Food Delivery

Food delivery is the fastest way I know to start earning on the side. You pick up orders from restaurants and drop them off at customers' doors, on your own schedule. I delivered around the Chicago suburbs with DoorDash and Uber Eats, and this is what I'd tell a friend who's thinking about starting.

Why start with food delivery

  • Quick to start. Once you're approved, you can take your first order right away.
  • Flexible. Work a lunch rush, a few evenings, or weekends only.
  • You keep your tips. On the major apps, customer tips go to the driver.

The tradeoff: you're trading time for money, and your car does a lot of work. What you earn depends on your market, the time of day, and which orders you accept.

Which apps to try

DoorDash and Uber Eats are the two I've driven for, and they're the biggest in most areas. Grubhub is another option. Many drivers sign up for more than one app so they can stay busy when one is slow. Signing up is free, so there's little downside to getting approved on two.

What you typically need

  • A smartphone
  • A valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a reliable car (some cities also allow bikes or scooters)
  • To pass a background check
  • To meet the app's minimum age

Requirements vary by app and city, so check each app's official sign-up page before you apply.

Gear that makes the job easier

  • Insulated delivery bags. They keep food hot or cold, and some apps require or strongly encourage them. Customers notice when food arrives at the right temperature.
  • A sturdy phone mount. You'll navigate constantly, so hands-free matters for safety.
  • A flashlight. You'll need it to find house numbers and dark walkways at night.
  • A portable power bank. Navigation and the driver app drain a battery quickly.
  • A drink carrier. Spilled drinks cost you ratings.

See the exact gear I've used since 2019 →

How to protect what you earn

  • Check the payout against the miles before you accept. A low-paying order across town can cost you more in gas and time than it's worth. You're not required to accept every order.
  • Track your mileage. Business miles are usually a driver's biggest tax deduction. Use a mileage app or a log, starting on day one.
  • Save for taxes. You're an independent contractor, so no taxes are withheld from your pay.
  • Check your car insurance. Many personal policies don't cover delivery work without added coverage.

Is food delivery right for you?

Good fit if: you need money coming in soon, you have a reliable car, and you like being on the move.

Maybe not if: your car is unreliable or expensive to run, or you'd rather build something that grows over time. In that case, look at reselling.

Keep going

This is general information, not tax, legal, or insurance advice.