Bring in extra cash by providing food delivery for local restaurants and grocery stores. Working as a food delivery driver may not sound glamorous, but it’s an easy way to make part-time money with little effort.
You can pay down your RV loan, or cover gas, insurance, or the grocery bill from just about anywhere your RV is parked. You can even do it as a couple, just to keep each other company.
Let’s say you choose to accept deliveries on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Perhaps you earn $75 each day, including tips. That’s not a huge sacrifice for around $600/month.
Food Delivery in a Nutshell
How it Works
As an independent contractor, you decide when you want to work. There’s usually no minimum time investment to stay active with a company.
You’ll need a newer style smartphone (iPhone or Android). Download the company App to manage your schedule, deliveries, earnings, and more.
Log into the App when you want to work, set your location, browse available deliveries, and accept the ones you want. The App lets you know how much you’ll earn before you accept each job.
Log out when you don’t want to work anymore. Most companies allow you to switch cities in the App if you travel to a different location.
Remember, you’re the boss. If you’re not feeling well, have plans, your car is in for repair, or for any other reason food delivery isn’t convenient, then don’t do it. No questions asked.
Earnings
Generally, earnings average $2.25 – $5.00 per pickup/delivery. In addition, you keep 100% of your tips. Rates differ depending on the company, local market, and other factors.
Payment is usually broken down as a flat fee for pickup at a restaurant, a flat fee for completed delivery, and a per-mile rate from the restaurant to the customer’s location. In some cities, you are paid a per-minute rate for your time spent once you arrive at the restaurant (including wait time) to the delivery location.
You can also earn incentives, bonuses, referral fees, or other rewards. You are typically paid weekly via direct deposit to your bank account.
Food Delivery Driver Tips
Food delivery jobs aren’t available in all cities, so check locations before you apply. Each company also require basics like a valid driver’s license, car insurance, dependable vehicle, and a background check.
The most popular food delivery opportunities include:
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Limit the Delivery Area
Only take deliveries that come out to $1 per mile or more. Once you’ve got the hang of it and are familiar driving your area, you can loosen up your criteria. - Stay Close During Down Time
Find a parking lot near a major freeway to park and wait until the next delivery. Bring a book or some good music in case you’re sitting awhile. - Choose Favorites
Start tracking the good restaurants from the bad (as far as wait times, location, etc.) For instance, some fast food restaurants ask you to pick up through the drive-through, which could have long lines. You can avoid accepting deliveries from the ones you don’t like. - Provide Great Customer Service
Create ‘canned’ messages in your phone’s text application so you can quickly keep customers informed. But don’t text and drive. Great customer service will increase your tips. Examples include:
“I’m on my way to the restaurant.”
“I’m waiting at the restaurant.”
“I’ve got your food and I’m on my way to you!” - Use a Mileage Log
Use a phone app or notebook to track your mileage so you can claim it accurately on your tax return as a deduction!
Just like anything new, food delivery jobs take time to master. But you’ll be more efficient, and making more money, in short order!
