Everything You Need To Know About Amazon Flex Bots

Flex bots might sound like something from a science fiction movie about bodybuilders.

But, Amazon Flex bots are a workaround for Amazon’s contract drivers who struggle to get a share of delivery shifts, also called a flex block, using the Amazon Flex app.

These bots provide automated software and hardware solutions that help gig economy workers get their share of the Amazon Flex blocks available.

Plus, they work more efficiently than human fingers tapping and swiping each delivery block on a phone screen ever could.

If you want to make sure you’re getting the best blocks and not losing out to other drivers with faster fingers, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Amazon Flex bots.  

What Are Amazon Flex Bots?

Flex bots are a suite of automated software, apps, and other tools used by Amazon Flex workers to get new shifts, instant offers, and a delivery block of their choice.

There is a range of bots available for drivers to choose from, but they all have the same goal: To help Flex delivery drivers navigate Amazon’s Flex app more quickly and efficiently than any human could.

We’re limited by the speed of our fingers and our ability to keep our eyes on our phones.

Bots aren’t.

So, an independent contractor working as an Amazon employee can focus on package delivery instead of worrying about taking new shifts.

Why Do Amazon Flex Drivers Use Bots?

Amazon’s Flex drivers aren’t employees per see.

Instead, they are contract workers utilizing their personal vehicles to bring Amazon packages to customers.

Since there is often quite a bit of competition among drivers for a share of the deliveries, and drivers can’t click and swipe while driving or eating, many turn to bots for help.

But, there’s a catch.

Using these tools violates the terms of service Amazon maintains for their contracted employees.

If caught using a bot, no one goes to jail, but there can be consequences for contract drivers who violate Amazon’s rules.

Amazon Flex Blocks

Amazon Flex drivers don’t work set hours or report for regular shifts.

Instead, they utilize the Amazon Flex app to claim shifts called blocks.

When a driver first signs into the app, they see a list of available blocks.

There is a large orange button for them to press to refresh the list on the screen.

Then, they claim a shift by swiping their desired block and tapping the screen as indicated to accept the assignment.

It sounds like a very simple and efficient system.

But it’s not as smooth in reality as it seems on paper.

That’s because there may be a tremendous amount of competition for a small number of available blocks.

When there are more drivers vying for blocks than there are blocks to take, a driver might refresh the screen, swipe, and accept as fast as they can and still end up beaten to the punch by another driver.

How do Amazon Flex Bots Work?

Since the speed of refreshing the app and swiping and accepting are limiting factors in signing up successfully, Amazon Flex bots aim to boost a driver’s odds of successfully claiming blocks, especially the best ones with the most competition.

By using a combination of automated hardware and software(bots), drivers can refresh the list of blocks without tapping the orange button, swipe to access a block, and swipe to accept it without lifting a finger.

This automation gives them a big leg up against their competing drivers.

At least, it does against drivers who aren’t also using bots.

Are Amazon Flex Bots Allowed?

Amazon’s rules expressly prohibit Flex bots and block grabbers.

But will Jeff Bezos ever notice?

The Amazon Flex program makes tons of money for Amazon Prime, especially in large cities like Las Vegas.

Amazon Flex Rules

The site terms, which every driver accepts by using the Flex app, bans users from “any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools.”

Under their rules, it’s clear that Amazon Flex does not allow the use of the sort of automated bots that many delivery partners have turned to get new shifts.

But since Flex blocks seem to populate into the app at unpredictable intervals, and many drivers don’t like the process of refreshing, swiping, and clicking to accept, they turn to automated processes to help tilt the odds in their favor.

What Happens if You Get Caught Using a Bot?

If someone catches a contract driver using a bot, they will probably receive what’s called a soft block.

Amazon will throttle down the speed of their account, preventing them from refreshing and seeing any new blocks for a certain period.

Repeated violations will see soft-blocks, and eventually, it will likely receive a suspension from the Flex app.

But, it’s unlikely that the federal trade commission will come knocking on your door.

Without access, they can’t sign up for blocks, and that means they can’t work.

For repeated or egregious violations of the terms of service, they may lose their access to the app entirely.

Though amazon spokesperson Kate Kudrna emphasizes that they “investigate all driver appeals,” if one of Amazon’s algorithms detects a bot, you may have an uphill fight to remain an Amazon Flex delivery partner.

Are Amazon Flex Bots Worth It?

Amazon’s in the middle of a crackdown against the use of bots by their delivery partners.

But, bot developers also work hard to make their apps, robots, and devices undetectable, so an Amazon driver doesn’t have to worry too much.

Users can adjust the speed of the auto-tappers to try and fool Amazon’s servers and software into thinking a human is working the app instead of a bot.

Pros

• Allows drivers to focus on other things besides tapping and swiping in the app
• Provides a means to prioritize an Amazon Flex block closer to a driver’s home
• Limits or avoids trips with long-travel times to reach a distant warehouse
• Better chance to grab high-demand blocks
• More earning potential as a Flex worker

Cons

• Getting caught has consequences
• Other drivers don’t always support the use of bots
• You can lose your job in the Amazon Flex program

What Apps Offer Amazon Flex Bots?

Looking at the large number of apps that offer Amazon Flex bots, it’s clear that they’re pretty popular.

Here are some of the top apps used right now as Amazon Flex bots.

1. MyFlexBot

MyFlexBot offers a customizable platform for use in grabbing Amazon Flex blocks.

Features include filtering, auto acceptance, click-speed throttling, email and text notifications, logs, and more.

They also offer a 15-day free trial.

2. Flex Snatch

Flex Snatch has helped Flex drivers earn more than $1.5 million dollars so far.

It works by automating the communication between Amazon Flex and the Amazon Flex app.

It’s anonymous, so they’ve tried to limit the risk posed by Amazon discovering their use of the app.

It works on any modern web browser, including iOS/iPhones, Android devices, and desktop applications.

Right now, it’s only available in the United States.

But they do have plans to expand their services to India and Europe.

3. Flex47Bot

Flex47Bot offers new users a one-day free trial.

It works on both Apple and Android phones, and it’s packed features that Flex drivers might like.

You can set working hours and automatic capture so that the app will remember your preferred schedule and seek out blocks that fit into it.

It has advanced filtering, push notifications, and instant offers.

So, you can scan by service areas and pricing and receive a real-time alert when there is an offer you might want.

It’s also available worldwide at a competitive price.

4. Flexomatic

Flexomatic works by allowing users to download a program called BlueStacks, that emulates the native environment on their phone.

Then, in the new emulated environment, they download the Flexomatic app.

After logging in and registering, they also download the Amazon Flex app.

Once they enable Flexomatic, it will automatically follow your filters and settings, grabbing blocks according to your preferences.

If it sounds a little complicated, don’t worry.

Here is a simple video that explains the process.

How to Set Up Bots on Amazon Flex

The process for setting up apps varies by the particular application.

Plus, some Amazon Flex bots aren’t software-based, so their setup is quite different.

Here’s a general guide to help you understand how to set up bots on Amazon Flex.

Step by Step Guide

• Verify your third-party apps will work with your hardware.
• Purchase and install the app.
• Follow the instructions provided by the app provider to integrate it into your Amazon Flex account.
• Use the app to accept blocks faster and more efficiently.
• Increase your profit and save time and energy.

Keep in mind there are also Amazon Flex bots that install physical swipers and tappers onto the body of your phone.

They do the job of physically tapping and swiping and are another option besides software applications that automate the process of snatching blocks.

Amazon Flex Bots: The Bottom Line

Though outlawed by Amazon, Flex bots are here to stay.

They are exceedingly good at what they do, and Amazon contract drivers continue to make use of block grabbers to out-click the competition and claim instant offers on the Flex utility.

Until Amazon figures out a way to completely level the playing field and truly remove bots from their ecosystem, drivers will continue to use them to their advantage.

Or, could find a way to compensate their delivery partners fairly, so they don’t need an Amazon Flex bot.

If you’re considering using a bot to advance your career as an Amazon Flex driver, you now understand your options, the risks, and you have all the facts you need to make the right decision for you!