Ordering food online has quickly become the norm, with DoorDash and Uber Eats being two of the industry’s leading companies. Both apps have similarities and differences, but choosing which one to use to earn extra cash can still be challenging.
Before you select which platform to use as a side hustle, you need to consider certain aspects, such as the amount drivers can earn, the types of deliveries performed, and the ease of becoming a driver. All of these factors and more can affect how enjoyable an individual finds their role as a delivery driver.
This article breaks down how DoorDash and Uber Eats operate, the differences in earnings, and how potential drivers can decide which app works best for them. Looking into all of these factors will ensure people can make an informed decision when choosing between the two apps.
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash has become one of the most popular food delivery apps in the US. It is also available in Australia, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand. The platform, which was first founded in 2013, offers on-demand food deliveries to customers who want their favorite cuisine sent straight to their front door.
These deliveries are offered to drivers, otherwise known as dashers, who can earn money by collecting and delivering the orders to the customers. DoorDash now offers a package delivery service; dashers can collect FedEx, UPS, and USPS parcels and deliver them.
What is Uber Eats?
Another well-known food delivery service is Uber Eats. The Uber Eats platform allows drivers to deliver a range of products, such as alcoholic beverages, food, and groceries, to customers in their local area. It is available in over 6,000 cities and 45 countries, including Belgium, Canada, the UK, and the USA.
Uber Eats is an effective method of earning money. Signing up is free, and deliveries can be made on foot, by bike, or by car.
Types of Deliveries Offered on Both Apps
Both DoorDash and Uber Eats let drivers accept two main order types – or offers:
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Ordinary Offers: These orders can be voluntarily accepted by or designated to the available drivers. Drivers can complete singular deliveries one at a time.
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Batched Offers: This allows drivers to accept and collect multiple orders to be delivered along one route. These orders can be collected from one or several restaurants or stores. It prompts deliveries to be completed in the same sequence in which they were placed.
However, Uber Eats customers can pay an additional fee to receive priority deliveries. This means that their order is given precedence over other deliveries at that time, ensuring that the order is collected promptly by the first available driver and delivered to the customer’s door immediately.
DoorDash vs Uber Eats Driver Pay
Per order, DoorDash pays more than Uber Eats. However, Uber Eats is usually busier than DoorDash and is available in many more countries. At the moment, DoorDash only operates in five countries.
Dashers receive a higher hourly rate, although this can vary. Drivers can earn any amount between $10.00 and $25.00 per hour, which is affected by the platform’s current workload. As previously mentioned, this hourly rate might vary depending on the local area, available driver promotions, and customer tips.
In contrast, Uber Eats drivers can earn an hourly wage of $8.41 to $28.37. The state of Massachusetts has the highest average hourly rate, at $22.22, which could be due to the state’s tipping culture or the overall demand for food delivery. Florida has the lowest average Uber Eats pay.
Both food delivery apps allow drivers to keep 100% of their tips, and there are often driver challenges running that boost the overall amount earned.
Should You Become a Delivery Driver for DoorDash or Uber Eats?
The ease of becoming a delivery driver for DoorDash or Uber Eats will affect the likelihood of people joining that particular platform. If it is difficult to register as a driver, individuals will find a simpler platform to use and earn money on.
Consider the Driver Requirements
When you want a side hustle as a delivery driver, the first factor to consider is ensuring you can drive and deliver for that specific platform.
DoorDash Driver Requirements
To register for DoorDash, you must download the app and read several rules, which you must agree to before completing the sign-up procedure. This app’s registration process is a lot simpler than Uber Eats’.
Most states will allow dashers as young as 18 years old. However, drivers must be at least 19 years old in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
Due to the nature of the role, there are multiple driving requirements you must meet to be successful. You must have a valid driver’s license and insurance, at least one year of driving experience, and no more than three minor driving violations within the last three years.
There are no vehicle requirements for DoorDash. Bikes, cars, e-bikes, motorcycles, and scooters are all acceptable, although certain markets will require specific transportation.
Uber Eats Driver Requirements
Existing Uber drivers can sign up for the Uber Eats section easily by agreeing to the delivery terms and conditions. If you are not a current Uber driver, then you must create an account and fill out the application for the sign-up process. This can be a little time-consuming.
To become an Uber Eats driver, people should meet the following strict driving requirements:
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Be the minimum driving age in your local city.
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Have at least one year of driving experience in the US; if you are under 25, this is extended to three years.
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Hold a valid, in-state driving license.
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Drive an eligible four-door vehicle.
Drivers will also receive more information on their local vehicle conditions after completing the onboarding process.
Once the driving requirements have been met, individuals must share some documents. This includes proof of residency, proof of vehicle insurance, a valid driving license, and a driver profile photo.
You will then be prompted to complete an online screening, which includes reviewing your driving and criminal records.
Look at the Delivery Processes
After signing up for your preferred delivery platform and downloading the app, which is available on both Android and iOS, you can sign in and begin accepting orders. The delivery methods for DoorDash and Uber Eats are similar.
When orders are shown to the available drivers, it will include the number of items to deliver, the restaurant or store the driver will collect from, the delivery distance, and the minimum payment amount. Drivers can decline as many orders as they want and only select the high-paying ones, as neither app has a minimum acceptance rate.
Both apps help drivers navigate to the collection location, where the order can be marked as “picked up” in the app. The app will then direct drivers to the customer’s location. As both apps offer contactless delivery, most delivery drivers will leave the order on the customer’s doorstep and take a photo of it before marking the delivery as completed on the app.
However, DoorDash offers the opportunity to schedule shifts, while Uber Eats works solely on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you want to guarantee a shift during a busy period as a dasher, you can choose the specific time and day you want to work. This means there will be times when DoorDash will prevent drivers from working; if enough drivers are already scheduled, it will remove the “Dash Now” button from the screen.
With this considered, Uber Eats could be the better option if you want consistent work.
Think About the Payment Options
Again, there are similarities between DoorDash and Uber Eats in terms of receiving payment. They both pay drivers for orders completed the previous week, with drivers usually receiving their processed payments by Wednesday or Thursday.
Both platforms offer instant cashouts for an additional charge. DoorDash uses Fast Pay, which costs $1.99, and Uber Eats uses Instant Pay, which costs $0.50. As Uber Eats’ fee is cheaper, this would be the preferred choice for many users.
To Conclude: DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Deciding if you would rather deliver for DoorDash or Uber Eats can be difficult. There are several considerations to make to help finalize your decision, such as thinking about the delivery processes. As mentioned, Uber Eats works on a first-come-first-serve basis, while DoorDash allows drivers to schedule delivery shifts. The former might be better if you want to earn cash regularly.
Of course, another aspect to consider is each app’s earning potential. Both platforms’ pay differs depending on the location, but DoorDash does have a higher hourly rate. However, as Uber Eats is more widely available, it might be the only delivery service available between the two in your area, although other platforms like Walmart Spark will likely be available.
If you want to become a food delivery driver, either DoorDash or Uber Eats might be the best platform for you. Be sure to research both apps before deciding; this article will hopefully help you make that decision.