Introduction
If you are looking to make a little extra on the side, Postmates could be a good option for you. It is not too complicated to get hired, and the pay is good for delivery drivers. Another advantage is that you get hired as an independent contractor, so your working hours are flexible and on your schedule. Postmates drivers can earn up to $25 per hour. The average salary for Postmates drivers is around $13. This does not include tips and bonuses, so you could make more money than the mean. Earnings also vary from city to city, so you might earn more in more urban areas.
Postmates Payment System
The Postmates payment system incorporates a few factors that determine how the drivers are paid. The total amount drivers make is calculated as follows:
- Pick-up rates: There is a set amount for every pick-up the driver completes.
- Drop-off rates: The drivers get a set rate for every completed delivery.
- Wait Time rate: Drivers also get a rate per minute spent at the pick-up location.
- DIstance rates: This is the amount made for the distance between the pick-up location and where the order is dropped off. There is a set amount for the distance rate per mile.
- Tips: Postmates Drivers get 100% of the tips they get from each delivery.
There is also a new batching order system that allows the drivers to rack up and complete more deliveries for more earnings per hour. You get paid way more if you complete a lot of deliveries in a short time.
Bonuses and Incentives
Apart from the set rates, couriers can earn more money from bonuses and incentives. Sometimes, Postmates runs promotions and sends their couriers any new information through SMS or email on ways to earn extra. For example, there might be extra money for drivers who complete deliveries at certain times of the day.
Taxes and Insurance
Because people that work for postmates are independent contractors rather than employees, they will have to handle all their taxes by themselves. Postmates does not pay any of the driver’s Medicare and Social Security taxes.
How To Apply to Postmates
It is easy to apply to be a Postmates delivery driver. You will need to create a courier account with Postmates. The requirements are also very simple:
- Age: You must be at least 18 to be hired. To deliver alcohol, you should be 21 years old or older.
- Vehicle: You must also have access to a vehicle to use for your deliveries. However, you can also apply to make deliveries on foot. The vehicles you can use for Postmates deliveries include a bicycle, truck, car, or scooter.
- Driver’s License: You need to have a valid driver’s license.
- Social Security Number: You are to provide your social security number in the application process.
- Smartphone: You also need a smartphone to work. You will need to use the Postmates app for all your deliveries and activity.
- Work Permit (if necessary): This only applies to people that are not U.S citizens.
You will also need to pass a background check in which Postmates goes through your criminal and driving records. After you pass the background test, you can start working as a Postmate.
How to Earn More Money as a Postmates Courier
There are ways to maximize your profit and make more money as a Postmates delivery agent. You can apply these steps to maximize your earnings as you work.
- Take advantage of peak times: There are times of the day when more customers may need Postmates and there is a surge in the number of orders. If you work during these peak hours, you are going to get more orders.
- Working in more busy areas: You can also try to stay close to more busy places as you are more likely to get orders there. It will also help you respond more quickly to orders and finish deliveries faster, giving you more time to make more deliveries.
- Using Auto Accept: Postmates has a Postmates Fleet App that helps drivers make more. Using auto-accept for orders allows you to get a lot of orders once they are available.
Conclusion
Postmates offers you a good payment system, and you have the opportunity to earn a lot as a courier whether as a primary source of income or as a side hustle. You get good money per hour, and you can also earn more from tips, bonuses, and incentives. This makes it a good self-employment option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get hired by Postmates?
You will need to create a Postmate courier account. When you apply, provide the necessary information. After you complete your application, you can start working as a postmate if you meet all the requirements.
- Do Postmates drivers get a fixed salary?
There is no fixed salary for Postmates couriers. The earnings for drivers vary from city to city. You can also earn from tips, bonuses, and incentives.
