Amazon Flex: Drivers Give the Inside Scoop on What to Expect
Everyone needs some extra cash now and then. If you’re searching for a new side hustle, Amazon Flex’s delivery program makes it easy for part-time workers to create their own schedule and work whenever it’s convenient for them.
Amazon Flex delivery program allows drivers to find Amazon delivery opportunities in their region. Compared to other delivery apps, Amazon Flex offers more reliable payments, with most drivers earning $18–25/hour. Amazon Flex drivers make their own schedules and deliver packages, groceries, and store orders.
In this article, we’ll look at how Amazon Flex works, how much it pays, and whether driving for Amazon Flex is worth it.
Amazon employs drivers to deliver packages through the Amazon Flex program. This allows the drivers to use their own vehicles to deliver packages. ^CD
— Amazon Help (@AmazonHelp) December 19, 2019
What Is Amazon Flex?
With Amazon Flex, local drivers can earn money by delivering Amazon packages, store orders, and other packages to customers in their region. Although Amazon Flex only offers part-time opportunities, it’s a great way to earn extra cash on the side, whether you’re a student or a full-time worker.
Amazon Flex is similar to other delivery apps, allowing drivers to earn money by delivering packages to Amazon customers in their region.
When you choose a delivery block with Amazon Flex, you’ll be responsible for the “last-mile” delivery, meaning you’ll help Amazon complete the delivery process by transporting packages from regional centers to customers.
Amazon also offers other types of delivery opportunities, including Amazon Fresh deliveries and store orders.
Amazon Flex is currently available in over 50 cities across the United States. However, limited spots are available for delivery drivers.
To see whether you qualify for a position with Amazon Flex, you’ll need to download the app.
How Does Amazon Flex Work?
After setting up your driver account and completing training on the Amazon Flex app, you’ll be able to search for delivery opportunities in your area.
To reserve a scheduling block, all you need to do is open the app and choose which opportunities are most convenient for you.
With every delivery block, you’ll be able to view your expected earnings and how long it’ll take you to complete the block.
When it’s time for your delivery block, use the Amazon Flex app to navigate to each delivery location and deliver the package that corresponds to the address.
While you’re completing deliveries, you can change your status to “Available” in the app to qualify for instant delivery offers.
As an Amazon Flex driver, you can expect to make multiple types of deliveries, including:
- Amazon deliveries, where you’ll pick up packages from an Amazon delivery station and deliver them directly to customers
- Prime Now and Amazon Fresh deliveries, where you’ll pick up groceries from a delivery station and deliver them directly to customers
- Store orders, where you’ll pick up orders from local stores and deliver them directly to customers
- Instant offers, which are deliveries available near your current location
After completing your deliveries, you’ll get paid. Amazon Flex pays drivers via direct deposit twice a week on Tuesday and Friday, so you’ll be paid for any delivery blocks completed in the previous pay period.
If you complete any deliveries that are eligible for tips, Amazon Flex will send the payment after processing your tips (typically within 1–2 days of delivery).
Drivers can also track their earnings and payments in the Amazon Flex app under the “Earnings” section.
How to Apply For Amazon Flex
To apply for Amazon Flex, you’ll need to meet the company’s requirements, pass their screening questions, and undergo a background check.
The requirements for becoming a delivery partner with Amazon Flex are as follows:
- You must live in an eligible city. To see if you qualify, download the Amazon Flex app or search through the list of recruiting cities on the Amazon flex website.
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a social security number.
- You must have a mid-sized vehicle or larger, as most deliveries require a four-door, mid-sized sedan or larger vehicle.
- You must have an Android or iPhone. If you have Android, click here to view the additional requirements.
To become an Amazon Flex driver, you’ll need to follow additional steps if you have an Android.
“The Amazon Flex app is not in any app store for Android users,” according to Ryan S., an Amazon Flex driver from Omaha, Nebraska. “You have to download it from the Amazon Flex website to run the app on an Android phone.”
If you pass the driver requirements, you can apply for Amazon Flex. Here’s how to start the application process.
- Download the Amazon Flex app. After downloading the app, create an account with Amazon. Alternatively, if you already have an Amazon account, sign in.
- Allow the Amazon Flex app to access your camera, location services, and phone state permissions.
- Click “Get Started” to answer screening questions about your vehicle, location, and availability.
If your city is currently recruiting delivery drivers, you’ll be able to upload any required documents, payment information, and tax information after passing the screening questions.
Hello! Thank you for reaching out! There is an option to join the wait list, so we can notify you when we are adding new delivery partners in this area. You can find more information on Amazon Flex here: https://t.co/mmtE88fHXb. ^HB
— Amazon Help (@AmazonHelp) May 25, 2019
Amazon Flex Waiting List
If your city is not currently accepting new delivery partners, Amazon Flex will ask you to join a waitlist, which will notify you when new opportunities are available in your region. Unfortunately, it is not possible to skip the waiting list.
If you sign up for the waiting list, be sure to check your email regularly to determine if you’ve been accepted.
While some Amazon Flex drivers are accepted within a few days, others remain on the waitlist for months, depending on driver availability in the specific region.
How Much Does Amazon Flex Pay?
According to the Amazon Flex website, most Flex drivers earn between $18 and $25 an hour. However, your total earnings will depend on your location, tips, how long it takes to complete deliveries, the time of day, and other factors.
Amazon Flex pays drivers in hourly blocks, meaning you’ll know how long each block lasts and how much you can earn when choosing blocks for your schedule.
With Amazon Flex’s scheduling system, drivers can schedule blocks in advance and make the most of their time on the road.
If you’re looking to complement your full-time career, Amazon Flex offers a flexible way to supplement your income.
Unlike other delivery jobs, most Amazon Flex drivers earn more than minimum wage, even after covering the costs of gas and normal wear and tear.
If you’re thinking about working for Amazon Flex, it’s important to remember that you’ll be considered an independent contractor.
In other words, you’ll be responsible for covering all job-related expenses, including self-employment taxes.
What Is It Like to Be an Amazon Flex Driver?
Amazon Flex offers flexible scheduling options and minimal customer interaction. With other delivery apps, income can be sporadic, making it more difficult to rely on the app as an extra source of income.
With that said, you’ll need to plan ahead to succeed as an Amazon Flex delivery partner.
If you don’t search for delivery blocks before your next available shift, you might not be able to find any delivery opportunities.
To fill up your shift, you’ll have to keep checking the app for a “Next Day Shift” to reserve delivery blocks before other drivers.
In addition, many drivers have trouble accessing residential buildings and apartment complexes, and it can be challenging to find a safe place to leave the delivery when nobody is around.
“When it comes to apartment deliveries, I try to find the leasing office, ask for a map and find out what the building’s package policy is,” according to Robert T., an Amazon Flex driver from Atlanta, Georgia.
Robert also adds, “Especially for non-luxury communities, it can be hard to find a safe place to leave packages when there’s nobody around.”
Meanwhile, other Amazon Flex drivers noted that delivery time blocks are not reasonable for completing every delivery.
“My first delivery block was listed as a three-hour block, but it ended up taking over five hours to complete,” says Matthew E., an Amazon Flex driver from Chicago, Illinois. “The delivery took so long due to traffic and poor navigation on the Flex app.”
Conclusion
Delivering for Amazon Flex definitely has its challenges. However, it stands out as a viable option for those who want to take part in the gig economy.
With Amazon Flex, you can create your own schedule and work at your convenience to supplement your income. If you’re interested in applying for Amazon Flex, you can check out their website to get started.
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