A Get-Rich Guide for Gig Delivery Workers

As a gig worker, making ends meet isn’t enough, you need to build a pathway to financial prosperity.  But with the gig economy booming and millions of delivery drivers on the road earning their financial freedom, the challenge to make it big is real. So, what do you do to thrive?

Make yourself stand out. Show your clients how you’re better than any other gig delivery workers. Besides making a positive impression on your customers, you must also keep a vigilant check on your finances.

If you’re wondering how to do that, Whizz, an e-bike rental platform for last-mile delivery drivers, has a few tips up their sleeves. These tips will make you stand out, boost your earnings, and secure your financial future as a gig delivery worker. 

Let’s get on the road to riches. 

1. Diversify Your Platforms to Expand Your Opportunities

As you kick off your gig delivery journey, you will realize that a world of opportunities awaits you. Uber Eats and many other platforms, such as GrubHub, DoorDash, GoPuff, Capsule, and Alto, vie for your services. 

Do not stick to the first platform you find. Work for multiple platforms and enhance the diversity of your service. Remember, each venue boasts its own set of unique advantages, so you better not miss out on any. 

2. Prioritize Customer Service to Build Lasting Bonds

In the gig delivery industry, the currency of kindness is priceless. No matter the size of the tip, generous or modest, never shy away from showing gratitude. Maintain politeness, and wish your customers a wonderful day. While you may find it simple, it’s an effective formula that can leave a lasting positive impression. 

Keep in mind that customers have the option to adjust their tips even after the delivery is complete — so your attitude can influence their decision. By consistently delivering food and a top-notch customer experience, you can nurture long-term relationships that translate into more generous tips over time.

3. Optimize Your Delivery Process: Tools of the Trade

You can’t let go of efficiency if you want to make it big in the gig delivery industry. Equip your delivery vehicle, whether a bicycle or a car, with the right tools. 

Bungee cords and a front rack are your true companions. Making small additions or modifications to your vehicle can ensure your precious cargo stays secure during transit and allows for lightning-fast loading and unloading of orders. 

A streamlined delivery process does so much more than just ensure timely drop-offs. It also means more orders completed per hour and, ultimately, a boost in your hourly earnings.

4. Know Your Platform Inside Out

If you want to maximize your earnings, you must develop a proper understanding of the rules and requirements of your chosen platform. Each platform has its unique rulebook, and failure to thoroughly study it could mean you’re missing out on some lucrative opportunities. 

For example, GrubHub and DoorDash rely on zones and blocks for delivery locations, while Uber Eats doesn’t have these requirements. So, you can’t use the same strategy for every platform. Knowledge of the platform-specific intricacies is your ticket to navigating the system effectively and capitalizing on its strengths.

5. Time and Location Strategy – Working Smarter, Not Harder

You can’t rule the gig delivery world without having a time and location strategy because timing is everything. Consider these strategic timeframes:

• Early morning (7 am to 10 am): Ideal for business deliveries due to lighter traffic, ensuring swift order completions.
• Late morning and early afternoon: Target office locations to capture the lunchtime rush when office workers seek a convenient meal.
• Between 2 pm to 4 pm: Focus on residential deliveries, setting the stage for a profitable evening rush (6 pm to 8 pm). 

Tactical scheduling ensures customers have one less reason to be upset about their orders. When you keep the orders flowing, your customers are happy, and your earnings rise. 

6. Log Your Mileage for a Tax Deduction

Let’s talk about saving money – tax money, to be precise. Who likes letting their hard-earned money go into hefty taxes? Of course, nobody.  

A mileage log isn’t your average record-keeping tool – it’s your golden ticket to getting a reduction in your tax bill. Whether you opt for a meticulously organized spreadsheet or a dedicated mileage-tracking app, the goal remains to document every mile your business vehicle covers. 

This simple practice can significantly impact your overall earnings.

7. Analyze Your Earnings Data for Data-Driven Success

Make data your best friend if you want to thrive as a gig delivery worker. Create a structured Excel sheet where you diligently note essential details such as the neighborhood, day of the week, hours worked, and earnings for each shift. With this data in your hand, you can accelerate your delivery performance.

Identify patterns and trends that reveal your personal “sweet spot,” and use the insights to maximize your earnings while reducing your hours worked. Use this superpower and pave the way for a more balanced and financially rewarding gig delivery experience.

8. Micromanage Your Finances to Ensure Financial Security

Micromanagement may make you the bad guy at your workplace. But when it comes to finances, it’s definitely going to be your savior. 

Maintain a spreadsheet with comprehensive details about your income and how you spend it, and also log your expenses. With all your financial information in one place, effective budgeting becomes a breeze. 

Cut down the expenses that seem unnecessary, and, most importantly, build a solid emergency fund. Think of it this way: your trusty delivery bike breaks down unexpectedly. Without funds set aside for emergencies, you could find yourself in a tight spot. 

When you manage your finances with precision, you adopt the ability to navigate unforeseen challenges without disrupting your earnings.

Wrapping Up 

Your gig delivery journey is not just about delivering food or packages, it’s about driving financial success to your doorstep. Get rid of the hurdles that keep you from hitting your earnings goal. The road to riches may have twists and turns, but with dedication, you can navigate it confidently.

So, keep pedaling, keep driving, and keep delivering. Your path to financial prosperity as a gig delivery driver is wide open, and the destination is rich with possibilities. 

Happy delivering!