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DoorDash vs Uber Eats vs Instacart: The Best Delivery App for Beginners
Delivery apps are the easiest way to start driving for money. Here's how the big three compare, and which one to download first.
Delivery is the lowest-barrier driving work there is. No passengers, almost any car, and many apps hire at 18. The catch is that pay per order swings a lot, so choosing the right app for your area matters.
DoorDash
The largest US delivery platform, so it usually has the most orders. You can choose to be paid per offer or by active time in most markets, and "Dash Now" lets you start almost any time. Age 18+.
Uber Eats
Similar food orders, plus the option to switch to rides if you qualify for both. Two-door and older cars are allowed for delivery. You need to be 19+ with a year of driving history to deliver by car.
Instacart
You shop for groceries and deliver them. Orders take longer, but large orders often come with bigger tips. Expect to carry heavy bags and cases of water.
Which to start with
- City or busy suburb: DoorDash first, Uber Eats second.
- Small town: Walmart's Spark Driver often has more orders than restaurant apps.
- Want a guaranteed floor: Gopuff pays an hourly minimum during scheduled blocks in many cities.
The one rule that protects your pay
Look at dollars per mile before you accept. Many experienced drivers decline offers under about $1.50 to $2 per mile, because long, cheap trips cost more in gas and wear than they pay.
What you need on day one
- A phone mount and car charger
- An insulated bag (some apps send one; others require you to buy one)
- A mileage tracker running in the background
- A rideshare or delivery endorsement on your auto insurance
How pay is calculated
Most apps combine a base payment from the platform with the customer's tip. The offer screen shows a guaranteed amount, and on many apps the full tip is included in that number. Some apps pay extra during busy times through "peak pay" or "boosts."
Parking and pickup tips
- Learn which restaurants are slow to prepare orders and avoid them at dinner rush.
- Park legally. A parking ticket wipes out several orders' worth of profit.
- Take a photo at drop-off to protect yourself from "not received" complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run DoorDash and Uber Eats together? Yes. Many drivers do. Pause one when you have a hot order from the other so food doesn't sit.
Do I need a newer car? No. Most delivery apps accept older and two-door cars.
How fast can I start? Often within a week, once your background check clears.
Bottom line
DoorDash is the best first download in most places. Add a second app within the first month so you always have an order to choose from.
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