from customers, which can be a great way to increase your earnings. Taking advantage of these tips and bonuses can help you make more money without having to work any harder.
Scheduling
Scheduling your deliveries wisely can help you maximize your earnings with both Postmates and DoorDash. Both services are known for their flexible hours, so you can create a schedule that fits with your lifestyle. During peak times, you can expect to make more money, but you should also consider the time of day and the number of orders that are available in your area.
A good rule of thumb is to:
- Accept orders when you first sign in
- Check for peak times in your area
- Monitor the number of orders in your area
- Adjust your schedule accordingly
- Take advantage of any bonus offers
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your side hustle with Postmates and DoorDash. Taking the time to create a flexible schedule that works for your lifestyle can help you maximize your earnings.
Taxes
Staying on top of your taxes is an important part of being a delivery driver for Postmates and DoorDash. According to the IRS, nearly 70% of gig workers fail to report their income correctly.
As a driver for either of these services, you’ll need to be aware of the filing requirements and tax deductions available to you. Postmates and DoorDash both provide 1099 forms to their drivers, which you’ll need to use when filing your taxes. You’ll also be able to deduct any expenses related to your job, such as gas, car maintenance, and other costs. It’s important to keep track of these expenses throughout the year, as they can add up quickly and help reduce your tax burden.
Additionally, you may be eligible for other tax deductions, such as the self-employment tax deduction. Knowing the tax requirements and deductions available to you can help you maximize your earnings and minimize your tax burden.
Payouts
Understanding how payouts work is essential to maximizing your earnings as a delivery driver for Postmates and DoorDash. Both companies are part of the gig economy, meaning that drivers are independent contractors and not employees. This means that the entire profit margin rests on the drivers and their payouts.
Generally, both companies have similar payout structures, but there are a few key differences to be aware of. When it comes to payouts, the main difference between Postmates and DoorDash is the base pay.
For Postmates, the base pay per delivery is calculated by a combination of the distance traveled, time spent, and any applicable promotions. DoorDash has a flat base pay per delivery, but also offers a minimum guarantee rate.
Other factors, such as tips, can also affect payouts. Here are some of the key points to remember:
- Gig economy: Drivers are independent contractors and not employees
- Profit margins: Entire profit margin rests on drivers and their payouts
- Base pay: Postmates calculated by a combination of distance, time, and promotions; DoorDash has a flat base pay with a minimum guarantee rate
Safety
As a delivery driver, safety should be your number one priority while you’re hustling. When applying for either Postmates or Doordash, make sure to read up on their safety policies. Both services offer safety features such as GPS tracking, emergency assistance, and other driver safety measures that can help keep you safe.
Postmates also has an additional safety feature called “Postmates Shield”, which provides additional protection for both drivers and customers. Doordash has a similar feature called “Dasher Protect”, which provides protection and support for drivers. Both services have various ways to help keep you safe on the road, such as speed limit warnings and reminders to take breaks.
When it comes to safety, both Postmates and Doordash offer an extensive set of measures to help you stay safe while side hustling.
Insurance
When it comes to insurance, it’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not. Both Postmates and Doordash offer driver training and delivery insurance to protect you while on the job.
However, there are some differences between the two services when it comes to insurance:
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Postmates offers a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy for drivers, while Doordash only offers $300,000.
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Postmates’ insurance policy is provided by a third-party insurer and is designed to cover the driver in case of an accident. Doordash’s insurance is provided in-house and covers up to $10,000 of property damage caused by the driver.
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Postmates provides a $1,000 deductible, while Doordash provides a $2,000 deductible.
Before you decide on a side hustle, be sure to review the insurance policies offered by both Postmates and Doordash to make sure you’re covered in case of an accident.
Customer Service
No matter which service you choose, good customer service is key to a successful side hustle – so make sure you know who you can turn to for help if anything goes wrong!
Both Postmates and DoorDash have customer service teams that are available to help with any issues that may arise. Postmates has a dedicated customer service team that is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns. They also have an online help center where customers can find answers to their questions.
DoorDash also has a customer service team that is available to help with any issues. They also have an online help center where customers can find answers to their questions. Both companies take customer feedback seriously and strive to provide the best user experience possible.
They both have a rating system that allows customers to rate their experience with the service, which helps them to improve their customer service.
Working Hours
You control your own working hours with either Postmates or DoorDash, so you can balance your side hustle with the rest of your life. With both companies, you can choose to work a variety of shifts, whether you want to work during the day, night, or weekend. You can also pick how long you’d like to work each day, making it easy to find a flexible schedule that works for you.
Here are four great benefits of having flexible hours with Postmates or DoorDash:
- You can pick your own hours, so you can work when it fits into your schedule.
- You can take on varied shifts, so you can choose to work during the day, night, or weekend, depending on your availability.
- You can change your hours when needed, giving you the freedom to adjust your schedule as needed.
- You can work as little or as much as you want, giving you the opportunity to make the most of your side hustle.
Overall, the flexibility of working hours with Postmates and DoorDash makes it a great way to earn extra money while still having the freedom to live your life.
Pros and Cons
Gaining control over your working hours with Postmates and DoorDash can provide great benefits, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons to ensure it fits your lifestyle.
Both services allow you to be your own boss and work flexible hours, without having to follow a strict schedule. You can also earn extra money by taking advantage of the peak hours.
On the other hand, the income you earn is not guaranteed and you may have to pay for your own transportation costs. Additionally, the workload can be unpredictable, as orders can come at any time.
It’s important to weigh your options and consider both the advantages and disadvantages of working with Postmates or DoorDash. You should also research the services in more detail to make sure they are the right fit for you.
In the end, the right side hustle should be one that fits your lifestyle and provides a steady income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive payment after a delivery?
When it comes to payment timing, both Postmates and DoorDash offer quick and reliable payment after a delivery. Generally, you can expect to receive payment within 24 hours of completing a delivery.
To ensure you get paid quickly, make sure to double-check that you’ve entered all the necessary information correctly before submitting your delivery.
Following these tips can help you get paid quickly and easily, so you can focus on making the most of your side hustle.
Do I need to provide my own vehicle insurance?
Yes, you need to provide your own vehicle insurance when choosing to side hustle with either Postmates or DoorDash. Vehicle safety is a priority and the cost of insurance should be factored into your budget.
You’ll need to make sure your car is up to the task of driving around town, and that you have the necessary insurance to cover any potential accidents or damage. By investing in vehicle insurance, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your vehicle from any risks associated with driving for either of these companies.
Is there a minimum age requirement to sign up?
Yes, there’s a minimum age requirement to sign up for Postmates or DoorDash. Both services require that you be at least 18 years old to become a driver.
The customer service teams for both services can answer any other questions you may have about timing expectations or other requirements to become a driver.
How can I increase my customer ratings?
To increase your customer ratings, it’s important to manage expectations and track your ratings. Make sure you’re clear about what you can and can’t do, and communicate any changes in a timely manner.
Be sure to check your ratings regularly and take note of any feedback you receive. Responding to customer feedback in a timely and professional manner can help you maintain a positive rating.
Does DoorDash or Postmates offer discounts for multiple deliveries?
You won’t believe the amazing discounts you can get when you make multiple deliveries with either Postmates or DoorDash!
Both companies offer promotions and compensation for those who make multiple deliveries, so you can make the most of your side hustle.
Whether you’re a Postmates or DoorDash driver, you can get amazing discounts that’ll make your wallet sing with joy!
So don’t wait, start making multiple deliveries today and reap the rewards!
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Postmates and DoorDash offer great opportunities for side hustles. DoorDash offers a higher base pay, but Postmates has more delivery areas. The sign-up process is quick and easy for both, and they both offer insurance coverage.
Working hours can get pretty hectic, but the customer service is always top-notch and you can make a killing if you hustle. It really boils down to personal preference. Postmates and DoorDash are two of the best side hustles out there, and it’s hard to go wrong with either.
So if you’re looking to make some extra money, you really can’t go wrong with either. It’s like choosing between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini – you know you’ll be driving away in something fast and luxurious.
