Amazon Flex Review: How Much Money Can You Make?

By Todd Kunsman

Make Money

Published on

Updated on

For most people looking to make extra money, it will require a job that offers a flexible schedule but also can pay decently too.

When you find that perfect combo, it’s generally an interesting option to consider! 

And if you don’t mind driving, then one solid way to make money is to sign-up with Amazon Flex.

By being a Flex driver, you can work when you want based on your availability and get decent pay to drive and deliver packages.

And you don’t have to deal with people, as everything is done through the app.

Sound interesting?

Below in this Amazon Flex review you’ll learn what you need to know about the program and get the important information you need to help you decide if this is the right gig for you.

What Is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is a work opportunity that allows drivers to make money delivering packages to customers in the city. As a driver, you help transport items from the Amazon warehouses to people in their homes.

It’s a similar program to Uber and Lyft, but instead of people, you’re delivering parcels. Through the app, you get to set your own schedules and follow the instructions on the Flex app to help you deliver packages safely to their destination. 

So what might you be delivering?

Well Drivers for Amazon Flex will deliver items from Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Prime Now.

So you can end up delivering random items from groceries, gifts, and anything else that someone might order from Amazon.

Now to drive for Amazon Flex, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have valid driver’s license and insurance
  • Have a qualifying vehicle (I’ll get into that more below)

What You Need to Get Started 

When signing up to Amazon Flex, there are a few things you’ll need to get started.

The first requirement is to have a four-door car. The bigger your car, the more deliveries you can complete and the more you’ll make. If you’re just doing Amazon Prime or Amazon Fresh, a normal but reliable car that works is also fine.

You should have your driver’s license and insurance information on you at all times, and be at least 21 years old.

You also will need to have a smartphone in order to scan bar codes and use the Flex app. A reliable service provider, GPS, and a good working cell phone camera is also ideal.

Finally, you will need to complete some background checks so they can check your driving history as well as your criminal record is clean. 

Note: It is important to note that Amazon Flex only operates in select U.S. cities currently but is continuing to expand. If you live in or near one of these 35+ cities and meet the rest of the requirements, you’ll be good to sign-up.

How To Register With Amazon Flex

It’s very easy to register with Amazon Flex: you just need to head to the website or download the app. You then need to answer a few specific questions and fill in some details about your vehicle.

If your city isn’t on the Amazon Flex website, you can add your name to the waiting list so you’re the first to know when they come to your area.

Once you’re registered and have passed all the checks, you’ll be able to get started and deliver some packages!

How to Get Started Delivering Packages

Amazon Flex App

Getting started is easy and there is really only two main steps.

Step 1:

After you’ve downloaded the app, set up your account, and you meet all the initial requirements — you can look for the latest delivery opportunities that fit your schedule.

And with each offer, you’ll see your estimated earnings and how long your block is likely to take to complete.

You can also get instant offers by marking yourself as available in the app.

Step 2:

When it’s the time and day of your scheduled block, you’ll be given the Amazon location to pick up the packages for delivery.

The day of your block you sign-up for, head to your designated Amazon location to pick up your packages.

Then using the Amazon Flex app, you’ll navigate to each destination and deliver the package that corresponds with that address.

How Do Delivery Drivers Get Paid?

Delivery drivers get paid twice per week, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can easily track your upcoming and past payments in the earnings section of the app.

If you’re delivering through Amazon Fresh or Prime Now, you’ll receive a direct deposit once you’ve received your tips — which is another way to earn income.

And remember, since you are an independent contractor, you’ll be the one responsible for filing and paying taxes. So make sure you are setting money aside come tax season.

If you are looking for more information about how to make money and other questions, you can head over to the Amazon Flex FAQ.

Pros and Cons of Amazon Flex

Pros

The main pro of Amazon Flex is that it’s a side hustle that offers a lot of flexibility. You don’t have any direct bosses to deal with and you’ll be able to pick the blocks of hours you work and which days you want to be driving.

You’re also paid a reasonable amount, at $18 to $25 per hour pending the hours and locations of your deliveries.

As a driver, you won’t need to interact with customers or deal with queries from customers, you’ll just need to drive to pickup up packages and deliver them in a timely fashion. The app provides all the information you need and you just need to follow the instructions. 

Cons

The main disadvantages are that, as a driver, you are responsible for paying your own gas, parking fees and maintenance costs.

You also aren’t considered an employee, which means you’ll need to manage your own taxes and you won’t get any benefits.

It’s also true that delivering parcels can be confusing with all the apartment numbers, and apparently, it can be hard to reserve blocks during busy hours. 

Another con of Amazon Flex For is the time to get started can seem lengthy. While the overall sign-up process is simple, there are a few more things you have to complete.

For example, once you sign-up, you are required to watch quite a few educational videos so that you know what to do in various delivery situations. Of course it’s important, but you are not paid for that time and it must be completed before you can get started.

How Much Do You Really Make At Amazon Flex?

The Amazon Flex website says you can earn between $18 and $25 per hour. And that is very enticing if you are looking to make some extra money.

And according to some drivers, you can earn even more than that if you deliver your packages quickly, since Amazon pays you per block, rather than per delivery.

You can also make more money if you have a large car, which means you’ll be able to deliver more and larger packages.

However, I did read some user reviews on other websites to get more scoop of the pay, since that hourly rate does appear too good to be true.

For example, one person realized that they might have signed-up for a 3 hour block to deliver but that just includes the time it will take you to actually make the deliveries.

This does not factor in the the drive time to the geographic location or getting prepped beforehand. Which means you might spend an additional hour or two than what you are paid for — so technically this is slashing your hourly rate.

Is Amazon Flex Right for You?

If you are still intrigued after reading this Amazon Flex review, then you may want to give the app and delivery work a try. There is plenty of flexibility with the schedule and might be good if you are looking to make money on the side.

However, it does seems each person will have a different experience and view on the work. But the only way to know if it’s right for you is to give it a try and experience it for yourself!

Amazon Flex Alternatives

After all that, if you realize Amazon Flex is not right for you or it is not available in your town yet, then don’t worry — there are some alternatives you can consider.

There are numerous gig economy apps and delivery app jobs that you can test and try out. Below are a handful of alternatives you might want to try.

DoorDash

DoorDash is similar to Amazon Flex, but instead of delivering parcels you’ll be delivering orders from restaurants. You’ll also be able to choose the hours and areas you want to work beforehand.

Requirements include being at least 18, having a bike or car, using a smartphone and have a driver’s license and Social Security number.

You can earn an average of $12 per hour and can get paid the minute the money hits your account. Sign-up to be a DoorDash driver.

Postmates

Postmates is another side hustle delivery site that requires drivers delivering parcels within the hour.

With Postmates, you’ll also be delivering groceries, alcohol and office supplies. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving license. Sign-up to be a driver for Postmates here.

Instacart

With Instacart, you’ll be delivering groceries to people who order online. Since the app operates in hundreds of cities across the US, you can sign up pretty much wherever you are and get started immediately.

As an Instacart driver, you’ll also need to buy the groceries yourself before delivering them to your customer. Requirements include being 18 and being able to lift around 50 pounds.

You can earn around $20 per hour of grocery shopping but you get to keep all your tips. Learn more and sign-up for Instacart here.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is all about random gigs: as a Tasker, your gig could be helping someone assemble furniture, carrying an item from one place to another, delivering food, installing shelves and more.

The app publishes a wider range of tasks, which means you can easily do TaskRabbit work while doing other gigs.

You’ll also be responsible for your own taxes and insurance as an independent contractor. You must be 18, have a smartphone and a valid checking account. Learn more and sign-up for TaskRabbit.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is an app where drivers make money delivering food. With locations in over 500 cities, you can quickly sign up and get started.

You do need to pass a background check and have a reasonably modern vehicle. You’ll earn around $15 per hour, and you get to keep the tips.

With Uber Eats, you won’t need to enter people’s homes; you can simply leave the food at their door. Learn more and sign-up for Uber Eats.


Amazon Flex

7.8

7.8/10

  • Flexible Schedule
  • Potential to Earn Good Money
  • No Dealing With People

  • Gas, Parking, Maintenance Not Covered
  • Getting Started Can Take Time
  • You Have To Manage Your Taxes
  • Only In Select Cities Currently
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