(DailyThrive.com) – Employment opportunities are scarce, and the COVID-19 pandemic has many businesses limiting working hours. That’s an unpleasant combination for someone who wants to make a bit of cold, hard cash. Fortunately, there are still opportunities out there. UberEats just happens to be at the top of the list.
What Is UberEats?
Most people who live in major metropolises are familiar with Uber already. The courier company, which is currently in the process of merging with Postmates, offers access to everything from rideshare opportunities to freight transportation and even scooter rentals. Clients make requests or place orders via a suite of branded apps.
UberEats works on the same system, but it specifically focuses on fast delivery of food from a variety of sources. Clients order from restaurants, pizzerias, grocery stores or anywhere else serving up edible goods — including the local 7/11, if that happens to be what they’re craving. Drivers pick up the orders and deliver them right to the clients’ doorsteps.
Where Is UberEats Available?
UberEats is currently only available in certain US cities. You’ll find the full list here, on their website. But it’s important to note that the company fully intends to expand to most major areas. If your city isn’t on the list just yet, keep checking back; they open up in new locations all the time.
Do You Qualify?
Driving for UberEats is relatively simple. First, you’ll need to ensure you meet the basic requirements. These differ city to city, but generally, you must be at least 18 and have a reliable source of transportation (e.g., a car). Some cities do allow deliveries via bicycle or bus, but this isn’t consistent across the board. Check with UberEats if you aren’t sure.
Getting Started
Next, it’s time to sign up for an account on the UberEats website. This step does include a simple background check. Depending on your area, you may be required to provide this information yourself, or UberEats may handle it for you for a small fee. This entire process can take some time — usually no more than a week.
Note that UberEats provides access to orders via an app. You will need a reliable smartphone, LTE tablet or some other device that allows you to use this technology. While it’s possible to accept an order from your computer, this option will leave you out of the loop if you’re out on a delivery, and you’re likely to miss orders.
Insurance
It’s important to note that all Uber provides drivers with up to $1 million of liability insurance if they operate via vehicle. This is not a replacement for your regular policy, but you should let your broker know before you begin taking orders. Some private insurance companies won’t cover you if you’re working for Uber as a courier.
Taking Orders
Once you’re ready to accept your first order, tap the app icon on your device and sign in. Then, press “GO.” You’ll see a list of available orders. This updates in real time, so check in often (but not while you’re driving, please!). Examine the addresses closely before you accept an order to ensure you can fulfill them within a reasonable amount of time. Skip anything that’s so far away, it wouldn’t be worth the fee.
Your next step is to pick up the order right at the restaurant; this info will be shown in the app after you accept. Then, deliver it to the client. Lastly, check off the order as completed within the UberEats app.
How Much Many Can You Really Make?
It’s difficult to answer this question without knowing more about what you’re located, how often you’re working and which orders you take. UberEats uses a proprietary formula to calculate costs. According to this link, your payment includes a standard base rate, a delivery fee and, potentially, bonuses for working in peak timeframes.
What does this all mean? The more deliveries you complete, the better your payout will be at the end of day. Drivers who are fast and efficient, racking up multiple orders per hour, will likely fare far better than those who only pick up an order or two here or there.
There is one small catch. You’ll need to determine for yourself whether driving for UberEats compensates you adequately for your expenses. This is acutely true if you’re using a vehicle. Calculate the cost of gas, insurance and maintenance against what you’re making to find your actual profit.
Obviously, if your expenses are greater than what you’re bringing in, UberEats might not be right for you. But for many drivers living in tightly-packed cities, it’s more than possible to stack up orders and make as much as $12 or more per hour. Tips add a few more dollars along the way. That’s not a bad rate for being able to set your own schedule and work on your own terms!
~Here’s to Your Success!
Copyright 2020, DailyThrive.com
