What Makes More Money Uber Eats Or Doordash

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Over the years, the concept of food delivery has expanded beyond pizza and Chinese food thanks to delivery companies like GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash.

Now, people can order meals from their favorite restaurants without having to leave the couch.

Busy individuals are relying on food delivery services to cater their meals.

Considering the variety of meal selections and stress-free ordering process, it comes as no surprise.

Over the last few years, the number of delivery orders has steadily increased, along with the popularity of Uber Eats and DoorDash.

This has led to both delivery apps expanding their coverage areas.

And with each expansion, the demand for delivery drivers jumps.

To help you better understand the restaurant delivery options we created this guide.

It is designed to provide drivers with a detailed look at which food delivery service is better between Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Let's take a look.

Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Signing Up

Naturally, unique apps have different methods for achieving similar goals.

So it comes as no surprise that the process for becoming a food delivery driver for Uber Eats and DoorDash varies in notable ways.

Becoming an Uber Eats Driver

For those seeking to make deliveries via Uber Eats, drivers start by signing up as a Uber Eats driver .

This includes making an Uber account if you do not have one already or logging into the Uber Partner App if you do.

If you already pick up and drop off passengers for Uber, you just need to accept the delivery terms for Uber Eats and delivery requests will start flowing in.

For new drivers, completing the sign-up process usually takes less than 30 minutes.

This estimate varies, it is much quicker if you do not have to hunt down the required documentation like a valid driver's license and insurance.

Uber Eats Driver and Vehicle Requirements

After submitting this information, if you meet the mandatory requirements Uber will send you a notification.

Notable restrictions if you intend on making deliveries via a car or truck include an age requirement of 19 years old or older.

Your vehicle must also have 2 or 4 doors and be made after 1998.

Furthermore, to become an Uber Eats driver, newcomers must maintain local road safety laws.

Although regulations vary from state-to-state, general mandatory rules include:

A valid driver's license
A valid Uber insurance policy (an auto policy that meet's Uber's insurance requirements)
At least one year of driving experience in the United States

Uber Eats Bike or Scooter Requirements

The game changes completely for drivers seeking to make deliveries via a scooter or bike.

For example, Uber scooters can be any make or model as long as they have 2 wheels.

And in case you decided to soup up your scooter to make it run faster, bad news. Uber only permit scooters with a motor of 50cc or less that travel no faster than 30 mph. Bummer right?

As for bikes, the age restriction drops to 18 and requires only a government-issued ID. Be sure to let Uber know you intend to make deliveries via bicycle.

During sign up, choose the 'Biking' option under the transportation method.

Bear in mind, acceptable delivery methods vary by city and state.

Once Uber gives the "all clear" new drivers can navigate to the Uber Partner App and start accepting delivery requests.

Becoming a DoorDash Driver

Since DoorDash is a standalone app, the DoorDash sign up link is the same for all new drivers.

Keep in mind there are regulations set in place to become a DoorDash driver, which vary based on location.

DoorDash Driver and Vehicle Requirements

In most areas, you can become a DoorDash driver if you are at least 18 years of age. There are some locations where the age restriction bumps up to 21.

This is due to the fact that some deliveries involve alcohol.

If you are wondering whether to bother with signing up due to being less than 21 years of age, go ahead and apply.

DoorDash stores all local and state law information in the app so you do not have to do any guesswork in regards to age qualification.

Drivers must be eligible to work in the U.S. and pass a background check.

During the history review, DoorDash examines the last seven years of your driving track record as well as criminal background.

There are a healthy number of violations that can auto fail a candidate. If you have any of the following major violations within the last seven years you may not pass the background check.

DUI
Reckless Driving
Homicide
Assault
Driving On Suspended or Expired License
Failure to Stop or Report

If drivers pass this part of the exam, DoorDash looks at your last three years of driving history.

Those with more than three minor moving violations, such as speeding, may not be able to deliver for DoorDash.

The documentation required varies based on the type of vehicle you want to make deliveries in.

For example, if you deliver in a car or truck, DoorDash requires a valid driver's license and up-to-date insurance.

Another essential item drivers need is a smartphone that can run the app without any issues.

DoorDash Driver Orientation

If you meet all the requirements there is one last hurdle: DoorDash orientation. All drivers, a.k.a. Dashers, must complete an orientation.

Orientation takes place in-person or online, depending on location.

During orientation, new Dashers will receive an overview of the DoorDash delivery system, such as the app itself. Dashers are also required to fill out a W-9 form for tax purposes.

Make sure you come to orientation prepared. Have your license, smartphone, and either a debit or credit card on you.

Once you're done with orientation, there will be an opportunity to grab some DoorDash gear.

If you need to cancel orientation for any reason, do not worry.

DoorDash makes it super easy to reschedule your orientation time and date.

Navigate to the app, click "Already started signing up?" then enter your name and phone number.

You will be redirected to a page that has 'Reschedule Orientation' on it in red.

Need more information on DoorDash? Read our DoorDash FAQs.

Our Take on Becoming a Food Delivery Driver

Although the sign-up processes are very similar, distinct differences are just enough to make one app stand out. We are of course talking about Uber Eats.

Uber Eats is available in more areas making it a bit easier for drivers to start making deliveries.

Additionally, if you are already an Uber driver, signing up for Uber Eats takes minimal effort.

Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Earnings

vector graphic of a confused-looking man wondering about the difference between uber eats vs doordash bags on either side o fhim

Uber Eats Earnings

Each time an Uber Eats driver drops off an order they get paid.

Thanks to 'Instant Pay', drivers can withdraw money immediately after it shows up in your account.

While customers are changed a standard delivery fee (Uber Eats calls this a booking fee), drivers are not paid the same amount for every order.

Uber calculates payment for completed deliveries based on a few conditions.

If you are a rideshare driver, the following fee break-down may already be familiar to you.

Payment For Picking Up Order
Cash for Dropping Off An Order
Distance Travelled x Local Area Rates
Duration of Time it Took to Deliver

Drivers are also able to receive tips. With no regulations on tip amount, drivers can rake in extra cash on top of their normal paycheck.

Thanks to tips, some drivers report making up to $20 per hour.

On top of the earnings made from deliveries, Uber Eats drivers can make a little extra by getting new drivers to sign up with a referral code.

Uber does take a cut of the commission, which is 25% on average.

This percentage is automatically deducted when customers pay for their delivery request.

DoorDash Earnings

The method DoorDash uses to calculate a Dasher's pay varies from state to state.

For example, in some areas, there is a guaranteed minimum per hour. Meaning that if you do not make at least the minimum rate, DoorDash will pay the difference.

In most areas, DoorDash uses a standard model that pays drivers $1 for each trip plus the estimated profits generated for that order.

To make being a Dasher even sweeter, DoorDash only takes a 20% commission on average.

Add to this the fact that drivers keep 100% of the tips they earn and it is easy to see why some drivers report making up to a sweet $25 per hour.

DoorDash also has a referral program and promo codes which allows drivers to bring in a little (or a lot) of extra cash, as long as they avoid these common mistakes.

DoorDash traditionally pays out on a weekly basis, but DoorDash just recently started offering a quicker method.

Dashers can access their funds at any time via 'Instant Pay.'

The withdraw fee is nearly double that of Uber's Instant Pay. However, having access to your funds when you need it most is very important.

At the time of writing this article, only a select number of cities currently offer Fast Pay.

Earnings Breakdown

Both services offer similar pricing structure and payment options.

A delivery person can make more money if they can reduce delivery time, follow delivery instructions perfectly (this helps get a better tip), and handle multiple orders at a time (reducing mileage).

Ultimately, earnings depend on the number of deliveries you make, your tips, and your location.

Taking these factors into consideration, it is difficult to say which app pays drivers better.

That said, DoorDash's reduced commission and guaranteed minimum (in some areas) are definite bonuses.

Uber Eats vs. DoorDash App Comparison

Uber Eats App

Uber Eats makes it possible for drivers to use the same app they use for their rideshare business. This is fantastic if you are already an Uber Partner.

To start making deliveries open the Uber Partner App. Navigate to your Account and select Vehicle Options.

From there, accept the delivery terms and start making deliveries.

That's it!

Feel free to turn the delivery on or off as much as you like.

DoorDash App

The DoorDash app requires a bit more from drivers to get started.

This is understandable considering they are a food delivery service and not a rideshare app.

Nevertheless, after a driver is officially a dasher, they can identify which profitable orders they want to pick up. All orders are not made until a Dasher accepts the delivery.

No pressure, right?

Beyond that, Dashers using an iPhone (iOS) are not able to download the app in the App Store.

Potential Dashers with an iPhone can only download the app via www.doordash.com/dasher/app. Android can download the Dasher app in the Play Store.

Preferred App

For existing Uber drivers, it is very convenient to start delivering for Uber Eats because you do not need to download a new app.

Other than that, both apps serve a similar function very well.

Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Delivery Hours

Uber Eats Hours

Drivers can accept pickups any time of the day.

This makes it very convenient for those seeking a flexible work schedule to fit in additional orders throughout the week.

DoorDash Hours

Since there are only so many peak periods in a day, DoorDash schedules Dashers to ensure drivers are available.

DoorDash recently added the "Dash Now" option. Dash Now makes it easier for drivers to reduce downtime between auto-scheduled deliveries.

In exchange, drivers that opt-in for "Dash Now" receive priority over other drivers when a delivery pops up.

Better Driver Hours

For those who like to have structure, DoorDash's work schedule is a neat feature.

Combining mandatory driver hours with the "Dash Now" option can be pretty lucrative.

Nevertheless, both apps allow drivers to accept orders when they have time to do so and hours are similar due to restaurant hours.

Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Driver Support

Uber Eats Driver Support

In addition to their online support, Uber has actuals office drivers can visit in some cities. These in-person locations are across the nation, usually called Greenlight Hubs.

Contacting support is usually pretty easy, and to make it even easier, there are five total ways to contact Uber driver support.

DoorDash Driver Support

Since DoorDash is smaller than Uber, it can be much easier to get in contact with support via Twitter or the DoorDash page.

Best Customer Support

Both services pride themselves on providing top-notch support for customers and drivers.

The way these companies go about accomplishing support varies based on company size.

For example, with the way Uber is set up, Greenlight Hubs are a bonus for Uber Eats drivers, if there is one nearby.

In contrast, DoorDash focuses on providing the optimal food delivery service.

Due to their singular yet dedicated goal, it may be easier to talk to a real person via social media channels.

Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Availability

Uber Eats City Availability

Across North America, Uber Eats is typically available wherever Uber is offered.

For a full list of cities where Uber Eats is available, check the Uber Eats website.

DoorDash City Availability

DoorDash currently operates in the following locations.

Atlanta
Boston
Charlotte
Chicago
Columbus
Dallas
Ft. Worth
Denver
Houston
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Minneapolis
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Orange County
Phoenix
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
Silicon Valley
SF East Bay
Seattle
Toronto
Vancouver
Washington, D.C.
San Antonio
Nashville

City Availability, Our Take

The clear winner here is Uber Eats thanks to their vast driver network and ability to expand.

Uber Eats vs. DoorDash Summary

Uber wins most of the categories we mentioned due do to their coverage area.

But if you are in an area that is a DoorDash city the service is definitely worth considering.

The sign-up process for both apps is similar and straightforward.

DoorDash's orientation can be a bit of a hassle whereas transitioning from Uber rideshare to Uber Eats is pretty easy.

In areas where DoorDash orders are ample, drivers may make more due to the smaller commission compared to Uber. But if there are no DoorDash orders, Uber Eats is the way to go.

Both Uber Eats and DoorDash are easy to use. The winner in this category was awarded due to the ease of getting started.

As for driver hours, timing is about the same due to restaurant hours. However, Uber Eats has mandatory shifts since making food deliveries is their main line of work.

It's common sense, but it essentially comes down to personal preference.

Bear in mind, Uber Eats is part of an established company and has a larger coverage area. This combination makes them very accessible to drivers.