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How to Make $1,000 a Week With Uber Eats in 2026 (Tips + Hourly Data)

In this blog, we'll explore the strategies and techniques that can show you how to earn $1000 per week as an Uber Eats delivery driver. We'll cover everything from optimizing your delivery zones and schedules to maximizing your tips and customer satisfaction. Whether you're a seasoned Uber Eats driver or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the insights and actionable steps to take your Uber Eats driver earnings to the next level.

Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner can be a lucrative opportunity, especially if you're able to consistently earn $1000 a week. By understanding the platform, optimizing your delivery strategies, and focusing on customer satisfaction, you can maximize your earnings and turn Uber Eats into a reliable source of income.

We’ll cover the following topics to provide coaching and ideas to help you push your earnings up to that $1000 per week level:

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What do Uber Eats drivers do?

Uber Eats drivers deliver prepared food most of the time, but they also might shop for and deliver goods from convenience outlets and grocery stores. The job is pretty simple. You get a request for an order, you drive to the restaurant or store to pick it up, and then you deliver it to the customer. If you already drive for Uber, you can choose to take orders for Uber Eats delivery any time.

If you’re not an Uber Eats driver yet, it’s pretty easy to become one. This Gridwise post tells you what you need to do if you want to sign up and start making money Uber Eats style. Many rideshare drivers welcome the chance to deliver food rather than people. This article from Nerdwallet covers the Uber Eats gig from that angle.

There are some sweet advantages to working with Uber Eats. In lots of cities you don’t even need to have a car. You can use a bike or a scooter, or even walk, to make your rounds. If you do use a car, Uber Eats’ requirements are a lot easier to meet than they are for Uber rideshare driving.

You also have a lot of flexibility. You can shop and deliver convenience items and groceries, but you don’t have to. And, like most driving gigs, you can choose your own hours, and map out the locations where you want to work.

Use Gridwise features When to Drive and Where to Drive to help you figure out what work hours and which specific areas will be the most profitable for you. Real data from real delivery people will show you earning patterns for drivers in your town.

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How much can you earn doing Uber Eats?

The honest answer to this question is: basically, as much as you want! It all depends on how many hours you put in and how strategic you are about your gig. Earnings vary from one area to another, as this article from Entrepreneur points out. To give you a baseline, let’s look at the earnings of Uber Eats drivers who tracked their earnings with Gridwise.

Remember that these numbers show us only average earnings. To make $1,000 a week with Uber Eats, you’re going to have to be better than average, and we’ll show you how. For now, though, it’s good to have these figures so you get a ballpark number of where to start.

How much do Uber Eats drivers make?

Gridwise data tell us the following:

Monthly earnings average around $444.00 per month.
Gross earnings per trip are between $9.00 and $10.00.
Tips make up about 50% of most Uber Eats drivers’ income, which amounts to about $225.00 per month.

Is Uber Eats good money? It can be. While there are other gigs that pay more per trip, if you drive for Uber Eats, you’ll always be pretty busy.

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You can also see that, unlike many other gigs, tips play a huge role in Uber Eats earnings.

With these numbers as a baseline, what can we say about how to earn $1,000 a week with Uber Eats? As we said in the introduction, it’s going to be a hustle, but it’s really possible. To figure out how to make the most money with Uber Eats, let’s start by looking at how many trips these “average” drivers made each month.

We know that average gross earnings were $444.00 per month, and drivers got around $10.00 per trip. That means they took 44 or 45 trips per month, which breaks down to 11 trips per week. That’s not a lot of Uber Eats delivery, is it?

The fact that Uber Eats drivers averaged so few trips shows us that many drivers use more than one app at the same time. This is called multi-apping, and you can learn more about it in this Gridwise post. If you want to answer the question of how much you can make with Uber Eats, then you need to stick with the app and keep plugging away at those orders. You also need solid strategies, as well as some inside tips and tricks.

How to make the most money on Uber Eats: Delivery driving tactics

Getting to that $1,000 a week with Uber Eats isn’t so hard when you remember that the drivers we saw making about $111 a week were only taking around 11 trips in the same time period. That’s not much at all! If you work the Uber Eats app like a boss, you’ll soon have many more trips than that, easily reaching the number needed to get you to $1,000 a week. Now, let’s get to some tactics you’ll need to make that kind of bank.

Stay with the Uber Eats app, and track your earnings. Gridwise can easily do that for you. Simply sync your Uber Eats app with Gridwise, and you’ll be able to see how much you’ve earned with Uber Eats, what times were most profitable, and your average hourly pay. Racking up trips with Uber Eats has other benefits, including perks and bonuses that are awarded to top drivers.

Leverage surge pricing and promotions. Surge pricing is applied when there is a lot of demand. When surge pricing is in effect, many of the trips you make will pay more than usual. Promotions are offered to drivers who complete a given number of trips in a certain time period. High traffic volume days, nights, and times give you these chances to get extra earnings. Challenging yourself to complete the right number of trips for promotions will add to the number of trips you can count on for big bucks, too. Learn more about Uber Eats surge pay, boosts, and promotions in this Gridwise blog post.

Say yes to doubling up on orders. With Uber Eats, you can get back-to-back orders or receive batched orders. Back-to-back orders happen when you receive a new request while you’re on the way to deliver an original order. The Uber Eats app routes these trips automatically, so you won’t be sent out of your way.

Batched orders are Uber Eats’ way of bundling together orders from either the same restaurant, or two nearby eating establishments. You get money—and trip count credit—for all the orders you complete, plus customer tips, without having to make a bunch of separate trips.

Turn on the charm and get bigger tips. Being nice really is part of the Uber Eats driver’s job, and getting tips is one way people who drive for Uber Eats make money beyond their basic pay.. Bring along those extra napkins and condiments, use equipment that keeps food and drinks at the right temperatures and prevents spilling, and consider your customers’ needs. If you deliver groceries, be extra careful with delicate items such as bread and eggs.

And, most important, follow your customers’ directions, and stay in communication with them if you are going to be delayed, or if you have questions about their order. This Gridwise post will tell how to get bigger tips as a delivery driver.

Use even more charm to keep your ratings high. As an Uber Eats driver, you will be rated by the restaurant or store where you pick up the orders as well as the customers who are waiting for the deliveries. This two-way rating system is designed to keep you on your toes, so Uber can keep people satisfied with your service. Don’t worry—you get to rate them, too.

There’s another reason why your rating as a driver is important. It not only keeps you in good standing with Uber; it helps you to qualify for the Uber Eats Pro incentive program. To learn more about Uber Eats Pro, and what it takes to earn perks such as preferred services, discounts, and deals, check out this Gridwise blog post.

Smart business moves that seal the deal

Now that you know how to gobble up the deliveries you need to make $1,000 a week with Uber Eats, it’s going to be a breeze to get there. Let’s make it even easier, with business moves that boost your earnings and shrink your expenses. If you use these, it will also be easy to say yes when people ask, “Can you make good money with Uber Eats?”

Minimize expenses. Avoid racking up big fast-food bills by bringing your own food and beverages. You might not think you’re hungry when you first start your Uber Eats run, but once the aroma of pepperoni pizza, premium cheeseburgers, and piping hot fries start wafting through your car, that might change. Bring a sandwich or other healthy food from home, and buy bottled water in bulk to save tons of cash compared to what it costs to buy single servings.

Maximize tax deductions. Another way to minimize your expenses is to maximize your tax deductions. Start by tracking mileage with Gridwise.

Gridwise App

Gridwise captures every deductible mile you drive, including the distance you cover between the trips your driving app records. Know what expenses you can deduct, and put them to work for you when tax time comes. Learn more about tax deduction strategies in the Gridwise Tax Guide for drivers.

Boost earnings with referrals

As an independent contractor, you’re probably looking for ways to make even more money than you can with Uber Eats. And most gig workers like you enjoy getting passive income. With Uber Eats, there’s a really easy way to do that—referrals!

All you need to do is find friends and encourage them to deliver for Uber Eats. If they make a certain number of deliveries within a specified time, you will get paid for doing nothing more than having them sign up under your referral code! Rates of pay vary by city, so check your Uber Eats app to find out what the current deal might be, and learn more about the referral program on the Uber Eats website.

Also remember: “friends” don’t have to be your best buds. Many delivery people carry cards with a QR code linking to their referral information, so just about anyone you encounter can join Uber Eats and boost your earnings. You could meet a source of passive income at the gas station, on social media, or at your high school reunion. The more you hustle, the more there is to gain, right?

Master the art of self-employment

As an Uber Eats driver, you’re an independent contractor. That means the company isn’t going to withhold your taxes, provide insurance, keep track of your earnings, or tell you about tax deductions. You’ll have to do all these things for yourself.

If you want to maximize your tax advantages, open an official business entity. You can incorporate (create a corporation) or you can work as a limited liability corporation (LLC). You can also work with a DBA (Doing Business As) arrangement, but the corporation or LLC will do a better job of protecting you from liability.

Establishing a corporation or LLC offers better tax advantages than being a sole proprietor. For instance, if you simply collect your earnings into your private account, you’ll be charged self-employment taxes in most states. And paying extra taxes is something we all want to avoid, within legal limits, as much as possible.

Every Uber Eats driver needs to learn about self-employment, and there are some great resources you can review. Check out the CareerOneStop website about self employment which will help explain the basics. You can also check with a professional tax accountant, or look other websites to learn more about actually creating a business.

Scope out your market

Look at the area around you to see where you’re likely to get the most deliveries. Where are all the restaurants? Where might people be more inclined to order deliveries? What hours do you want to drive? What activities might be going on around those times? Think about late-night and after-school times as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner times.

Be realistic about the potential for your area and aware of new services opening up. For example, in New York, there is already a tab on the Uber Eats app that allows customers to order groceries. In our article about the best food delivery service to work for you’ll see that Uber Eats stacks up well against other delivery companies, mainly because of its potential for expanded opportunities for drivers to earn.

So, is Uber Eats good money? As we said, it isn’t an automatic guarantee that everyone will make $1,000 a week with Uber Eats. Trying out the suggestions we give you here, though, should put you on the right track! Go out there and start stacking up those orders and raking in some impressive earnings!

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Get more inside information on Uber Eats in these posts from the Gridwise blog:

The delivery driver guide: Using the Uber Eats app
Everything you need to know about driving for Uber Eats
Uber Eats Pro: What drivers need to know
Looking for a different gig, part-time or full time job? Check out the Gridwise Job board.

Uber Eats FAQ

How does the Uber Eats platform work for drivers?

Uber Eats is a food delivery service that connects customers with local restaurants and independent delivery partners. As an Uber Eats driver, you'll receive notifications of nearby delivery requests, which you can accept and complete. The platform provides flexibility, allowing you to work on your own schedule and earn money based on the number of deliveries you complete.

What are the requirements to become an Uber Eats delivery partner?

To become an Uber Eats delivery partner, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid driver's license, a registered vehicle, and passing a background check.

How can I choose the right delivery zone to maximize my earnings?

Selecting the right delivery zone can significantly impact your earnings, as some areas may have higher demand and better-paying orders. It's important to research and identify the zones in your area that tend to have the most consistent and lucrative delivery opportunities.

How can I take advantage of peak delivery hours and surge pricing?

Understanding peak delivery hours, such as mealtimes and weekends, and taking advantage of surge pricing can boost your earnings. Be aware of when demand is highest in your area and adjust your schedule accordingly to capitalize on these peak periods.

What are some tips for maximizing tips and customer satisfaction?

Providing excellent customer service and going the extra mile to ensure a positive experience can lead to more tips and repeat business. Prioritize communication, timeliness, and attention to detail to keep your customers happy and satisfied.

How can I set realistic weekly goals to reach my $1000 target?

To make $1000 a week with Uber Eats, it's essential to set realistic weekly goals and track your earnings and expenses. Start by determining your target earnings and breaking it down into achievable daily or weekly goals. This will help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

What are some strategies for efficient route planning and navigation?

Effective route planning and navigation can save you time and fuel, allowing you to complete more deliveries. Utilize mapping apps and take advantage of features like real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions to find the quickest routes.

How can I balance my Uber Eats deliveries with other commitments?

Develop a schedule that allows you to capitalize on peak delivery hours while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Consider using tools like calendar apps to plan your availability and track your hours to ensure you're maximizing your earning potential without sacrificing your personal life.

What are the key considerations for maintaining my vehicle as an Uber Eats driver?

Keeping your car clean and well-maintained is crucial for maximizing your Uber Eats earnings. Regularly scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, and other preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle and minimize downtime. Additionally, budgeting for vehicle-related expenses, such as fuel, insurance, and repairs, will ensure you're accounting for these costs and maximizing your net earnings.

What are the tax obligations and legal considerations for Uber Eats drivers?

As an Uber Eats delivery driver, it's essential to understand the tax obligations and legal considerations that come with being an independent contractor. This includes properly reporting your earnings, deducting eligible business expenses, and making quarterly estimated tax payments. Additionally, you'll need to ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage, such as personal auto insurance and possibly commercial auto insurance, to protect yourself and your vehicle while on the road making deliveries.

The Gridwise Job Board: Find Your Ideal Job or Gig Work

Gridwise is an essential assistant app created by gig workers for gig workers. Our mission is to support those engaged in gig work in every way possible. We understand how challenging it can be to deal with income instability, a lack of benefits, and job insecurity that often comes with gig work. The Gridwise app tracks and organizes earnings and expenses, and offers a wide array of discounts, deals, and services that make the lives of independent contractors easier and more rewarding.

We firmly believe it’s possible to make a viable living and create a gig experience that offers flexible hours, variety, and excitement. With issues such as consistent earnings and job security in mind, Gridwise is proud to offer a centralized platform that shows you how to find gig work and secure reliable opportunities. We’re proud to introduce the Gridwise Job Board.

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The Gridwise Job Board: Key features

Because Gridwise is dedicated to serving the gig worker community, we’ve filled the Gridwise Job Board with useful features that won’t waste your precious time.

Comprehensive listings. Find part-time, full-time, temporary, and per-task work. Drive or deliver with your vehicle, utilize an employer’s vehicle, or even find non-driving gig work.
User-friendly interface. Find the jobs that are right for you with a tap of your screen.
Verified opportunities. We vet the jobs before they are listed to ensure you’re getting high-quality job postings.

How to get more gig work, seasonal, part-time or full-time jobs with the Gridwise Job Board

Looking specifically for “gig work apps” or “gig jobs near me?” You’re in luck. Our filters and search functions send you directly to the listings you seek.

Here’s how it works.

Access the Job Board via the Gridwise website.
Search for jobs by type, location, and more.
Select the job that interests you, and read all about it.
Scroll through the description, and if it appeals to you, click “Apply for job.”

Many types of jobs are available. Adjust the search filter to see the full variety of opportunities that will let you cash in. Deliver food, set up catering, do rideshare driving, get paid for doing package delivery, and much more. You’ll find short-term gigs, long-term contracts, and part-time positions.

Perks of the Gridwise Job Board for gig workers

Gig workers who know how to make extra money will appreciate how the Gridwise Job Board lets you multiply your chances of bringing in big earnings. Here’s how:

Increased stability. Use the Gridwise Job Board to find part-time or permanent jobs in addition to the part-time gigs you already have. Always keep a steady stream of earning opportunities flowing toward you.
Flexibility and autonomy. Choose jobs that fit your schedule, work around other jobs and family duties, and still leave room for some fun in your life. Discover side hustles to supplement your full-time job, permanently or just for the season.
Skill development. Find part-time work that lets you use a skill you already have, or try your hand at something new. It’s a smart way to develop a portfolio to showcase what you can do, or even to find permanent employment.

Get Gridwise and stay up to date on the Gridwise Job Board

Gig workers need plenty of information and assistance, and Gridwise is here to give it to you. Download the app and get essential features such as

seamless earnings tracking
mileage tracking
expense recording, including notes
low-cost and no-cost insurance benefits
access to affordable medical, dental, vision, mental health, and alternative care
professional services including legal and financial help
deals and discounts
weather, events, and traffic reports
inside information on where and when to drive

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More to know about gig work:

5 Best Mileage Trackers For Gig Drivers

Many drivers ask, “Do I really need a mileage tracking app?” The answer is simple: only if you want to have an accurate count of all the miles you can legally deduct from your taxable income! You might think your rideshare or delivery driving app has got you covered. After all, they do quite a good job of logging the miles you drive while you’re on a trip or delivery. But, if you want to have the best app to track mileage for Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Instacart, or the other apps you may use, you need more. Why is that?

Without a separate tracker, you’re missing the miles you drive in between pings. Did you realize that all the miles you drive, from the moment you begin your shift until it’s over (as long as you don’t drive several miles on a break to hang with your friends), are tax deductible! That means you need something besides your driving app to keep an accurate count of your travels. Read this Gridwise post to see how important it is to keep track of every deductible mile.

You won’t be surprised to hear that there’s an app for tracking miles. In fact, there are several of them. Here, we’re going to tell you about five top mileage tracking apps, and help you figure out which one is best for you.

Before we get to the list and identify the best mileage tracker app, let’s clarify what exactly a mileage tracking app is. According to G2.com’s technology glossary, mileage tracking is done for the purpose of keeping a log of mileage that is either reimbursable or tax deductible.

And yes, of course you can track your miles simply by taking readings on your odometer. But are you really prepared to account for how many miles you drove for personal reasons and subtract them from the total to get your business mileage? Even if you can remember all that and do the arithmetic, if you want an accurate reading of the miles you drive for business, and can therefore deduct, a mileage tracking app will save you a lot of trouble and prevent you from making costly errors.

Plus, as a gig driver, you have specific needs when it comes to a mileage tracker. Ideally, you’d be able to handle mileage tracking and several other functions all in one app. It can be maddening enough to deal with driving apps, particularly if you’re an avid multi-apper. You would want your mileage tracker app to help you keep account of other aspects of your business, including income, expenses, and inside information about the art of gig driving.

Not all mileage apps are equal, to be sure! Let’s look at five of the best apps to track mileage and figure out which is the best app to track mileage with Uber and Lyft, or what mileage tracker app is best for DoorDash.

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1. Zoho Expense

Zoho expense as an expense tracker app. Zoho expense vs Gridwise

First up is Zoho Expense, which does exactly what its name says. This app is designed to allow companies to give employees a uniform way to create and submit expense reports. It can be used by individuals, including gig drivers, as well.

It includes a mileage tracker, as well as features that let you track other deductible expenses, including the ability to scan and record receipts.

Available on Android and Apple: Yes

Ratings: 4.8 stars on App Store, 4.7 stars on Google Play

Free Version: Yes

Subscription price: $3 per month, billed annually

Created specifically for gig drivers: No

2. Quickbooks Online

Quick books online app store screenshots. Quick books vs gridwise

Quickbooks Online is a cloud-based app that allows you to track your mileage, earnings, and expenses. The information you enter can then be used to generate various reports that prepare you for tax time. It also allows you to create graphs that illustrate your cash flow, and includes a receipt scanner so you can instantly record deductible expenses. Quickbooks is popular, highly reliable, and designed mainly to help people keep track of their small businesses.

Available on Android and Apple: Yes

Ratings: 4.7 stars on App Store, 4.4 stars on Google Play

Free version: 30-day free trial

Subscription price: $15 per month for basic version if purchased for 3 months or more

Created specifically for gig drivers: No

Source: quickbooks.intuit.com

3. Shoeboxed

Shoe boxed receipt scanner. Shoeboxed vs gridwise

Shoeboxed started in 2007 as a service for scanning paper receipts into digital form. Now the app offers a free mileage tracker and has enabled users to scan receipts directly. It touts itself as the best mileage tracking app for DoorDash, but there are some elements missing that Dashers might like to have. While it provides features that record your expenses and prepare you for tax season, it doesn’t automatically track your earnings. The mileage tracker has a system where you can drop pins along your routes to make the tracking more precise, identifying those legs of a trip that you make for business purposes. The mileage tracker is “free” once you sign up for the basic version.

Available on Android and Apple: Yes

Ratings: 4.5 stars on App Store, 2.3 stars on Google Play

Free version: No

Subscription price: $18 per month for basic version

Created specifically for gig drivers: No

Source: blog.shoeboxed.com

4. Stride

Stride milegae and expense tracker app store screenshot. Stride vs gridwise.

This free mileage tracker does a fair job of keeping track of the distances you rack up while gig driving, but it doesn’t automatically track earnings. It can be a big help, though, in tracking your expenses. You can link Stride to your bank account, and it will automatically scan your expenses to identify items you can potentially deduct. The app is totally free. This could make it the best free mileage tracker app, but there is a small price to pay. The app will persistently push you to consider various insurance plans that they are affiliated with. If you don’t mind that, this is a solid mileage tracker, even if it doesn’t track your earnings.

Available on Android and Apple: Yes

Ratings: 4.8 stars on App Store, 4.6 stars on Google Play

Free version: Yes

Subscription price: None. The app is free.

Created specifically for gig drivers: No

5. Gridwise

Gridwise has a free mileage tracker and free features that record your income and expenses. It gives you access to insurance and benefits, as well as insights about the best times and places to make the most money while gig driving. The Gridwise mileage tracker captures all the miles you drive while you’re on your driving shift, and it can be used if you have other trips you need to make which qualify as business travel.

Drivers love it because it is geared toward the needs of rideshare and delivery workers, providing free information about airport departures and arrivals, event start and let out times, weather, traffic, and more. The Gridwise Plus subscription adds value by providing additional insights and reports, discounts on benefits, the ability to export data in .csv format,, and more.

Available on Android and Apple: Yes

Ratings: 4.9 stars on App Store, 4.6 stars on Google Play

Free version: Yes

Subscription price: $9.95 per month for Gridwise Plus, or $95.99 per year (a $23.41 savings)

Created specifically for gig drivers: Yes!

What is the best mileage tracking app?

Now that we’ve checked them all out, we’re positive about the answer to that. Hands down, it’s Gridwise. Are we biased? You bet we are! But drivers love it too. Gridwise is the best mileage tracker app—and so much more. So many of the features are free, and the subscription to Gridwise Plus will pay for itself with additional insights to boost your earnings and deeper discounts on products and services.

Most important, Gridwise is designed specifically for gig drivers by experts who were once gig drivers themselves! Knowing what gig drivers need is a crucial step in creating an app that rideshare and delivery drivers can really use! Here are a few of the features, besides mileage tracking:

seamless earnings tracking
automatic, on/off toggle and manual mileage tracking
mileage categorization
airport, traffic, weather, and events information
insights into where to drive and when to drive
reports showing earnings across the platforms you use
discounts on countless products and services for drivers
additional resources for finding side gigs
an informative and comprehensive blog
affordable benefits, including insurance, medical, dental, and alternative practitioner discounts
a community of drivers just like you

Don’t settle for just any app. Get the best mileage tracker, and so much more, from Gridwise!

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Should Uber Drivers Consider Working for Caviar

By nature, rideshare drivers are entrepreneurs and hustlers.

This mean we're resourceful, we know how to get things done, we take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way, and we're always on top of the next big opportunity.

But after talking to a few rideshare driving buddies of mine last week, I realized that not everyone knows about all of the delivery opportunities at our disposal in 2019, which is understandable because there are so many rideshare and delivery services out there, it can be hard to distinguish which one might be the most lucrative and right for you.

Over the last few weeks, I've been digging into a food delivery service called Caviar, which is just one of the many food delivery apps out there, but it comes with an upscale twist.

Available Caviar delivery cities:

Brooklyn
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Fort Worth
Manhattan
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Philadelphia
Queens
Sacramento
San Francisco Bay Area (including the East Bay & Marin)
Seattle
Portland
Washington D.C.

Caviar is similar to other platforms in that customers can order food on-demand, but they lean towards curating higher-end restaurants on its app, which allows for closer partnerships and faster order fulfillment (at least that's what they say).

Since Caviar is growing and quickly becoming a top option for delivery drivers, let’s break down what makes Caviar stand out in the food delivery space, so you can see if it’s right for you.

How Does Caviar Work?

In practice, the Caviar app works just like any other food delivery service currently on the market. Customers open the app, browse a list of restaurants and menus, and place orders.

On the courier side, it’s also very similar to other platforms - once the app is activated, you can choose delivery requests in real-time, and then you pick them up from the designated restaurant. After, you deliver the order to the customer, who then has the option of leaving you a tip.

The Requirements

Anyone who is 18 years or older and has access to a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, bike, or scooter) and a smartphone with the mobile courier app is eligible to deliver with Caviar.

In addition, drivers must have two years of driving experience, and past delivery service or retail experience is a bonus, but not explicitly required. All applicants must pass a background check consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and similar laws.

Pretty standard stuff here. If you're already a rideshare driver then you'll likely meet the requirements.

How to Apply to be a Caviar Driver?

Sign-up can be done from anywhere - simply sign-up with Caviar online to create an account and enter in the required information.

Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email inviting you to an orientation, which you’ll reply back to and select a date and time.

What's the Caviar Orientation Process like?

Next up in the sign-up process is attending an orientation! You'll receive a email right after you finish signing up which will let you choose when your orientation will be.

You can usually schedule your orientation just a few days after your application has been sent.

The orientation consists of general instructions on how to use the app, filling out forms on your smartphone to authorize a background check, and providing them with your bank details so you can get paid.

Make sure to bring your Driver’s License (or equivalent photo ID), the smartphone you plan to use while delivering, a copy of your vehicle insurance policy, and your license plate number. If you’re biking instead of driving, bring a photo of your bike.

This process is generally quick, and after you attend the orientation and agree to the Courier Agreement, you should be ready to set the app to “available” and go out and deliver.

What Are The Pros of Caviar?

Caviar seems to try to make the delivery experience as less stressful as possible for their couriers. Interestingly enough, it seems as if they are building a system that attempts to address many of the pain points that couriers face in this kind of set-up.

The first positive aspect of this app is that the details of the order are shared before you even accept it.

When you receive a request, you will be notified and given two minutes to either accept or reject the order. The request details include where the pickup location is, the general neighborhood where the drop-off location is, and how much you will be paid upon completion of the order. You can use that information to decide whether to accept or reject the order.

The second pro that comes with delivering with Caviar is that they only work with higher-end restaurants they have partnerships with.

Caviar focuses on quality instead of quantity, which means there are fewer restaurants to choose from on the app. Since they only work with specific partners, that means a smoother pick-up process and no dirty looks from the restaurant staff.

Caviar also makes sure to provide high-resolution, accurate photos of every menu item they deliver, which decreases the chance of customer confusion and of you having to hear, “Hey, I didn’t order that!”

Moving along, Caviar has no rating system - which means much less panic for drivers. Postmates requires you to maintain a 4.7 rating to continue working on the platform, while Caviar doesn’t seem to penalize customers or couriers for receiving low ratings. They simply eschew the rating system nonsense, which decreases performance anxiety for couriers.

Lastly, say goodbye to debit cards. Postmates requires you to pay for delivery orders yourself using a PEX card and take a photo of the receipt before the delivery address is released. Caviar does not utilize the payment card method - instead, payment is processed through the app before you are dispatched for delivery. That means no carrying cards and overall, less hassle.

How much can I make with Caviar?

According to Caviar’s website, couriers can earn up to $25 per hour and are compensated for each successful delivery with a task-based fee. While the pay structure isn’t overly transparent, Caviar claims to use an “effort-based algorithm” that calculates pay based on time, size of the order, and distance traveled.

In reality, you're probably looking at making anywhere from $10 - $20 per hour depending on the time of day and the locations where you drive.

Caviar states that you have the flexibility to choose your own delivery hours, and advises that the app is most busy during lunch and dinner. They claim that “the more you work as a courier, the more you’ll earn.”

As far as actually receiving money, Caviar gives you the option of using the Cash App for instant payments, or you can receive payouts deposited into your bank account on a weekly basis.

Is Caviar right for me?

Now that you’ve learned about the basics of Caviar, it’s time to decide if working with them is right for you. Just like all food delivery companies, the potential to make good money depends on how you strategize your delivery jobs and keeping operating costs low. Unlike other delivery apps, you don’t get paid for the time you spend doing the job, so speed is of the essence. The faster you complete the delivery, the better.

While Caviar seems to have a variety of benefits for couriers, you can only know if it’s right for you once you try it out.

Working for Caviar to supplement your ridesharing work might earn you a few more dollars than the other platforms out there. This is because they cater to an affluent demographic and require a minimum order, so your commission will typically be larger. Plus, they have a tipping function as well, so you never know when a customer might be feeling extra generous.

Have you delivered for Caviar before? Let us know about your experience using the app in the comments.

July 2, 2019

4 Event Driving Strategies Rideshare Drivers Are Using to Maximize Earnings

Nothing drives a crowd, and passenger demand, like a big event.

“Football games, concerts, festivals, they all drive a crowd,” said Josh, a Chicago based rideshare driver “And with that crowd comes big-time earnings opportunities for us drivers.”

Josh is a Gridwiser based in Chicago that fancies himself as the event driving guru. He’s always on top of football games, concerts, and other events that drive passenger demand.

“I’m not an airport guy, so I’m all about the events,” said Josh “You just have to know what’s going on and when.”

Over the past few weeks we’ve been going back and forth with Josh talking event strategies, and he had some great ideas on how drivers can be doing more to maximize their revenue. We wanted to share his insights with the community, so in today’s blog post we’re going to cover the 4 strategies every driver should be using to maximize their earnings at events.

We’ll Cover:

If targeting events is a good strategy for you
How to always know what’s going on in your city
How to plan your day around events
What to bring in your car when targeting airports
How to find and pick up your passengers at events

Let’s dig in!

Should you be targeting events?

Not every rideshare driving strategy works for everyone, and it’s up to each individual driver to understand if a strategy will be successful for their unique situation.

That being said, you’d be hard pressed to find a driver that wouldn’t benefit from adding some level of event strategy into their driving strategy. That’s because no matter what time you drive, there are going to be events that you should keep an eye on.

However, there are a few types of drivers that will benefit more from adding events into their strategy.

People that benefit the most from an event-based driving strategy include:

Drivers with kids which make it difficult to drive rush hour or late nights
Suburban drivers that need to make the most of their city trips
Part-time drivers that work during rush hours
Any driver that commonly works weeknight evenings

However, even if you don’t match the above description you should still consider adding events into your rideshare driving strategy.

Always know what’s going on in your city

“Driving events is all about knowing what’s going on in your city,” said Josh, our resident event driving expert “Once you know what’s going, then things get a lot easier.”

Josh currently lives in Chicago and drives full-time every day, so during those slow hours during weekday afternoons, he has to know what’s going on around his city.

“I used to check a few different websites and try to get intel from passengers. The problem with that is that you don’t know how accurate this makeshift list is,” said Josh.

Josh would try to check out different event websites and talk to drivers to build his own list of events, which was a time consuming and inaccurate method.

But now Josh checks Gridwise everyday to understand what events are going on in his city and plan his day.

Gridwise gives drivers a single place to understand all of the significant events going on in your city and lets drivers understand how many people are attending the event.

This makes it incredibly easy to always know what’s going on in your city.

Plan your day around events

Every rideshare driver should be planning out their day instead of just driving aimlessly. This is even more important for event drivers since you want to make sure that you’re not too far away from the events you want to focus on when they are ending.

After Josh knows what events he wants to focus on, he simply saves them using Gridwise.

He then adds a reminder so that he doesn’t forget about the event.

Now that he has the schedule of events that he knows he wants to focus on, he can plan to drive rush hours or focus on airports and he’ll get an alert when it’s time to focus on an event.

“Once I get a alert, I just turn on my destinate filter so I can pick up a ride heading toward the event. This almost always gives me a few easy trips,” said Josh.

Come prepared when driving events

When you’re driving an event, you want to make sure that you’re ready for the long haul. So stock up on the essentials:

Fill up your gas tank
Ensure you have your phone charger
Bring a phone charger for your passengers. It’s a great way to drive tips
Snacks and water if that’s something that you bring
Barf bag and cleaning supplies… events sometimes bring out intoxicated individuals so be prepared
Water, Gatorade, and snacks for yourself

Also, don’t forget to prepare for the weather! If it’s cold, bring gloves, hot packs, and maybe some hot coffee. If it’s warm then dress appropriately and maybe bring an extra shirt just in case you get sweaty.

Pick up passengers the smart way

Events can get incredibly busy, so it’s usually a bad idea to drive directly into the fray. That’s a great way to lose time in traffic. Instead, make sure that if there are designated areas for rideshare drivers to pick up passengers. If you’re driving at a large venue there is a good chance that there is.

If so, send your passenger a text to that politely reminds them where the passenger pick up area is. That way there is no confusion about where to go.

On the other hand, if there is no designated pick up space, try to text your passenger to let them know you’re on your way and ask them to confirm their location. If they can use landmarks to tell you where they are that will also eliminate confusion.

What’s your event strategy?

That’s Josh’s event strategy! He knows where he is going, plans his day, comes prepared, and picks up passengers the smart way. But what about you? What’s your event driving strategy.

Let us know in the comments below!

May 1, 2019

Uber and Lyft Driver Instructions for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is an epic airport. Not only is ATL the busiest airport in the US, but it has the been the most heavily trafficked airport in the US since 1998. More than 104 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2017 and traffic has just continued to grow since then.

This is great news for rideshare drivers, as this means a TON of opportunity to earn a lot of money by working the airport.

However, you’re not the only person that understands the value of the airport, every rideshare driver does.

So if you’re going to maximize your earnings , you’re going to need to make sure that you are permitted to work at the airport, know how to navigate the airport, and have a solid airport strategy.

Well, we want to make sure every rideshare driver maximizes their earnings when driving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, so we’ve put together a guide to help rideshare drivers be successful when driving at ATL.

See the topics covered in this blog post below:

What do I need to know or do before arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Do you need any permits to drive at Jacksonville Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Internationall?
Where is the rideshare waiting area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International?
What are the passenger pick up rules at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International?
What are the passenger drop off rules at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International?
When is the best time to drive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International?
What is the best Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International driving strategy?

Let’s dive in!

What do I need to do before I arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and enter the airport queue?

Step #1: Get your trade dress

If you’re driving anywhere in Atlanta, you need your trade dress and that goes double for the airport. If you are seen picking up passengers with no trade dress, be prepared to receive a ticket!

So before you do anything you must make sure that you have your Uber or Lyft decals. You can easily pick these up from one of the rideshare companies.

To get your Uber Decal you can visit the local Greenlight Hub.

To get your Lyft Decal you can place an order on your dashboard. You can also print a temporary decal if you lose yours or are waiting for one to come in the mail.

Step #2: Get your free airport vehicle decal:

At ATL, not only do you need your trade dress, but you also need a permit to be able to pick up passengers. Luckily, it’s very easy to obtain. All you need to do is contact your local Uber Greenlight Hub or Lyft Hub to receive a ATL airport placard.

Once you obtain your placard, you should hang it from your rear view mirror.

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

There is one major staging area at ATL where rideshare drivers from all TNC’s can wait. This lot is located at 1586 Sullivan Rd, College Park, GA 30337.

For directions, simply click on this map of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport and you’ll be routed to Google Maps.

Once you get the staging lot you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. It will be up to you to find a spot to wait.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)?

Each terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a designated zone where rideshare drivers should pick up their passengers. When you receive your ride request, you’ll be directed to go to the correct designated area depending on your terminal where your passengers will meet you.

Check the map below to see where these designated areas are located.

The Uber/Lyft app will automatically direct the rider to go to the designated area depending on their terminal. It is a good idea to send your passenger a text confirming their location before you leave the waiting area.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)?

Dropping off passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is easy as can be. You can simply drop passengers off at their requested carrier and that’s it! No special rules here.

Uber does offer rematch at ATL, which means that if you are dropping a passenger at the airport you could receive a request without having to go wait in the staging lot. This improves pickup times for Uber while also helping drivers avoid a long queue.

But remember, you cannot wait at any time at the airport, even for a rematch. So once you’ve dropped off a passenger, begin to head to the waiting area to see if you get rematched.

When is the best time to drive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)?

As we said at the beginning of our guide Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest in the world and there are thousands of passengers traveling through every single day no matter the season. However, you’re not the only driver that knows that. So there is also usually a ton of drivers at the airport.

So the best time to drive at ATL is right when bigger flights are arriving/departing..

To understand when these times are approaching, check your Gridwise app and see the best times for flights coming in and out of the airport.

There are of course certain times of year that receive more passengers like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and the Saturday before big basketball games (Go Hawks!!), however, the best way to understand rider demand at your airport is with Gridwise.

You can also use Gridwise airport alerts to remind you when rider demand is increasing. You can simply set up alerts that will remind you when demand at the airport is at a certain level so you don’t need to continuously check.

What airport strategies should I use?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport!

Don’t just be a driver that picks up passengers at the airport! Also pick them up when they are heading to the airport. Gridwise does a great job of telling you when there is also a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is that if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped that passenger off.

Look out for your short ride bump

After waiting for some time at the airport for a passenger, there is nothing worse than getting a ride that’s 5-minutes away. That’s why the major rideshare companies have some form of a short ride bump that allows you to jump back into the front of the line if you get a very short ride request.

To take advantage of a short ride bump, simply complete your short ride and look out for a text message or in-app message that gives you the option to head back to the TNC lot for a preferred spot in the queue.

Always be prepared

You never know when law enforcement will show up, so always keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy. And don’t forget to have your placard displayed.

Now you should be ready to make that drive to ATL and actually earn money instead of snacking on candy from Sunoco. I’m not the only one who does that, right?

April 15, 2019

Uber and Lyft Driver Instructions for San Jose International Airport (SJC)

As a rideshare driver in the San Jose area, you cannot forget about San Jose International airport. No matter what you do, you’re going to end up at SJC either picking up or dropping off a passenger.

That’s because there are over 13.5 million passengers traveling through the airport, and many of them will need rides from rideshare drivers. This means a ton of opportunity for smart rideshare drivers to make money if you know what you’re doing.

To maximize your earnings as a rideshare driver at San Jose International you’re going to need to understand the ins and outs of the airport, understand how to navigate the airport, and develop a solid airport strategy.

At Gridwise, we want to make sure that you are maximizing your earnings no matter where you drive, so the Gridwise team and I have put together this instructional guide to help Uber and Lyft drivers be successful when driving SJC.

See the topics covered in this blog post below:

What do I need to do before I arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJC) and enter the airport queue?

Step #1: Get your trade dress

Every rideshare driver needs to have a the sticker or decal of Uber, Lyft, or whatever rideshare company that you drive with. This goes double for picking up passengers at the airport because if you’re seen picking up a passenger with no trade dress then thre is a high likely hood that you’ll receive a ticket.

So before you do anything you must make sure that you have your Uber or Lyft decals. You can easily pick these up from one of the rideshare companies.

To get your Uber Decal you can visit the local Greenlight Hub.

To get your Lyft Decal you can place an order on your dashboard. You can also print a temporary decal if you lose yours or are waiting for one to come in the mail.

Step #2: Know the airport regulations

It’s not unusual for airports to require rideshare drivers to have a specific airport decal or permit to drive there, luckily San Jose International Airport is not one of them. You do however need to follow a few key rules and regulations that you must follow.

Always keep one of your rideshare apps on at all times while on airport property
Don’t wait in any other areas except the designated staging areas (see the map below). Not only is this against regulations but you also won’t be added to the queue. So if there is no room in the staging lot you must leave.
Abide by the terminal and parking lot speed limit of 20 MPH
Keep the staging lot clean! Don’t do any maintenance on your car here or dump trash on the ground
Be prepared to show your waybill. You can access it through your Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare app.
All independent contractor working in San Jose must register and hold a tax registration certificate. You can contact the City of San Jose Office of Finance for more info.

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at San Jose International Airport (SJC)?

All rideshare at SJC are required to wait in one staging lot that is located right in between the Bayshore (101) and Guadalupe (87) freeways.

Drivers are not allowed to wait in commercial parking lots for airport requests.

Click the blue area of the map for directions to the lot.

Once you get the staging lot you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. It will be up to you to find a spot to wait.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at San Jose International Airport (SJC)?

Pickups at SJC are pretty easy.

There are two pick up points for the two terminals at SJC.

The pick up area for Terminal A is right where the old taxi pick up spot used to be. Just stay to the left of the island and move through baggage claim.

The pickup area for Terminal B is just past baggage claim at stop 9.

See the pink area in the map below for directions.

Also, please note that Lyft has launched their “pre-dispatch” feature at San Jose International Airport that basically tells drivers to start heading toward the pickup area before you have actually received a ride request.

A pre-dispatch message looks like this:

If you receive this message, head towards your pick up point but keep an eye on your app as you may not receive a request. I know, that’s annoying, but just drive back to the TNC staging lot and you’ll keep your place in line.

Please also note that Lyft has been turning this off at airports around the country, so this feature may disappear at any time.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at San Jose International Airport (SJC)?

Dropping off passengers at SJC is easy. You can simply drop passengers off at their requested terminal outside of ticketing.

When is the best time to drive at San Jose International Airport (SJC)?

There isn’t a time of year when San Jose Airport isn’t busy and a absolute gold mine for rideshare drivers in the San Jose.

But… you aren’t the only driver that knows how many passengers are traveling through SJC. So you will see many drivers in the airport queue at SJC regularly.

So the best time to work at SJU is when the ratio of passengers to drivers is at its absolute highest.

To understand when this ratio is highest, check your Gridwise app and compare queue times to passenger arrival times.

Now, there are certainly different holidays and events that drive more passengers like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and big sporting events. But on a day to day basis, you just need to track passenger demand and driver supply with a tool like Gridwise.

What airport strategy to use at San Jose International Airport (SJC)?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport!

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

Look out for your short ride bump

Always be prepared

You never know when law enforcement will show up, so always keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy. And don’t forget to have your placard displayed.

Now you should be ready to make that drive to SJC and actually earn money instead of sitting in your car for hours, on hours, and hours!

March 14, 2019

Uber and Lyft Driver Instructions for Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

When you talk to rideshare drivers in the Raleigh-Durham area, you can’t go more than a few minutes without at least mentioning Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and it’s obvious why. Over 12.8 million passengers move through RDU every year, and many of them need rides to and from the airport. This means opportunity for rideshare drivers.

But, if you’re going to make the most out RDU as a rideshare driver, you’re going to need to understand the ins and outs of the airport, understand how to navigate the airport, and develop a solid airport strategy.

I want to make sure that you are making as much as possible while working at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, so the Gridwise team and I have put together this instructional guide to help Uber and Lyft drivers be successful when driving RDU.

See the topics covered in this blog post below:

What do I need to do before I arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and enter the airport queue?

Step #1: Get your trade dress

If you’re going to be a rideshare driver in the Raleigh-Durham area, you’re going to need your trade dress, and if you’re going to dress at RDU, you’re REALLY going to need your trade dress! If you are seen picking up passengers with no trade dress, be prepared to receive a ticket!

So before you do anything you must make sure that you have your Uber or Lyft decals. You can easily pick these up from one of the rideshare companies.

To get your Uber Decal you can visit the local Greenlight Hub.

To get your Lyft Decal you can place an order on your dashboard. You can also print a temporary decal if you lose yours or are waiting for one to come in the mail.

Step #2: Know the airport regulations

One of the nice things about RDU is that you don’t need a specific airport decal to drive there, however, there are a few key rules and regulations that you must follow.

Always keep one of your rideshare apps on at all times while on airport property
Don’t wait in any other areas except the designated staging areas (see the map below). Not only is this against regulations but you also won’t be added to the queue. So if there is no room in the staging lot you must leave. This means NO WAITING ON AIRPORT PROPERTY!!!
Abide by the terminal and parking lot speed limit of 20 MPH
Keep the staging lot clean! Don’t do any maintenance on your car here or dump trash on the ground
Be prepared to show your waybill. You can access it through your Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare app.

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)?

All rideshare drivers are expected to wait at the TNC staging lot that is located just off of Departure Drive (which is just off of airport BLVD). See the blue section on the map below for driving directions.

Also note, that you’ll need a code to enter the lot. You can enter either LYFT (5938) or UBER (8237).

Once you get the staging lot you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. It will be up to you to find a spot to wait.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)?

Pickups at RDU are very easy.

You have two options, pick up your passenger at Zone 1 in terminal 1, or pick up your passenger at Zone 17 in terminal 2.

You’ll be directed to the right pick up location by your respective rideshare app. See the pink section of the below map for driving instructions.

The Uber/Lyft app will automatically direct the rider to go to the designated area depending on their terminal.

You should also note that Lyft has launched their “pre-dispatch” feature at SAT that basically tells drivers to start heading toward the pickup area before you have actually received a ride request.

A pre-dispatch message looks like this:

Please also note that Lyft has been turning this off at airports around the country, so this feature may disappear at any time.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)?

Dropping off passengers at RDU is simple. At Terminal 1, drop passengers off near ticketing office. At Terminal #2, drop passengers on the departures level.

When is the best time to drive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)?

As we said at the beginning of our guide Raleigh-Durham International Airport can be a gold mine for rideshare drivers in the Raleigh-Durham area as there are tons of passengers traveling through the airport every single day no matter what time of the year it is.

But… you aren’t the only driver that knows that. So you will see many drivers in the airport queue at RDU regularly.

So the best time to work at RDU is when the ratio of passengers to drivers is at its absolute highest.

To understand when this ratio is highest, check your Gridwise app and compare queue times to passenger arrival times.

What airport strategy to use at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport!