Postmates and DoorDash are two well-known food delivery apps that allow people to have meals and other items delivered to their homes. They’re also awesome side hustle options. However, many people wonder which on-demand platform is better for drivers.
Working as a delivery driver is a terrific way to earn money to pay off debt, save for retirement, or build an emergency fund. If you’re a fast worker with excellent customer service skills, either app is a good option to supplement your income.
If you want to earn extra money, our guide will help you decide which app is best for you.
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Postmates vs. DoorDash: Which is Better for Drivers?
Jobs like DoorDash and Postmates can be a great way for drivers to earn money in their free time. Customers place an order through their respective apps. Then, drivers pick up the order and deliver it directly to the customer.
Postmates goes beyond meals to deliver virtually anything. This includes dry cleaning, office supplies, and more. Both services are available nationwide, creating an easy way to deliver items for a little extra cash.
Both apps work similarly. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing to drive for each service. Below is our review of working for Postmates vs. DoorDash and how you can maximize your earnings.
Does DoorDash Pay Better Than Postmates?
You may wonder, “Does DoorDash pay better than Postmates, or is it vice-versa?” Pay varies for both apps, depending on numerous factors – such as driving during peak times.
Offering good customer service and tips can also influence your earnings
The delivery driver app jobs differ in how they determine your pay. DoorDash driver pay depending on numerous factors, including tips.
There are two other ways to earn extra money with DoorDash:
- “Pay boost” payouts that are determined by the miles traveled, order, and if the delivery occurs during a busy time
- Tips when you provide excellent service or deliver a bigger the order
The company refers to this as the Dasher Pay Model. This model uses base pay + promotions + tips to determine your earnings.
DoorDash also offers Challenges. These allow Dashers to earn additional pay for completing a specified number of orders in a pre-determined amount of time.
Consult our guide on the best times to DoorDash to help you increase earnings.
Postmates sets up payouts differently. Pay is based on a few key factors:
- Base pay (determined by the pickup, drop-off, mileage, and minutes you drive)
- Tips
- Delivering during busier times
It’s important to note that Postmates only calculates drive time from the pickup site to the drop-off location. You do not get paid to drive to the pickup site.
Additionally, pay varies by city. Here are some examples of what you can earn across the country:
New Postmates drivers can earn bonuses for completing a specific number of deliveries during a given time. Postmates also offers Blitz Pricing and Hot Spots.
These allow drivers to earn more during peak times and for delivering to in-demand areas, respectively.
Working for either platform offers one of the highest-paying jobs for teens and adults who want to make money on the side.
Regardless of the service, you get to keep 100 percent of your tips.
With both companies, you’re considered an independent contractor and not an employee. As a result, it’s best to set aside some of your earnings for taxes.
Winner: It’s a close call, but Postmates is the victor due to reports of higher pay.
Requirements and Availability
Both delivery platforms have similar requirements. To find out if either service is in your city, just do an internet search for “city name” + Postmates or DoorDash.
You can also check their websites to see if they’re in your city or coming soon.
Here are the requirements to drive for Postmates:
- Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance
- Pass a background check
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Own a newer smartphone
- Pass an interview (if applicable for your state)
Read our guide on working for Postmates to learn more.
Below are the requirements to drive for DoorDash:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance
- Pass a background check
- Have a clean driving record
- Own a newer smartphone
- Participate in an orientation (depending on your city and state)
Requirements to drive for either service may vary based on your location. Both companies will allow you to deliver meals by bike or motorcycle in certain cities.
Read our review of delivering for DoorDash to learn more.
Winner: DoorDash has a slight edge since the app is available in more cities.
DoorDash vs. Postmates: How The Apps Work
If you’re not tech-savvy, don’t worry. The Postmates and DoorDash apps are easy to use. As long as you have a smartphone, you can use the apps.
DoorDash’s app is simpler than Postmates. However, one of the negatives is that you don’t get a built-in map. This means you’ll have to know your way around your city or use an alternative GPS if you drive for DoorDash.
Postmates has a map option. This makes it much easier to deliver orders.
Both apps have an option to choose multiple orders at once. This is called “batching” and allows you to pick up and drop off more than one order from a specific location.
*Do you want to deliver packages instead of food? Read our review of driving for the Amazon Flex app to learn how you can earn cash driving for Amazon.
For example, if five people order from the same pizza shop, you can pick up those orders and deliver them to the appropriate customers.
Batching can save you time and keep you from driving to multiple food establishments. This is especially helpful if you’re driving for Postmates since they don’t pay you for driving to the establishment before pickup.
Winner: Postmates wins for including a map in their Fleet app.
Scheduling
With Postmates and DoorDash, you can create your own schedule. However, both options are different in how shifts work.
DoorDash requires you to pre-schedule your shifts at least one week in advance. Fortunately, there is a newer option called DashNow that appears during “busy” times when there are more orders than people delivering.
DashNow may not be the best choice for you if you want consistency, a chance to earn high tips, and five-star ratings.
Based on your scheduled shifts, you’ll get orders and deliver them until your shift is complete. Typically, new orders will stop once you’re about five minutes from the end of your shift.
You get to choose your shifts. These can range from one to eight hours.
With Postmates, you don’t have to schedule your shifts. To start delivering orders, just open your app and show that you’re available for orders.
Based on your location, you’ll see orders as soon as they become available. Keep in mind that Postmates is first come, first serve. If you don’t pick up the order quickly, someone else will.
Winner: This Postmates vs. DoorDash comparison is a tie since both delivery apps offer unique ways to get work.
Making Deliveries
When you’re ready to deliver items, log in to either app to see what’s available.
DoorDash offers a more robust description. When you look at an order, you will see the following:
- Guaranteed pay
- The order
- Where the item is going
If you want the order, click “Accept” and pick up the meal. Not accepting orders can impact your DoorDash driver rating. That’s not the case with Postmates.
Postmates merely shows you the order and any additional offers. If you want the order, press “Accept” and go pick it up.
Both companies provide drivers with a prepaid card and an insulated bag after signing up. The card allows you to pay for orders and the bag keeps food hot or cold during transport.
Winner: This is another tie. While DoorDash tells you how much you will receive, Postmates doesn’t negatively impact your ratings for not accepting orders.
How and When You’re Paid
Delivery driver jobs are an excellent solution if you need to make money quickly. Both on-demand delivery platforms pay drivers weekly via direct deposit. Pay usually shows up in your bank account each Wednesday.
If you need to get paid faster, both offer instant cash-out features:
- DoorDash: After making at least 25 deliveries and working for two weeks, you’re eligible for Fast Pay. The feature costs $1.99 and you receive earnings immediately.
- Postmates: You can use Instant Deposit to receive funds immediately by linking a debit card to your account. It costs $0.50 to receive earnings this way.
Winner: Postmates gets the nod since it has no requirements and lower fees for Instant Deposit.
Driver Ratings
As with any service-oriented gig, ratings are an important part of getting paid. Both services approach ratings differently.
Postmates offers a simple thumbs up or down for customers to rate their transaction. This allows couriers not to be held responsible for things beyond their control.
It also allows contractors to view all potential orders and not have certain ones held back due to their score.
Alternately, DoorDash uses a five-star grading metric based on four factors. These include:
- Customer rating: This is a one to five score from your 100 most recent deliveries. Dashers must have a score of at least 4.2 to remain active.
- Completion rate: Like customer rating, this is based on your 100 most recent gigs. A canceled order does not count against you, but you must maintain a 70 percent completion rate to stay active.
- Acceptance rate: DoorDash wants you to accept orders. There is no minimum to stay active. Keep in mind that the fewer opportunities you accept, the fewer you’ll see.
- On-time or early rate: There is no minimum score here, but delivering orders early or on-time will likely influence your rating. This metric is based on your previous 100 deliveries.
Winner: Postmates wins because it’s easier to understand.
Can You Do DoorDash and Postmates at the Same Time?
Yes, it is possible to deliver for both Postmates and DoorDash. Many drivers do this to increase earning potential.
You can use the apps simultaneously since not all customers use the same platform for food delivery. Using both allows you to mitigate the risk of a slow shift and select orders on whichever app is busier.
Don’t forget that DoorDash will lower your rating for not accepting orders. If you’re on both apps at once, it’s better to accept the DoorDash order to maintain a good score instead of opting for an order on Postmates.
Pros and Cons for Both
Both companies are similar food delivery services. Both offer delivery to customers from restaurants in most cities across the United States. Postmates also allows you to deliver items to people.
As a driver, the two have some pros and cons to remember.
Pros
- Work on your own time
- Earn tips
- Nothing needed upfront
- Both apps are easy to use
- No special skills required
Cons
- Unless you live in a larger city, your payment may be on the lower end per hour.
- If you plan on driving and making deliveries throughout the week, you’ll be putting more mileage on your car. This could mean more maintenance and potential issues down the road. To eliminate wear and tear on your vehicle, consider renting a car through HyreCar.
Both platforms offer good opportunities to make money running errands. If you want a job with minimal requirements, these apps are worth considering.
Summary
The only way to decide if Postmates or DoorDash is better for you is to try both apps. You can deliver for both platforms to see which is a better fit for you.
Neither service requires specialized skills. As long as you provide quality service and are friendly, you can make good money.
If scheduling your hours each week is important, then DoorDash is a good choice. For people who prefer flexibility, Postmates is the better choice. You can also deliver for both to earn more money.
On-demand side gig apps offer a terrific way to earn cash in your spare time. If you need to make extra money, Postmates and DoorDash are good ways to supplement your income.
What is your favorite way to make money on the side?
*Earning more on certain types of orders (ex. alcohol): Earn more per order as compared to restaurant orders. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.
*Get paid instantly (DasherDirect): Subject to approval
*Cash out daily (Fast Pay): Fees apply
*Start Dashing today: Subject to background check and availability
*Dash anytime: Subject to availability
Kim Suazo has been a freelance writer and business owner for over four years. When she's not writing for Frugal Rules, you can find her on other publications like Chime, Discovery, and Due. She also owns her own websites The Entrepremomer and Part-Time Profit, where she teaches overworked moms how to streamline their new businesses so they can scale without a team.
