Hunting for side gigs that let you earn money on the side? DoorDash is a good choice for making quick cash since you are free to work your own hours. With food delivery apps like DoorDash, you can enjoy flexibility and fast pay. That said, the popular app also charges hefty fees and even falls short on orders more often than not.
Given these longstanding DoorDash issues, you may be wondering if viable alternatives to DoorDash are available that demand lower fees while offering good pay and consistent orders. If this is what you are looking for, then you are in good hands. We have got you covered with a list of useful DoorDash competitors that can bring you the benjamins.
We also cover app details you really need to know. So be sure to read all the way through.
Be it DoorDash or up-and-coming gig economy delivery apps like DoorDash, there is plenty to discuss.
So let’s get into it.
Table Of Contents
Apps like DoorDash to Make Bank – the Lowdown
DoorDash is a popular app for several good reasons. It offers freedom to gig workers like you, so that you can be your own boss. Dashers can work on a flexible schedule of their own choosing while getting paid reasonably well. What’s more, you are free to choose orders as per your convenience.
Hence, it is among the finest on-demand delivery business models out there.
Getting started is easy, quick, and hassle-free. Signing up is just a matter of minutes. Once approved, you can start working and take home the cash relatively quickly.
That said, DoorDash has its fair share of drawbacks that you can’t ignore. For instance, there are hidden charges that hurt the bottom line. But they matter. Plus, demand dries up from time to time.
So being a Dasher is not all fun and games. You may seriously want to consider alternatives, especially those that are more popular in your area.
Uber Eats is the top contender, sharing the top spot with DoorDash. Regardless, the best app for you depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and locality.
Some top factors to consider when seeking out restaurant aggregator apps include flexibility in choosing work hours, order availability, and, of course, the rate of pay.
Understand the DoorDash App
Before exploring delivery companies like doordash, we need to get into the details of the DoorDash app to make a meaningful comparison.
DoorDash is the most popular food ordering and delivery platform. Its active users are in the millions, as are Dashers (those who deliver with DoorDash). It’s right on top of third-party food delivery platforms with its demand and active user base. It excels in on-demand delivery.
Customers can order via the app itself or the official website.
DoorDash forwards customer orders to restaurants nearby.
A Dasher goes to the restaurant to pick the order and then deliver it to the waiting customer.
You will get notifications on your DoorDash app whenever there is an order that needs to be delivered in your place. It is up to you whether you want to decline or accept the order.
If you decide to accept, you will receive further information, such as the customer’s address and the restaurant where the order needs to be picked up. You can thus make your delivery run and earn accordingly.
With its ease of use and intuitive functionality, DoorDash takes the lead in mobile ordering systems for restaurants.
How You Get Paid with DoorDash
Here is how the DoorDash app pays you when you work as a Dasher.
● Base Pay
You are paid a certain fixed amount for any order you take. This amount is visible before you take the order. Since this amount is fixed, it won’t change. This amount can be anywhere from $2 to $10, depending on distance and duration, among other factors.
● Promotion Pay
There are other factors, such as peak time, that can provide you with a higher rate. You can expect around $1 to $4 above your base pay from these factors, which include Peak Time.
● Challenges
Achieving certain objectives, such as delivering a specific number of orders within a certain time limit, can earn you a bonus.
● Tips
You can keep all customer tips you receive.
One issue with DoorDash is that you can withdraw your earnings just once a week. If you want more frequent payouts, you will have to pay a $1.99 fee. Another option is to sign up for the DasherDirect Visa card that pays instantly with each delivery.
Another issue that deserves attention is the high service fee that DoorDash charges its customers. Dashers think that customers will be less willing to pay generous tips due to these high charges. Dashers have no share in this service charge.
DoorDash Benefits
Here are the key benefits you enjoy when working for this popular app.
No special equipment is required other than your own transport. Whether you go for a scooter, bike, or a car, the choice is yours.
Getting started is very easy and quick. Just click “Become a Dasher” on the DoorDash homepage. Then fill out a simple form.
Making money is quick and straightforward. You can gain approval in just a few days. You are then free to start deliveries whenever you are ready.
Besides getting a fixed basic amount, you can pocket any customer tips you receive.
Why Search for DoorDash Alternatives?
We have thus far looked at DoorDash benefits. And there are many.
However, DoorDash may not necessarily be the best for your needs.
The pay policy is a big factor to consider in this regard.
The company got in trouble a few years back when word spread that tips were being used to bump up the base pay of Dashers. Thankfully, DoorDash responded well to this issue.
DoorDash has changed after that for sure. But it has left an impression that is hard for many Dashers to unsee.
Although $25 an hour with DoorDash may sound good, this does not factor in costs that can eat into your take-home pay. Gas, insurance, and taxes can take a big chunk out of your earnings.
But then this is something to be expected from other apps as well.
If you look around on Reddit or other such forums, you will note that gas alone takes out 15% to 20% from your pay.
Besides ever-increasing insurance costs that are already sky-high, tax costs are likewise high.
Then there is depreciation. This is something you can’t ignore. Also, there will be breakdowns and repairs as you drive mile after mile for your deliveries.
There is another reason why alternates are needed. DoorDash is not present in places like rural regions and small towns. Even some smaller cities may have more customers for other apps like DoorDash.
Also, while the app is straightforward to use, it does not have the same level of advanced functionality that other apps have, like, for example, Uber Eats.
As always, due diligence is necessary since you want to make the most money out of your limited time and energy.
If you desire apps like DoorDash to make money, then you are in luck. There are many different apps to look forward to. Here are the best DoorDash alternatives.
1. Uber Eats
Just about everyone knows about Uber, one of the best alternatives to doordash. Uber Eats is just another branch of Uber, where you transport food instead of people. At first glance, it has much in common with DoorDash. Here, too, you need to deliver food orders from restaurants in your area to customers.
However, there are specific differences to note.
Advantage number one is that there are more options to deliver. In case you live in a densely packed urban area, you can opt to go on foot if it won’t take you too long.
A feature known as “Instant Pay” is something to look forward to. You can withdraw your earnings a maximum of 5 times each day. DoorDash, on the other hand, pays just once a week unless you pay a fee or sign up for their Visa card for more withdrawals.
A significant advantage is that you can switch between transporting food and people whenever you want. That’s because Uber Eats is an extension of the Uber ridesharing app. You don’t have to even switch apps for this purpose since a single app allows you to transport either people or orders.
Uber Eats uses a robust delivery management system for high customer satisfaction.
Here is how Uber pays you.
● Base Pay
You earn a base amount that varies by distance, order size, and other key factors.
● Trip Supplement
Based on specific metrics like time and distance, Uber Eats can pay you extra to motivate you to undertake the trip.
● Promotions
Uber Eats extends several promotions that activate when demand is higher, such as weekends and nights.
● Tips
Whatever customer tips you receive are all yours.
2. Grubhub
Grubhub ranks high among apps similar to doordash. The last mile delivery app has a wide reach since it is active in more than 4000 US cities.
Not too long back, Grubhub’s pay model was pretty straightforward. You earned $0.22 for each mile and $0.13 for each minute you worked. This made for a straightforward base pay.
Sadly, this easy-pay model has changed. And that’s where most complaints come from. The base pay now depends on different factors like the delivery amount, incentives, tips, and Grubhub’s own commission-based model.
Besides the base amount, you can earn bonuses. However, it is sometimes unclear what bonuses you may get.
Grubhub’s own contribution is something new. It is meant to motivate you with a guaranteed rate based on your location. In case you qualify for this, you will need to work according to a schedule and other rules as well. So you sacrifice flexibility for this benefit.
Promotions: “Missions” and other offers can give you a pay boost.
Tips: You can pocket all customer tips.
3. Postmates
The delivery app Postmates is similar to DoorDash. It lets you supply other stuff besides food orders, like groceries.
While it does have its own website, Postmates now operates under Uber. As a result, the pay structure and rates for Uber and Postmates are now similar. It is one of the leading sites like DoorDash.
An upshot of this is that you can get Postmates orders if you drive for Uber Eats.
Hence, if you like working as an Uber Eats driver but want to deliver more stuff beyond just food, feel free to check out Postmates.
4. Instacart
Instacart has emerged as one of the leading delivery apps like DoorDash in the gig economy. The app works for more than 5500 cities in the United States and Canada.
If you’re seeking Grubhub, Uber Eats, Postmates alternatives, then this is it.
Instacart is different from other restaurant delivery apps. This app is geared towards groceries.
You can earn money with this app by delivering groceries to your customers and, if you want, shopping for them. How you work as an Instacart shopper is quite simple. You pick up groceries from local stores and then deliver these items to waiting customers.
You can choose your work hours as you please with Instacart. Feel free to work as little or as much as you like.
Another feature you might like from Instacart is “Peak Boost” which gives youu get a pay boost during busy hours.
There are two roles to select from with Instacart.
Full-Service Shopper
Here, you handle both shopping and order delivery. While there is more work to be done, you also get paid more.
In-Store Shopper
When working this role, you just have to handle shopping and packaging, but not delivery. You will be treated as a part-time worker for Instacart, where you will have to work a fixed schedule. You will also earn an hourly rate, much like a part-time worker.
While payments for in-store shoppers are pretty straightforward, the full-service shopper payment model is a bit involved.
Full-service shoppers are paid according to “batches”. One batch may have anywhere from one to three orders. The payment you receive per batch depends on the effort involved, driving distance, and order size.
For certain areas, you get guaranteed payments. For example, working for Instacart in Philadelphia pays out $1150 for 48 batches, which turns out to be $24 per batch. This is in addition to your base pay.
You are entitled to keep all tips.
5. Drizly
The doordash equivalent Drizly, specializes in delivering alcoholic beverages. Expect to deliver spirits, wine, beer, and the like. This is something to keep in mind if the place you live in has bumpy roads that can jolt the fragile cargo.
Since drivers work only fixed hours with Drizly, you don’t have to deal with FOMO once you stop work for the day. Due to its niche nature, the app has less competition compared to other, more crowded delivery apps.
Since alcoholic beverages can be quite pricey, you can expect generous tips. However, the app does not work everywhere. Plus, there are fixed work hours. These are some of the pros and cons to consider before you opt for Drizly.
Also, you can’t directly work as an independent contractor. Instead, you will need to reach out to a liquor store that collaborates with Drizly and work for them as a Drizly driver. Hence, getting started is not all that simple.
Although a job board is available to show you what work opportunities are available in your area, getting started can take more time and effort compared to other apps.
6. Deliveroo
Deliveroo is a company like DoorDash that operates worldwide. Just like DoorDash, it is available in all major cities. App users can thus choose from a large variety of eateries.
In some ways, Deliveroo is even better than DoorDash.
For example, Deliveroo is right up there when it comes to ease of use. Whether you want food delivery as a customer or order selection as a delivery driver, a few clicks is all it takes to get the job done.
Since the app has a massive network, several drivers are on standby to deliver orders on time. Hence, Deliveroo is renowned for delivering food while it’s still hot. Customers also like the real-time delivery tracking feature for checking order status.
A wide choice of secure payment methods makes it more attractive for customers.
Hence, Deliveroo is the go-to choice for many customers. So you can expect plenty of orders from this app to make money on the side as a Deliveroo driver.
7. GoPuff
GoPuff is quickly establishing itself as a reliable on-demand delivery service. The app supplies household items, beverages, and food via its delivery drivers.
Similar to apps like DoorDash, GoPuff provides all kinds of items instantly to the doorsteps of its waiting customers.
The delivery service has become the go-to app thanks to its simple interface that is highly intuitive. Whether it is placing orders or searching for products, easy navigation allows you to do all of this and then some more.
GoPuff can be your next viable income source given its fast-growing customer base.
Expect to receive anywhere from $2.25 to $5 per order delivery. The app pays quite fast since an option is available for one payout per day. You will have to pay $1.99 for each cashout.
The main downside is that you don’t get to choose what orders you want to deliver.
You are simply assigned a list of orders that need to be delivered. You then head to the warehouse from where you pick up your orders and then start deliveries.
So you don’t have much flexibility here.
However, you get to keep all customer tips.
8. Shipt
The grocery delivery service Shipt allows its customers to order online and receive supplies at their doorstep. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the carrier operates in 45 states in the US.
Using the app is simple for drivers seeking to make money fast. Delivery offers are available to drivers online who may choose to either accept or decline them.
Hence, you get paid for each order you deliver. The payment you receive per order depends on the time and effort required to provide it.
There are two payment options: weekly and instant.
The good news is that Shipt does not charge its drivers any fees, unlike DoorDash.
All tips are yours.
9. Caviar
The food delivery app Caviar allows its drivers to choose the orders they would like to deliver, much like DoorDash. But unlike DoorDash, Caviar does not charge fees from its drivers.
An advantage of this app is that you get to choose the type of goods you would like to deliver. Hence, you go for either retail, convenience, or grocery orders.
The app provides drivers with a base pay and a bonus for deliveries made during peak times. You get to keep all customer tips.
Caviar pays its drivers on a weekly basis.
It is highly regarded among restaurant delivery marketplace apps, since it gives you access to some of the best eateries out there. Caviar has made a name for itself among multi-restaurant app solutions.
10. Amazon Flex
At Amazon Flex, you, as a driver, don’t get to choose what you want to deliver. Instead, “blocks” are handed over to you for delivery.
You are paid according to the number of blocks you deliver. So the total amount you get depends on the rate offered for each block. Although you can see the amount offered for each block you are assigned, you don’t see how many packages there are in the block and where they are headed.
Hence, this is not the most flexible or transparent option. This can be an issue if flexibility really matters to you.
An option is available to receive instant payments. The nice thing about Amazon Flex is that it does not charge any fees to drivers.
As you would expect, Amazon Flex is a key player among scalable food delivery solutions.
How You Can Earn from Food Delivery Apps
To make money on the side, you can go along with any you prefer, be it DoorDash or its competitors.
The DoorDash application procedure was outlined above. As for other apps, you can follow this basic procedure to start making quick cash.
Sign Up and Approval
Signing up and gaining approval are the first steps you must take on any app to start work and get paid.
As you would expect, each app has its own set of requirements for you to qualify as a driver. In general, though, you need to meet these basic requirements.
You should be 18 years of age. Do note that some apps have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Must have a driver’s license and insurance.
Should have a bicycle or a vehicle to make deliveries.
Must pass the background check.
Once you submit your application, you will need to wait a few days before gaining approval. Once approved, you can accept offers on the app and start delivering orders.
Choose the Best Work Hours
A significant advantage of most delivery apps is that they offer flexible work hours. You can choose to work as much as you like based on your availability.
However, the most well-paying orders are often available during “peak” hours. These are often during meal times and on weekends. You should try your best to work during this time to max out your earnings.
Be Safe and Professional
Besides being highly professional and courteous with all customers, you need to play it safe. That is, take all necessary precautions to avoid accidents and other problems.
Plan ahead so that you can deliver when there is less traffic.
Never drive without a seatbelt.
Avoid using the app while driving. Use a hands-free device if you have to.
Double-check orders before starting your trip. Customers will be understandably “hangry” if something is missing.
Be sure to serve your customers with a smile.
Track All Costs
Since you are basically an independent contractor, it is your responsibility to track all earnings and costs so you can pay the right tax amount. Be sure to note down gas costs and other expenses related to your food delivery work.
Tracking all costs is vital since you can deduct some of these costs from your earnings to pay your taxes.
Companies like DoorDash: How to Choose the Best
DoorDash and Uber Eats are good choices for getting started in the delivery gig economy. That said, there are plenty more companies like DoorDash, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the features of food delivery apps to look out for when deciding the best app for your needs.
Commissions and Fees
The fee you receive per delivery is a critical metric that should be considered from the outset. List the payment rates for all DoorDash alternatives, keeping them side by side for an easy comparison.
Local Availability
No matter what the perks, the app won’t make sense for you if it doesn’t work in your place. The most widely used apps, like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart, cover most cities and towns. However, niche apps may cover fewer areas.
Order Volume
Knowing how many orders are available for you in your area is vital. With fewer available orders, you will obviously make less money. Invest time and effort into an app only if enough orders are available.
Payment Methods
Food delivery apps offer different payment methods. Some pay weekly, while others can even pay instantly. If you can afford to wait a few days, then this may not be so important. However, if you need cash fast, then check the payout frequency before signing up.
Support
It is always better to opt for an app that has good support to receive quick assistance when something goes wrong.
Conclusion
You can earn easily by driving for DoorDash or delivery services like DoorDash. Getting to choose which order you want to deliver and when you want to work offers great flexibility that makes these apps even more attractive.
That said, the best app for your needs depends on crucial factors like order volume, local availability, base pay, benefits, payment methods, and others besides. So be sure to weigh the pros and cons to find the food delivery app that’s right for you.
FAQs
What are the best alternatives to DoorDash?
A variety of apps are available that can prove to be a better alternative for you compared to DoorDash. Uber Eats is known for its high volume of customer orders. Grubhub pays well for each order and provides a wide range of good restaurants to choose from. Instacart covers North America, allowing gig workers to deliver groceries almost anywhere in the region.
What is the best paying delivery app?
The best-paying app depends on certain factors. Amazon Flex and Instacart provide aspiring gig workers with an above-average hourly rate. Uber Eats and DoorDash allow you to make good money during busy hours with their peak rates. That said, you will have to run a few apps in your place to see which one pays best. You may even want to use more than one app at the same time to get orders, although this requires strong management skills.
Is it possible to make $1000 a week doordashing?
In theory, it may be possible to make $1,000 in one week. But that will require plenty of hard work and smart thinking. Expect to work around 50 hours per week or even more to reach this amount. In addition, you will have to take advantage of peak hours for the high pay they offer. Look out for meal-times and weekends when demand is high, and rates go up. Location also matters. Big city centers are more lucrative than suburbs and small towns. Aim to provide good service, like professionalism and timely deliveries, to maximize tips. Another tactic is multi-apping, where you use more than one app for more orders. However, you should know perfectly well what you are doing. Take this step only if you are certain you can deliver on time. Multi-apping can work if demand in one app falls low. You can then look towards another app for your next order and thus reduce downtime.
How to make $500 fast DoorDash?
Making $500 fast with DoorDash in one day is tough, but it may be possible if luck is on your side. If you put in 10 hours, you need to earn $50 per hour. Bear in mind that most can manage 2 to 3 dashes in one hour. Truth is, you will also need a lot of generous tips to hit this target. So you will need some luck as well for this. There also needs to be a high demand. If that is the case, you will have to be strategic and take those orders that will pay you more. Multi-apping can work if demand on your DoorDash app is low or if orders don’t offer good pay. However, this takes a lot of skill and experience.
Can you work multiple delivery apps at once?
In theory, it can be done, but it requires plenty of time management, skill, and experience. You will have to be strategic about it. Accept orders from two different apps only if you are certain there is sufficient time difference between them that will allow you to complete both these deliveries on time. While this sounds easy, in practice it can be challenging. You should be aware of traffic conditions and be fully confident about how long it will take you to complete both orders. When estimating order completion times, be sure to add 5 to 10 minutes for sudden traffic. That is, you should use a safety factor to make cautious estimates that will minimize the risk of late deliveries.
Are delivery drivers allowed to use multiple apps?
While delivery drivers can use more than one app, they should exercise strict caution to avoid delayed deliveries. So, although it is allowed, drivers who take this route should exercise maximum responsibility to prevent customer complaints that can lead to deactivation.
Can I work for DoorDash and Grubhub at the same time?
It is possible to work for both Grubhub and DoorDash. However, full caution is advised. Make sure there is enough gap between orders to avoid delays and complaints. If you decide to go multi-apping, you should first get completely familiar with both apps. Use them individually to gain the necessary experience. You can then combine them when orders on any one app fall low, for instance.
Can I switch from Uber driver to Uber Eats?
Yes. By adjusting the appropriate settings, you can configure your Uber app for both passengers and food deliveries.
In case you want deliveries only, but no ridesharing, here is what you can do. In settings, tap “driving preferences” and activate “Deliveries”. Then uncheck “Uber”. You will then
Muhammad Asif is an experienced SEO expert at Trango Tech, a leading mobile app development company. With a strong background in software development and mobile technology, he specializes in optimizing digital presence for app-based businesses. His expertise in search engine optimization, content strategy, and technical SEO helps improve visibility and drive organic growth.
As a passionate tech writer, Muhammad regularly shares informative and insightful articles on mobile app development, emerging technologies, and digital marketing trends. His content empowers businesses and developers with the latest industry insights, ensuring they stay ahead in the competitive world of app development.
