The Top 5 Food Delivery Services to Try in 2024

by John ThompsonNovember 12, 20245 minutes read

If you're looking to earn extra income with a flexible schedule, food and grocery delivery services are among the best opportunities in 2024. According to market research, the global food delivery industry was valued at approximately $150 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of over 10% through 2027. This growth is fueled by the rise of online ordering, increased consumer demand for convenience, and the flexibility of remote work lifestyles, all of which create a strong market for delivery drivers.

Whether you're interested in delivering meals, groceries, or retail items, there are plenty of opportunities to maximize your income through peak-time incentives and tips for great service. Explore the top options to find a delivery job that aligns with your lifestyle, provides diverse work experiences, and rewards your efforts with competitive pay.

DoorDash

DoorDash is one of the largest food delivery services platforms in North America, providing couriers with ample earning opportunities due to its high order volume. Earnings are primarily made up of base pay, tips, and platform bonuses. DoorDash offers additional rewards, known as “Peak Pay,” during peak times or adverse weather, allowing couriers to earn more in these periods. The platform is also highly flexible, allowing couriers to set their own work hours and select delivery areas. With the “Dash Now” feature, couriers can accept orders at any time without prior scheduling, making it a great option for those seeking part-time work. Moreover, DoorDash's large user base ensures that couriers rarely run out of orders, which is one of the main reasons it’s so popular.

Pros:

●High order volume and flexibility, allowing couriers to set their own schedules—ideal for part-time work.

●Peak Pay incentives boost income, especially during peak hours or bad weather.

Cons:

●High competition, especially in busy areas, may require couriers to compete for orders.

●Base pay is relatively low in some areas, making earnings dependent on tips and bonuses.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is globally recognized and has a massive user base, making it ideal for couriers seeking a steady flow of orders. Uber Eats earnings include base delivery fees, tips, and occasional bonuses. The app recommends optimal order times and locations based on demand, helping couriers maximize their earnings. Additionally, Uber Eats frequently offers couriers benefits, such as discounts on other Uber services. For those who want to work full-time or regularly part-time, Uber Eats offers a stable income with broad geographic coverage.

Pros:

●High brand recognition, large user base, and wide coverage ensure a steady flow of orders.

●The platform suggests optimal times and locations to help maximize earnings.

●Access to benefits for other Uber services.

Cons:

●Order demand can be concentrated in specific time slots, leading to lower income during off-peak hours.

●Higher service fees are deducted, affecting some orders' tips or bonuses.

Grubhub

Grubhub has a strong presence in many major cities, offering couriers a steady stream of orders. Couriers earn through base pay, tips, and occasional special bonuses. Grubhub’s app provides detailed income records and performance analytics, allowing couriers to clearly understand their earnings and productivity. Grubhub also periodically offers incentives, especially during high-demand times, to boost earnings. Its stability and thorough management make it appealing for couriers who value income transparency and data tracking. For couriers in large cities, Grubhub offers a stable order volume.

Pros:

●High market share in major cities, stable order volume, and transparent income.

●Income records and data analysis help couriers manage their earnings.

●High-demand bonuses are appealing.

Cons:

●Lower order volumes in some areas limit work opportunities.

●Requires scheduling in advance, which is more suitable for those with a fixed schedule.

Instacart

Instacart is primarily a grocery delivery platform, offering a different experience from traditional food delivery services. Couriers can choose to shop for groceries in-store and deliver them to the customer’s home. Earnings consist of base pay, tips, and special time-based incentives, making it a great option for those who don’t mind the time spent shopping and delivering groceries. Instacart’s workflow is comprehensive, involving selecting the right items in-store and ensuring they are correctly delivered, which appeals to families who value attention to detail. As a result, Instacart suits couriers who want to expand into grocery delivery and enjoy more interaction with customers.

Pros:

●Provides grocery delivery, unlike typical food delivery, offering diverse earning options.

●Primarily serves families, where quality service can lead to higher tips.

●Ideal for couriers seeking variety in delivery work.

Cons:

●Shopping and quality-checking take longer, raising time costs.

●Order volume is lower than food delivery services platforms, with limited demand in smaller markets.

Postmates

Postmates offers a variety of delivery services, including not only food delivery but also groceries, packages, and retail products, giving couriers broader options for work. Earnings consist of base delivery pay, tips, and time-based incentives, with higher payouts during peak hours and at night. After merging with Uber Eats in 2020, Postmates now allows couriers to receive orders from a larger pool through a single platform, ideal for those who want to access multiple types of orders. For couriers looking for flexibility and varied income streams, Postmates is a solid choice.

Pros:

●Diverse order types, covering food, groceries, retail, and more.

●Order sources expanded due to the merger with Uber Eats.

●Great for couriers who prefer varied orders and multiple income streams.

Cons:

●Managing time with diverse order types can be challenging, with income differences depending on order type.

●Limited order volume in smaller cities, with peak hour income being notably higher.