Ultimate Guide To Working For Uber Eats (2023)
Wanting to find a more flexible job?
Getting to work and listening to music all day? Or want to catch up on your favorite podcast?
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Uber Eats has over 19 Ways To Make Money and the ability to work whenever you want too!
Almost ready to get started or looking to understand the app more?
Hope this resource helps.
Skip through the index as a guide.
See you all on the road!
Summary
I began my Uber Eats driver journey about two years ago and have completed over 2,000 deliveries. While the job is simply picking up something and then delivering it to a customer, there is still a lot to learn and assess regarding offers, how much you can make on the apps, the delivery algorithm, different earning opportunities, understanding deactivation and contract violations, unique laws, and so much more.
Guide:
1. How Do Uber Eats Drivers Get Paid?
2. Can you make $1,000 a week with Uber Eats?
A. What is Uber Eats Pro?
3. Does Uber Eats Give Drivers A Card?
4. How Do Uber Eats Drivers Receive Money?
5. How Do Uber Eats Drivers Pickup Food?
6. Metrics Explained
7. Other Questions
How I Get Paid On Uber Eats As A Driver? 🔥🔥
Pay on the Uber app comes in three forms: base pay, tips, and surges (if you are an Uber Driver).
Explaining Normal Pay Offers
Unfortunately, over time Uber has been known to lower base pay.
That’s why my favorite earning method is tips as they tend to be the highest and most consistent way to earn money. In my area, base pay starts out at $2 but can be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors. It doesn’t matter if the order is from McDonalds or Outback Steakhouse. The customer’s total purchase on the order seems to not be factored into the base pay. Also, if an order is stacked with another one, the base pay for the second order is lower.
Like other gig apps, it’s nice to have a minimum payment for an order. This helps a customer get their order faster as a few extra dollars can help entice a delivery driver to accept the order. Naturally, this can also cause issues if a customer chooses not to tip. For example, an order might show up as $2 for 10 miles. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong not to tip, I’m simply stating that I personally wouldn’t take an offer like that, especially when you factor in gas, as well as wear and tear on vehicle.
Explaining Tips
The main way these gig apps entice drivers (at least in America) is through tip culture. This is our main source of income from these apps (unless you live in NYC or California where gig work laws are unique), similar to wait staff at a restaurant. However, instead of waiting tables at a restaurant, bringing food and making sure you are having the best experience possible, delivery drivers do their best to make sure all items are in order, following delivery instructions and using our vehicles to bring the customer their order in a timely manner.
Customers can tip with cash or in the app before, during, or after delivery takes place. Typically any tip higher than $8 or $9 is hidden in the app. However, if an order has been sitting awhile, it may show more of the tip depending on distance and delivery driver demand.
What I like most about tips on Uber Eats, when compared to other apps, is that UE hides less of the tip than other apps. An order may show up as $10-$12 on-screen for 1 mile. While that same order on DoorDash would likely appear as $6-$7 for 1 mile and the rest of the tip would be hidden. That’s why Uber Eats is my favorite food delivery app from a payment structure perspective due to more payment transparency.
B. Have I Made $1,000 A Week With Uber Eats?
While highly market-dependent, drivers can typically earn between $13-$20 an hour. This can easily go up if you live in California or New York City due to the minimum wage laws. You can also make more by signing up for Shop & Pay with an Uber Card.
$100 a week on Uber Eats
Making $100 from Uber Eats is doable given the hourly rate. I had no issue making $100 a day from UE, let alone making it in a week. If you are having issues in your market to make $100, you can try signing up for Shop & Pay orders or Uber X.
$500 a week on Uber Eats
If you have a full-time job and want to do this part-time, it is still very possible to make $500 a week. Peak times for Uber can be any time if your market is large enough or you can always try the dinner rush from 5-8 pm or weekend orders. I easily crossed $500 a week working peak lunch and dinner times working 5 days a week. But I do live in a medium-sized city.
$1,000 a week on Uber Eats
Yes, in some markets people can make upwards of $1,000 per week. If I’m being honest, you likely have to put in the time to yield those results, even if you include Prop 22 or NYC pay.
1. 30 Hours - Really Difficult
2. 40 Hours - Difficult
3. 50 Hours - Possible
4. 60 Hours - Very Doable
Uber Eats allows you to work for an extended period of time. However, you can only be online for 12 hours consecutively and then the app will require a 6-hour break. I also highly suggest multi-apping if Uber Eats requires you to be offline, or isn’t as busy. Multi-apping is the process of having multiple delivery apps on at once and taking one delivery from a particular app. For instance, having Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats all on at the same time.
All Ways To Get More Money On Uber Eats & My Rating Of Each Opportunity
Uber Eats Pro Program (9/10)
Shop & Pay (Uber Card required) (9/10)
Order & Pay (Uber Card required) (8/10)
Calling Support under unique circumstances (8/10)
Follow Hotspots (7/10)
Stacked Orders (9/10)
California & New York City bills for minimum wage requirements
Sign up with UberX & Surges (10/10)
Check out this article explaining the above methods and 12 other ways to make money on Uber Eats
What is the Uber Eats Pro Program? (9/10)
Uber Eats Pro is a tier-based system where drivers will get rewards after completing a certain amount of deliveries. Some of these are cashback on gas, $1,000 when switching to an electric vehicle, tuition-free online classes, and much more. To see what you qualify for in the app, select the three bars in the top right and then Uber Eats Pro.
Here is an article explaining the Uber Eats Pro program in detail.
I would give this opportunity a 9 out of 10 as there are no additional requirements to qualify besides completing deliveries. This program offers a variety of different ways to save and earn more money. The only downside is that if you sign up for Uber X, there are additional requirements such as minimum acceptance and maximum cancellation rates. However, Uber X offers other opportunities that can help make up for it.
What are some of the benefits of Uber Eats Pro?
1. Priority Support - When contacting support for any reason, a support agent will connect with your call faster. I knew I received this benefit as when you call support a pre-recorded person will say something along the lines of “You have given priority support access”.
2. Discounts on gas and car maintenance - Certain gas stations will offer cashback or certain places that are partnered with Uber to offer car maintenance discounts.
3. Free education and training - Uber currently offers free tuition through the ASU online program.
4. Cash bonuses
Check your app to see all that you qualify for.
C. Does Uber Eats Give Drivers A Card?
The Uber Card is the way to pay for a shop and deliver orders or to pay for an order if the restaurant requires it. A physical card will be mailed to your address.
Once at the cash register, make sure to wait for the “Confirm Payment” screen on the Uber Driver app before scanning and swiping all items. If you do skip past the take a photo of the receipt screen without paying for the order first, the Uber funds will be missing from the card. And you will either have to cancel the order (receive full base pay) or use your personal debit or credit card to pay for the order. If you do so, follow the steps in the app to receive a refund.
From a driver’s point of view, it is really convenient to have a physical card and there aren’t really any downsides besides the wait time to start getting shop and pay orders.
Reload & Order Uber Card
There are times where the Uber Card has an issue and it isn’t showing the card has enough funds. This could be due to a customer requesting a different item that is more expensive or extra items. Call or chat with support in order to get more funds on the Uber Card. However sometimes my calls with support are long while sometimes it is short. But your cards should be loaded automatically upon checkout.
Access the Uber Eats App
Click on the three bars in the top right
Under the Account section go to "Uber Card"
While the process is seamless, you unfortunately can’t start immediately to get shop & deliver orders. Luckily, the wait can be well worth it as Uber tends to pay better for shop & deliver orders.
D. How Do Uber Eats Drivers Receive Money?🏦🏦🏦
A driver can choose between direct deposit, fast pay with a debit card, or the Uber Pro Card.
Click on the three bars
Go to Wallet
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit: This is the default option that pays the driver weekly. A bank account is required and you will need to provide your routing number and account number.
I use this option as it guarantees the full earnings amount without any additional costs. However, when I did first start the fast pay option did seem to be the better option as I was just starting to do gig work full time.
Debit Card/Fast Pay: Allows a driver to cash out 5 times a day. However, there is a $1,700 weekly limit on this option and any additional money will go to direct deposit the following week. However there is an 80-cent fee every time you cash out.
Uber Pro Card: Similar to DasherDirect with DoorDash, all earnings are automatically transferred to this debit card. To signup:
Click on the three bars
Go to Wallet
Payment Methods
Select Uber Pro Card (A physical card will be mailed)
Download the Uber Pro App
Uber Pro Card Benefits:
1. 10% cash back on gas with diamond status
2. 4% cash back at select restaurants
3. 15% cashback on all car maintenance purchases
Note: Certain benefits may not apply to your area and could change depending on tier status (blue, green, gold, platinum, diamond). Check your app to see what you qualify for.
E. Basics - How Do Uber Eats Drivers Pick Up Food? ✅✅✅
After signing up and completing the registration process, you will start to receive offers.
1. The only way to get offers on the Uber Eats app is as it appears on your screen automatically with the “Accept” and "Decline" buttons.
2. After receiving an offer, the driver will have in-app navigation directly to the restaurant or grocery store.
3. Once receiving the order in hand the driver swipes “Start Delivery” and then the in-app navigation changes to the customer location.
4. After the driver reaches the customer location, and gives the delivery to the customer, they swipe “Confirm Delivery”.
Alternatively, a customer can choose between “Hand it to me” and “Leave at Door”. If they choose to hand it to me, do not leave it at the door unless the instructions say otherwise. Then take a picture still with your camera.
5. Drivers will receive base pay immediately and receive tips after an hour when delivery is completed.
This process is fast and efficient for drivers when compared to other apps. They make the entire process simple and easy to understand. Unlike DoorDash, Uber doesn’t force you to give a reason for declining an order and doesn’t make you take the receipt when receiving the order. The only con I can think of is the amount of time they give to accept an offer on Uber Eats tends to be much shorter than DoorDash.
What items do I need for Uber Eats?
1. Car - Unlike rideshare companies, Uber Eats and other delivery gig apps do not have a preference for what kind of car you drive. A vast majority of vehicles will be accepted on the platform including bikes in some areas.
2. Car Insurance - Insurance is required as a majority of gig apps do not provide any type of vehicle insurance in the event you get in an accident.
3. Cell Phone Data Plan - Having good cell service can be critical to use the Uber Eats app as it ensures you're connected to the app at all times and makes sure you're not missing out on any deliveries. Most smartphones will do, as long as the app store associated with the phone has the Uber Eats app available for download such as the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
4. Snacks & Water - If you plan on working a long shift or live in an area with hot weather, it's important to bring an apple or a water bottle. Being on the road all day can easily cause fatigue and that would mean missing out on deliveries.
5. Avoid eating out - Just like #3, this can help with saving money. If you decide to pack your own lunch, get an insulated lunch box and pack a few water bottles from the freezer. I personally use the PackIt Freezable Lunch Box and it has kept my meal cool for at least 4 hours. I have packed cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, and bananas, as well as sandwiches, and never had any issues.
6. Choosing to eat out - Been guilty of this many times myself as sometimes I just want a hamburger and fries. Download the McDonald's app for ongoing deals, or stop by Panera for a free drink with the unlimited sips program. Check out my article here on food discounts.
7. Catering Bags & Insulated Bags - A catering bag while not required on most gig apps, is highly recommended. Additionally, the odds of getting a 5-star rating and odds of obtaining a higher tip go up. Check out these XXX-L catering bags out.
F. Metrics Explained 🤔 🤔 🤔
Explaining Acceptance Rate
You will not get banned for having a low acceptance rate. It could be 0% and you won’t be terminated. The acceptance rate is the percentage of deliveries you decide to accept and is a running total based on the last 100 deliveries. For example, if the first delivery that you are offered you decide to decline it. That delivery won’t drop off the running total until you accept and complete 100 deliveries. Until then, the % will remain at 99%. This is assuming you accept the next 100 deliveries.
What is the cancellation rate? Will I get banned for having a high rate?
Yes, having a high cancellation rate can warrant a ban. The % depends on the market. There is no direct way to see what the ban is. However, a high cancellation rate can cause a ghost ban, which means you will receive fewer offers. Check your email or the Uber Eats app to see what is required.
Unassigning An Uber Eats Delivery
After a delivery has been accepted, click the triangle icon and pick a reason why you decide to unassign. The consequences of unassigning a delivery are explained above. Unlike DoorDash, you will have to call support to receive some compensation for a closed store.
Do customer ratings matter? Will I get banned for having a low customer rating?
Customers can rate an Uber Eats driver with a thumbs up or thumbs down based on the last 100 ratings. The rating is directly displayed to customers. While no concrete evidence is supported, ratings have the potential to impact offers. However, most UE drivers are easily able to obtain ratings above 90%. Just like the acceptance rate and completion rate, customer ratings also run on a running total of the last 100 deliveries. However, a rating can be removed in unique instances.
Explaining Contract Violations
A contract violation is a direct strike against the Uber Eats driver and runs on a separate counter excluding factors such as completion rate, acceptance rate, and ratings. While it is commonly assumed that after three violations an Uber Eats driver will be banned, there have been instances where people have gotten more than three strikes and still didn’t get banned. No matter what I would be cautious in even getting one contract violation.
Some common examples of contract violations are:
1. Stealing food - This event is possible in the event of meet-at-door deliveries. Unlike DoorDash, there is no option to send a picture through messages to guarantee a photo was taken. The only possibility is to send a message to the customer that the order was delivered. Unfortunately, the only precautionary measure you can take is to snap a photo of the delivery and then message the customer that a photo was taken.
2. Alcohol Deliveries - Just like meet-at-door deliveries, even when you scan the client’s ID, the customer can still mark the order as not delivered. Again the solution is the same as above.
3. Delivered to the wrong address
4. Harassment towards customer - This example is the most obvious and applies to all apps.
The main issue with contract violations is that once you receive a strike, there is no counter to keep track of violations to your account. In my opinion, this could potentially impact incentive opportunities, surges and in the worst case lead to deactivation of your account without even knowing.
False Contract Violation & Appealing Process for Deactivation
There is no official way to appeal a contract violation on the app. However, if you get deactivated you can always visit the Uber website to appeal.
G. Other Questions 🚩🚩🚩
Max Volume App Issue & Uber Eats App Not Working
Click three bars
Go to Account
Click on volume
Change volume from “Max Volume” to “Change with phone”
Turn on airplane mode and turn it off
Logout of the app and log back in
Restart phone
Delete the app and redownload
Go to settings on your device, search for the Uber Driver app, force stop, and clear cache
Can you do Uber Eats as a couple? Can my wife or husband ride with me while I do Uber Eats?
Yes, you can have someone else in the car with you while doing Uber Eats.
Can you do both Uber Eats and DoorDash?
Yes, you can multi-app but make sure to not overwhelm yourself. It’s best practice to switch the other app off when you are completing a delivery for the other app.
Can I use someone else’s name for Uber Eats and become a driver? Wife? Husband? Etc?
No, it is against the Terms of Service. Additionally, Uber Eats requires the driver to occasionally scan their face to verify identity.
Who pays better DoorDash or Uber Eats?
While market dependent, Uber Eats tends to show higher pay on the app to the driver while DoorDash hides more. Tips on DoorDash can be hidden after $3 while on UE it’s after $8 in tips.
What is the best paying food delivery service?
The three most popular apps are Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. I believe it to be Uber Eats due to the higher base pay for shopping orders, no scheduling needed, higher volume of orders than GrubHub in a lot of markets, no known priority order program and less of the tip is hidden.
Can Uber Eats drivers do two orders at once?
Yes, an Uber Eats driver can technically do up to three orders at once and potentially more. This is dependent on if all deliveries are in a similar area or if all deliveries are coming from the same restaurant or restaurants nearby. Another factor could be driver demand.
Do I need to schedule on Uber Eats?
Uber Eats does not require you to schedule. You can work anytime.
What are hot spots in the Uber Eats app?
Hot spots are areas where there is a high demand for drivers based on current order volume. These will appear as either bright or dark red on the map.
Ready to become a Uber Eats delivery driver? Apply here: https://www.uber.com/us/en/deliver/
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