Can You Make Good Money with Postmates?

Is Postmates worth it? If you are looking forward to making a passive income and perhaps have heard about Postmates. You have plenty of options when it comes to food delivery companies, and getting started is quick and easy.

Postmates stands out as one of the biggest names in the US market, and it’s known for offering some of the best pay rates among delivery companies.

So let’s go into detail to know if working there is worth it and also to know about their advantages and disadvantages.

Is Postmates Worth it? 

Postmates is a popular local delivery app with a dense network of local merchants, many of whom are small, independently-owned businesses.

These include restaurants, grocery stores, drugstores, liquor stores, and general-purpose retailers.

Postmates can be a great gig for part-time workers, especially students looking to earn some extra cash. You don’t need to invest any money upfront, and you can start within a few days.

Plus, you only need to be 18 to sign up, and you don’t even need a car to begin. With Postmates, you have the flexibility to choose your own hours, so you’re not tied to a set schedule.

Even if you’re looking for a full-time or part-time job, Postmates can be a good source of income, especially if you’re willing to work during busy times.

How Does Postmates Work?

Postmates works through a mobile app that both drivers and customers need to have. Customers use the Postmates app to place orders, while drivers use the Postmates Fleet app to receive and fulfill those orders.

As a driver, you simply open the Fleet app when you’re ready to work and accept delivery requests in your area. The app guides you to the pickup location with the quickest route.

Sometimes, the order is ready for you when you arrive, while other times you might need to place the order yourself using a prepaid card provided by Postmates.

You’re compensated for any time spent waiting during the process.

How Much Can You Actually Make on Postmates?

Postmates drivers make an average annual salary of $38,089, which translates to roughly $18 per hour.

However, this varies depending on the city. For example, in San Francisco, drivers make around $47,516 annually, while in Norwalk, the average is $42,784.

Several factors influence earnings, including the hours worked per day, the locations served, the time of day worked, and customer tips.

Generally, drivers who work during peak hours every day tend to earn more than those who work fewer shifts. Some drivers report making $12 per hour, while others mention earning about $7.50 per delivery.

The Pros and Cons of Working on Postmates

Being a Postmates driver brings several benefits, including the ability to work on your own time, quite good pay, and the freedom to use options like biking or scooters.

The Pros are;

1. Flexible Schedule: It is you who decides when to work thereby making it a perfect schedule for other things. Thanks to flexibility in scheduling, there is no need to stick to fixed hours or repeat the same rhythm every day.

2. No Car Required: Different from some other driving gigs, you don’t have to own a car. Bikes or walking can also be utilized. And do not be afraid of the fact that your wings might be clipped.

3. Good Pay: Postmates competition often outbid similar services and drivers can make about $12 per delivery or hour. If you suggest the right plan, you will be able to increase your income while working fewer hours.

4. Distance-Based Fees: The pay you receive for every delivery is determined by how far away is the point of destination. In a way, this can be a benefit if the delivery point is nearby.

The cons are;

1. Independent Contractor: You will not be a Postmates employee, but you will be responsible for things like taxes and insurance, which can result in a substantial amount of money.

2. Vehicle Maintenance: If you drive your own cars or bikes, you ought to get involved in regular maintenance that will increase your expenditure.

3. Limited Availability: The larger the city, the bigger the chance is that Postmates will be your income source. If you reside in a smaller area, you might have a hard time earning a decent amount.

4. Taxes: You will be responsible for paying your taxes when you work as an independent contractor because the government won’t automatically charge you for it.

How to Apply and Start Delivering for Postmates

Signing up to become a Postmates delivery person is a really simple process. Go online and get started at Postmates, then enter your email address and a secure password.

Postmates will ask you for your phone number and address so they can send you a Postmates card that you’ll use to pay for deliveries.

When you sign up for Postmates, they’ll assign you to the delivery area nearest to where you live. But if you need to, you can switch to a different area later on.

Postmates will also ask for your Social Security number and date of birth to run a background check.

If you want to drive for Postmates, which is how you’ll get the most delivery requests, you’ll also need to provide your driver’s license number and its expiration date.

After you’ve filled out your online application, it usually takes between 1 to 3 days for Postmates to verify your account before you can start driving.

Postmates will send you a welcome packet, including a prepaid card and delivery bag.

The worth of Postmates depends on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

If you value flexibility, enjoy being your own boss, and can handle the responsibilities of being an independent contractor, it can be a great opportunity to earn extra income.

However, if you rely on consistent pay, prefer traditional employment benefits, or live in a less densely populated area, you may want to consider other options.

Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons and considering your own circumstances will help you determine if Postmates is the right fit for you.