Do you enjoy biking? It’s not just a more eco-friendly way of going around but also a great way for you to stay fit.
But did you know that you can also make extra cash while riding your bike?
Most young professionals nowadays are constantly looking for side hustles or gigs that can help them with their expenses. Maybe your bills are piling up, you’re saving for something big, or you just want a little extra beer money.
Regardless of what it’s for, Postmates is a great way for you to make a little extra cash on the side, especially if you love biking.
We looked at how Postmates works, verified information through official Postmates sources, and reviewed dozens of feedback from actual Postmates drivers to know the benefits and the drawbacks.
The last thing you want is to sign up for a side hustle only to find out that you won’t actually enjoy it or you’re not making enough money. Keep reading until the end to find the right strategy for making the most of Postmates.
What is Postmates?
Postmates is a courier service that allows users to request delivery of anything from restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and more. The app connects users with local couriers, who pick up and deliver the requested items.
The service is convenient for users who need fast delivery of items unavailable through traditional delivery services. In addition, Postmates offers an on-demand delivery service for businesses, which can be used to send documents or packages to customers or employees.
The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Postmates delivers local goods in more than 50 US cities, including:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Chicago
- Austin
In 2020, however, the company was acquired by Uber Technologies, Inc. This means that Postmates has been integrated into Uber Eats’ platform.
Initially, old Postmates drivers only needed to link their Postmates and Uber accounts through the Postmates app. As of August 2021, however, the service was canceled, and those applying to become a Postmates driver needed to do so following the UberEats' delivery partner signup process.
How do you become a Postmates driver?
Being a Postmates driver is a great way to make extra money on your own schedule. You can work as little or as much as you want, and you can choose when and where you work. It allows you to be your own boss and set your own hours.
In addition, you can get discounts on gas, maintenance, and more with the Postmates Fleet program. Plus, you can deliver by bike, car, or scooter.
Again, because Uber acquired Postmates, you can sign up to become a delivery partner online through the Uber Eats delivery partner signup page. The process is relatively simple and involves only a few quick steps.
1. Prepare and review the requirements
If you’ve decided to become a delivery partner, then start by reviewing and preparing the necessary documents. The requirements will vary depending on the mode of transportation you’ll choose to deliver with.
| For deliveries by car | For deliveries by scooter | For deliveries by bicycle or on foot |
|---|---|---|
| At least 19 years old | At least 19 years old | At least 18 years old |
| A 2-door or 4-door car | A motorized scooter under 50cc | A government-issued ID |
| A valid driver’s license in your name | A valid driver’s license in your name | N/A |
Keep in mind that the company will also ask you for your Social Security Number. This will be used for the background screening that Uber will conduct, which you will also have to consent to.
Additionally, if you’re delivering with a scooter, a bicycle, or on foot, make sure you choose either “Delivery by scooter,” or “Delivery by bicycle (or foot)” under the Transportation Method during the signup process.
2. Signup to become a delivery partner
With your requirements prepared, visit the Uber Eats delivery partner signup page. You will have to provide the company with your:
- Full name
- Email address
- Contact number
- Location
- Invite code (optional)
Make sure to review the Terms of Use and the Privacy Notice before you proceed. Once done, you can click on “Next,” and you’ll be taken to a page where you can upload your documents and agree to a background check.
You will also have to fill in some information about your vehicle and upload your photo.
3. Prepare for delivery
After passing the background screening (which usually takes around 3 to 10 working days), you can proceed to download the Driver app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
This is where you’ll be able to see any delivery opportunities that may be available to you. However, before you start delivering, ensure you have all the necessary gear.
Uber has a list of recommended gear depending on the type of vehicle or mode of transportation you’ll be using. These include:
| For delivery people on 2 wheels | For delivery people on 4 wheels |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Insulated delivery bag |
| Insulated delivery bag | Phone mount |
| Reflectors or lights | Flashlight |
| Phone mount | Extra drink holders |
| Plastic bags | N/A |
| Flashlight | N/A |
4. Start delivering
Delivering with the Uber Driver App is pretty much straightforward. After opening it, you might want to start by checking for Quests or Opportunities that you can join. These will allow you to earn some extra pay when making deliveries.
Afterward, you can simply proceed to making deliveries by clicking the blue “Go” button. This will prompt the app to look for delivery requests around you. When it finds one, just accept, and make the delivery.
Once you accept an order, the app will also provide you with suggested information and navigation from both the customers and the restaurants to ensure that your deliveries are as smooth as possible.
If you happen to run into any issues, there is also a feature within the app where you can contact Support for assistance. You can also visit the FAQs page for any further questions you might have about delivering with Uber.
How much does Postmates pay?
Postmates pays per delivery, plus any tips you earn. The amount you make depends on the distance of your delivery, the size and weight of the items, and the time it takes to complete the delivery.
In general, you get paid for every completed pickup and drop-off, plus a per-mile rate. In some cities, you will also be given a per-minute rate. You may also be eligible for bonuses and promotions throughout your shift.
In addition to your earnings from deliveries, you'll also keep 100% of any tips you receive from customers.
On average, a Postmates delivery driver earns about $30/hour as stated in Glassdoor. However, earnings can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the number of delivery requests available.
During busy times, you could easily make more than $30 per hour. And during slow times, your earnings may drop below $10 per hour.
Ultimately, how much you make as a Postmates biker will depend on various factors – but if you're willing to work hard, you can easily earn a decent wage.
How does Postmates pay you?
Postmates pays weekly through direct deposit. You can also cash out your earnings instantly for a small fee.
To receive payments, you'll need to add a bank account or debit card to your account. Once you've done that, you can choose how you want to be paid.
What are the advantages of doing deliveries on your bike?
Couriers can use various methods to make their deliveries, including walking, biking, and driving. While all methods have their advantages, biking offers several unique benefits.
ADVANTAGES
- It is more eco-friendly than driving, which helps to reduce pollution and save resources.
- It is often faster than walking, especially if the delivery is in a dense urban area.
- Biking provides couriers with some much-needed exercise, which can help to improve their overall health.
What are the challenges?
Delivery partners will, of course, face certain challenges. Some of these are:
CHALLENGES
- Deliveries on your bike can limit the amount of stuff you can carry. This can be frustrating if you have a lot of orders to deliver or if the items you need to deliver are large or heavy.
- You are often competing with cars for space on the road, which can make it difficult to get around quickly and safely.
- Weather conditions can also be a challenge, as snow and rain can make it difficult to ride your bike and keep your cargo dry.
What are the common Postmates courier expenses?
There are a few common expenses that you may incur as a Postmates courier.
First, you will need to have a reliable bike. A good quality bike can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, although you may be able to find a used bike for less.
You will also need to pay for bike maintenance, including tune-ups, repairs, and new parts. Additionally, you'll need to buy a helmet and other safety gear for your bike, as well as insurance.
In addition, you may also want to consider investing in a GPS system or phone app to help you make deliveries more efficiently.
How do you make the most of your Postmates delivery experience?
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Postmates delivery experience and earn a good income:
1. Familiarize yourself with your delivery area – This will help you make deliveries more efficiently and can also help you avoid getting lost.
2. Ask for help – Enlist the help of a friend or family member if you need to make a large delivery. This will help you get the delivery done quickly and can also be helpful if you need someone to watch your bike while you make the delivery.
3. Exercise caution – Be aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure safe and efficient delivery. This includes being aware of traffic, obstacles, and weather conditions.
4. Be nice to your customers – Be courteous and take care of their belongings. Customers will appreciate your efforts and are more likely to tip well if they had a positive experience.
5. Work on peak hours – Be available during peak hours. You can make the most money by delivering during busy times, such as lunch and dinner.
6.Secure your bike – Always lock up your bike when you're not using it to prevent theft.
7. Invest in waterproofing – Keep your cargo dry. If you're carrying food or other items that need to stay dry, invest in some waterproof panniers or bags.
8. Have some cash on hand – Some customers may prefer to tip in cash, so it's helpful to have some change on hand.
What are the alternatives to Postmates?
While Postmates is a popular delivery service, there are other alternatives available:
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a delivery service that allows you to make deliveries for Amazon, so you can be sure that you're delivering items that people actually want. It also has a set schedule, allowing you to plan your deliveries in advance and know exactly when you'll be working.
Amazon Flex pays fairly well, with most drivers earning around $18-25 per hour. This is slightly lower than the $30 per hour average of Postmates delivery partners.
Like Postmates, however, your earnings can significantly vary depending on the time and day that you’re working, the number of deliveries you can complete, and the city you’re working in.
DoorDash
DoorDash is another popular delivery service that offers food, grocery, and alcohol delivery.
Founded in 2013, DoorDash is available in over 600 cities across the United States and Canada. The company partners with over 110,000 restaurants, including McDonald's, Chipotle, and Starbucks.
Estimates show that Uber Eats or Postmates delivery partners earn slightly more than DoorDash delivery drivers. However, the two generally share the same benefits.
Both platforms allow drivers to take control of their own time. Drivers on both platforms can also keep 100% of any tips that they get from customers.
DoorDash has a stricter signup process, however, as they require their drivers to have clean driving records. As a driver, however, you can instantly see the base pay you’ll get per delivery, which will range from about $2 to $10 (a feature that Uber Eats or Postmates does not have).
On Postmates and Uber Eats, on the other hand, you have the chance to earn extra, especially during boost promotions and surge hours that can increase your rate significantly.
Conclusion: Is Postmates worth it?
Postmates is a great delivery service for bike owners who are looking for an opportunity to earn a good income. The pay is competitive, and there are many opportunities to make deliveries.
However, there are also some challenges that you may face, such as competition from other delivery services and bad weather conditions. If you’re willing to overcome these challenges, then Postmates can be a great way to earn money.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
