Thinking about joining the gig economy as a delivery driver? With so many delivery driver apps available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you go with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Flex, or Grubhub? What features should you prioritize?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking for a better platform, this beginner’s checklist will help you pick the best delivery driver app for your needs.

1. Earning Potential & Pay Structure

Not all apps pay the same, so understanding how much you can earn is crucial. Consider:

• Base pay per delivery – How much do you earn before tips?
• Tip policy – Do you keep 100% of tips?
• Surge pricing/boosts – Are there peak-hour bonuses?
• Incentives & promotions – Does the app offer bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries?

? Pro Tip: Some apps, like Uber Eats and DoorDash, have surge pricing, while others, like Amazon Flex, offer flat rate pay per block.

2. Instant vs. Weekly Payouts

How quickly do you want access to your earnings? Most apps offer:

• Instant cash-out options (with a small fee)
• Weekly direct deposits (free but slower)

? Pro Tip: If you need quick cash, look for apps with same-day payouts, such as DoorDash’s Fast Pay or Uber Eats’ Instant Pay.

3. Availability in Your Area

Not all delivery apps operate in every city. Before signing up, check:

• Does the app have consistent order demand in your area?
• Are restaurants, grocery stores, and retailers partnered with it?
• Are there enough customers using the platform?

? Pro Tip: A great app in one city might be slow in another. Check local driver forums to get real insights.

4. Flexibility & Scheduling

One of the biggest perks of delivery driving is setting your own hours, but different apps offer different levels of flexibility:

• On-demand apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) let you log in anytime.
• Scheduled shifts (Amazon Flex, Instacart) require pre-booking work slots.

? Pro Tip: If you want total flexibility, choose an app that lets you go online whenever you want, like Uber Eats or DoorDash.

5. App Reliability & User Experience

A glitchy app can ruin your earnings. Look for an app that has:

• Minimal downtime or crashes
• A user-friendly interface
• Accurate GPS and routing
• Easy access to support

? Pro Tip: Before signing up, check app store reviews and see what other drivers are saying about bugs, glitches, or crashes.

6. Delivery Types: Food, Groceries, or Packages?

Different apps specialize in different types of deliveries. Choose one based on your vehicle and preferences:

• Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) – Great for small, quick orders.
• Grocery delivery (Instacart, Shipt) – Requires shopping, but often pays more per order.
• Package delivery (Amazon Flex, Roadie) – Pays per block but may require lifting heavier items.

? Pro Tip: If you prefer quick trips, go with food delivery apps. If you don’t mind shopping, Instacart can be a solid choice.

7. Multi-App Compatibility

Many successful delivery drivers use multiple apps at once to maximize earnings. Before picking an app, consider:

• Does it allow multi-apping?
• Are there rules against working for competitors?

? Pro Tip: The best combination for multi-apping is often DoorDash + Uber Eats + Instacart to keep busy during slow periods.

8. Gas & Mileage Reimbursement

Since you'll be driving a lot, gas and mileage costs will eat into your profits. Some apps help with this:

• DoorDash Gas Rewards – Offers fuel discounts.
• Amazon Flex & Instacart – No direct reimbursement, but offer higher base pay.
• Mileage tracking apps – Consider using Stride or Everlance for tax deductions.

? Pro Tip: Choose an app that helps you offset gas costs or allows mileage tax deductions.

9. Customer & Merchant Interaction

Some apps require face-to-face interactions, while others offer minimal contact. Consider:

• Do you prefer food delivery (less customer interaction)?
• Are you comfortable shopping for groceries (more interaction)?
• Would you rather drop off packages (zero customer contact)?

? Pro Tip: If you hate small talk, Amazon Flex or Uber Eats might be better than Instacart.

10. Order Transparency

Some apps show full pay details upfront, while others keep part of it hidden. Look for:

• Estimated earnings before accepting an order
• Tip transparency (some apps hide tips)
• Order details (distance, estimated time, restaurant/store name)

? Pro Tip: DoorDash and Instacart are known for hiding tips, while Uber Eats tends to show the full payout upfront.

11. Driver Support & Assistance

Good customer service can make or break your experience. Look for:

• Fast customer support (live chat, phone, or email)
• Fair dispute resolution (in case of missing tips, canceled orders)
• Driver-friendly policies (help with app issues, accident support)

? Pro Tip: Uber Eats and Instacart tend to have better driver support compared to DoorDash.

12. Vehicle Requirements & Expenses

Before signing up, check the app’s vehicle requirements:

• Does it allow bikes, scooters, or motorcycles?
• Are there minimum car model year requirements?
• Do you need special insurance?

? Pro Tip: If you don’t have a car, apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash allow bicycle or scooter deliveries in some cities.

13. Safety & Security

Your safety is important! Look for an app that:

• Has in-app emergency assistance
• Allows cashless transactions (less risk of theft)
• Provides support in case of accidents or incidents

? Pro Tip: Uber Eats has an Emergency Assistance feature, while DoorDash provides SafeDash for drivers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right app for delivery driver can make or break your gig work experience. The best app for you depends on pay structure, flexibility, order availability, vehicle requirements, and personal preferences.

By using this beginner’s checklist, you’ll be able to find the perfect app to start your journey in the gig economy. Happy delivering! ??

FAQs

1. What is the best delivery app for beginners?
DoorDash and Uber Eats are great for beginners because they are easy to use and widely available.

2. Can I work for multiple delivery apps at once?
Yes! Many drivers use DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart together to maximize earnings.

3. Do I need special insurance to be a delivery driver?
Some apps require commercial insurance, but many drivers use rideshare insurance add-ons from their providers.

4. Which delivery app pays the most?
It depends on your city and work hours. Amazon Flex and Instacart tend to offer higher per-order payouts, while Uber Eats and DoorDash provide consistent work.

5. How can I maximize my earnings as a delivery driver?
Work during peak hours, multi-app, accept high-paying orders, and track expenses to boost your profits.