Delivery services ease the stress of busy lives and serve as side gigs for many people.
Deciding which one to use isn’t exactly easy since the delivery services are so similar.
It helps to have a breakdown and comparison of each service, like this one on Postmates vs DoorDash.
Whether you’ve dabbled with both, have a favorite, or are just starting, you’ll want to keep reading.
Learn everything you need to know about using these services and even what it takes to work for them.
Postmates vs DoorDash Overview
Postmates and DoorDash are battling it out for your business.
It’s common knowledge that both companies offer delivery services, but what exactly do they offer and what does it mean for you?
Let’s take a deep dive into each service, their histories, and their success.
What is Postmates?
Interestingly, it’s not easy to find information about Postmates on its website.
The site seems driven toward service and employment without working links to company information or a blog of any kind, but that is likely related to the merger with Uber Eats, which we’ll get to in a minute.
That said, it’s not difficult to find information about Postmates.
The company started in 2011 as a local delivery service for San Francisco.
It promised to deliver anything, including but not limited to food.
The idea was to make life easier in the busy metropolis.
Today, Postmates delivers to thousands of cities in the United States and some international locations.
One of the selling points for Postmates was that its drivers could pick up and drop off almost anything you need almost anywhere.
The business model promised the utmost convenience for users and offered steady work opportunities for some.
The Postmates & Uber Eats Merger
In December 2020, Uber Technologies announced that the firm acquired Postmates.
Uber initially reported that Uber Eats and Postmates would continue as separate operations, but then opted to merge them.
According to the Uber FAQs on the acquisition, existing Postmates customers could use their existing information.
However, the site notes that as the two entities integrate, it may become impossible to access the Postmates account, necessitating signup with Uber Eats.
Additionally, most of the information on Postmates now links directly to Uber and Uber Eats pages.
More importantly, the merger of Uber Eats and Postmates reduced the number of delivery services available to U.S. consumers.
It also pushed the Uber Eats/Postmates partnership into second place, behind DoorDash.
What is DoorDash?
It’s easier to find information about DoorDash through the company’s website, but it’s not especially detailed.
The page notes what the company does, who it serves, and links to other pages for more detailed information.
In 2013, the quartet of Andy Fang, Evan Moore, Stanley Tang, and Tony Xu founded DoorDash as PaloAltoDelivery.com.
The team changed its name in October 2014, and the company rapidly grew into a multi-billion-dollar food delivery service.
DoorDash expanded its offerings to include other services, including pet supplies, office supplies, flowers, and groceries.
Some customers can even place orders with popular national brands, like Magnolia Bakery in New York and Big Shakes Nashville Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee.
Postmates vs DoorDash for Customers
If you’re comparing Postmates and DoorDash to choose a service, the overall customer experience is probably at the forefront of your mind.
Availability, cost, and customer service can make or break a company, so let’s take a deep dive into these ever-important domains.
Availability
Whether you live in a major metropolis or a smaller suburb, knowing that a delivery service can reach your home, business, or event is important.
Postmates Availability
As noted, Postmates delivers to thousands of cities across the United States and some international locations.
Some states offer more selection than others, with major metropolitan areas offering the most availability.
Of course, there are periods when it’s not possible to get service due to a driver shortage.
Additionally, if you want deliveries from a place outside the delivery zone, you may receive a message stating that it’s unavailable.
DoorDash Availability
DoorDash also delivers to thousands of cities across the United States, plus some in Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Major metropolitan areas offer more locations than remote destinations, but with more than 7,000 locations, it’s not hard to find service.
User Experience
How easy is it to place an order with these companies?
Whether you order through an app or via a website on a computer, the user experience needs to be seamless and efficient, or it’s not worth your time.
Postmates User Experience
Using the website makes it easy to create an account and save all of your information to make future deliveries easier.
The pages are easy to navigate because of the minimalistic design and intuitive navigation options.
Postmates is easy to use with an easily navigable website and app to allow users to choose how they want to order.
Whether you’re at home, at work, or in transit, you have plenty of options for ordering, and you can schedule a time and location that work best for you with a few button taps.
The Postmates app is surprisingly efficient and boasts some helpful features that enhance the user experience.
There are plenty of visuals and everything is clearly labeled.
Access the Postmates app through the App Store or Google Play.
DoorDash User Experience
Users can order through DoorDash via the website or the app.
It’s possible to order food, groceries, gifts, and other items any time, anywhere to make life easier.
You can browse the DoorDash listings and options without signing in to get an idea of selection, delivery fees, and wait times.
Search for food types or specific restaurants to narrow your list of selections until you find what you want.
The DoorDash app is available in the App Store or Google Play.
DoorDash is extremely easy to navigate the website from the main page, side menu, or bottom of each page.
The app is intuitive and features easy navigation features, including multiple visuals to help users find the dishes and items they want.
Restaurants Available
Just because Postmates and DoorDash deliver in your city doesn’t mean they work with every restaurant.
If you’re craving a gyro for lunch, you need a service that can get you Mediterranean food.
Restaurants Available on Postmates
Postmates offers a selection of categories to choose from, and a list of restaurant partners that fit that description.
Additionally, you can type in the delivery address and view a selection of restaurants available for ordering.
After typing in several cities to explore, there were hundreds of options for each one.
Restaurants Available on DoorDash
DoorDash lists “Top Cuisines Near You” on the main page to help you narrow the selection based on your current location.
There’s something for every palate, and dozens of restaurants pop up for users in most cities, including smaller suburbs.
Most popular restaurants, fast food joints, and specialty locations offer something through DoorDash.
Pricing
If you’re ordering through a delivery service, you can expect to pay some additional fees to cover that cost.
While there’s not much you can do about local taxes, comparing the delivery fees might be a deal-breaker for some customers.
Postmates Delivery Fees
Postmates pricing varies, and the site doesn’t set out averages or expectations.
It simply notes that you pay for the cost of food, the booking fee, and any taxes that apply.
Taxes depend on your state and local laws, while the delivery fees depend on the business you order from and the location in the city.
For example, in downtown Seattle, Washington, you can order from Safeway Express for $3.49 or The 5 Point Cafe for $0.99.
However, Postmates offers specials for places with several outgoing orders, which can drop your delivery fees.
The “party” feature even highlights places you can order from with free delivery.
Additionally, users can sign up for unlimited delivery for a flat fee of $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Don’t forget to tip your Postmates driver because they rely on those tips as income.
DoorDash Delivery Fees
DoorDash pricing also varies based on the location, time of day, and restaurants.
Ordering through DoorDash includes the cost of the food or items, associated fees and taxes, and a delivery fee.
Plus, it’s important to tip the delivery driver.
Delivery fees typically range from $1.99 to $5.99, but the site frequently offers a $0 delivery fee on your first order.
You can also find delivery fee specials throughout the year.
DoorDash also applies a service fee that can cost around 10% of your item subtotal.
Additionally, if you don’t spend the minimum, at least $10, there’s a small order fee.
Further, you can subscribe to DashPass to get free delivery on all orders of $15 or more.
It’s just $9.99 per month, but it doesn’t apply to every restaurant.
Just like Postmates, it’s extremely important to tip your dasher, especially if they provide excellent service.
Customer Service
One of the most challenging things to assess with delivery services is the customer service element because every driver is different.
However, the company also responds to customer complaints and issues, like undelivered food.
Postmates Customer Service Options
Postmates customer service begins with the company’s help page.
You can log in to receive more personalized support if you have a customer account.
Additionally, you can contact the customer service department through the app.
The company has mixed reviews from customers, ranging from an abysmal 1-star average on Sitejabber to a 3.8-star average on Consumer Affairs.
DoorDash Customer Service Options
DoorDash support starts with a “Help” page that allows you to select whether you are a customer, dasher, or merchant.
Customer support options include the help center, online chat, or call them at 855-431-0459.
DoorDash notes that customers can access chat and call support 24/7.
Like Postmates, DoorDash has a wide range of customer reviews, with the lowest ratings appearing on Sitejabber at a paltry 1-star average.
DoorDash fares better on G2 with an average rating of 3.2 stars.
Postmates vs. DoorDash for Drivers
Welcome to the side gig economy where picking up a second or third job is a reality for many Americans.
Delivery services offer flexible schedules that can bolster income for singles, couples, and families, but what does it take to drive for Postmates and DoorDash, and is it worthwhile?
Requirements
Though picking up and dropping off items might seem relatively easy, there are some basic requirements for every delivery service.
Postmates Requirements for Drivers
Postmates has three primary requirements for its drivers.
- All drivers must be at least 18 years old.
- Drivers must have a valid driver’s license with an insured vehicle or bicycle.
- Postmates requires that every applicant pass a background check.
Applicants can apply through the Postmates app or the website and must create an account.
You need a valid email address and must upload a photo of yourself.
DoorDash Requirements for Drivers
Driving for DoorDash has similar requirements and onboarding.
To sign up as a Dasher, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a car, bicycle, or scooter and any requisite insurance.
- Provide a valid Driver’s License number.
- Pass a background check.
Additionally, all United States applicants must provide their social security number when they apply to be a dasher.
Note that all dashers need a smartphone with the app downloaded because that’s how you get your jobs.
Duties
Working for a delivery service sounds self-explanatory, but are there any hidden duties you should know before starting at either company?
Not really.
Duties of Postmates Drivers
Postmates is ideal as a side hustle because all you do is pick up food and other items and deliver them to the customer.
The company provides a prepaid card to pick up orders and an insulated bag to keep orders warm.
It helps to work during peak times and remain in a set area without traveling too far between stops.
Duties of DoorDash Drivers
Dashers accept order requests through the DoorDash app on their smartphone.
They drive to pick-up sites to collect the food or items and then drop them off at the customer’s desired site.
One thing to note with DoorDash is that drivers may see orders marked cash on delivery.
That means the driver receives cash from the customer on delivery.
The dasher keeps the cash and DoorDash subtracts the amount of the bill from their weekly earnings.
Scheduling
One of the selling points of working with a delivery service is the flexible schedule.
You are your own boss, so you can choose when you want to work and how long.
Scheduling Shifts on Postmates
You don’t have to schedule shifts with Postmates.
When you want to work, log on and pick up jobs, then log off when you don’t want to work anymore.
That means you can work for an hour or two per day if you like.
Scheduling Shifts on DoorDash
DoorDash scheduling is flexible because you can choose to “Dash Now” or sign up for a shift.
Dashers schedule everything through the app and can sign up for a set area and time.
It’s also possible to edit or delete a scheduled time if an emergency arises.
As a side note, Top Dashers receive special access to dash anytime and typically receive priority on high-value orders.
To reach Top Dasher status, drivers must meet the following criteria by the last day of each month.
- Complete at least 100 orders
- Accept at least 70% of those offered to you
- Maintain at least a 4.7 rating with customers
- Complete 95% of orders
Additionally, dashers must have at least 200-lifetime deliveries under their belt before qualifying for the program.
Pay
Ah, the whole point of working is to get paid, right?
Knowing which company pays more or offers better payout options could be the factor that tips the scales for you.
Postmates Driver Pay
Postmates drivers earn money in four ways.
They receive a flat fee for picking up orders at a restaurant and another for dropping off orders.
Drivers also receive a per-mile rate for the distance from the pickup site to the drop-off location.
Postmates drivers also receive 100% of any customer tips.
Glassdoor lists the average base pay for Postmates drivers as $13 per hour.
Where you live impacts your pay, but so does your ability to work fast and provide outstanding service.
Postmates/UberEats lists additional promotions that allow drivers to earn additional money.
For example, delivering multiple orders nets you the pickup fee, time and distance rate, and money for each drop-off.
The company also offers surge pricing in some areas when things are extremely busy, and they need drivers.
To receive payment, drivers can link an account for direct deposit or sign up for Instant Pay so that money goes to a debit card.
Drivers who select direct deposit receive payouts every week, while Instant Pay allows users to cash out up to five times per day.
You can track your earnings and manage all payments through the app.
DoorDash Driver Pay
DoorDash drivers earn a base rate for each delivery, and it’s clearly stated on the app for each order.
The base rate varies based on several factors, including distance and time.
Drivers also receive 100% of the tips left by customers.
There are two additional opportunities to earn more money with orders.
DoorDash runs two promotions that add extra money to certain deliveries.
- Peak Pay tacks money onto the base pay during busy periods.
- Challenges encourage drivers to complete a set number of orders within an amount of time. For example, the company might offer $20 to complete X number of orders by a set date.
According to Glassdoor, the average hourly pay for a Dasher is $16, making it slightly higher than Postmates.
Interestingly, DoorDash reports that the national average for Dashers is $25 per hour.
Like Postmates, DoorDash drivers can track their earnings through the app and even access their earnings history.
Further, Dashers have three options for cashing out their earnings.
- Weekly pay through direct deposit to a bank account. It’s automatic after the initial setup.
- Daily cashout is possible through Fast Pay to a debit card, but prepare to pay a fee of $1.99 to cash out.
- Instant deposits are also an option through DasherDirect. There’s no additional fee attached to have earnings transferred to the DasherDirect prepaid debit card. You even get cash back rewards when you use the card to buy gas.
DoorDash seems to offer slightly better pay with more cash out options than Postmates, making it a little more appealing than Postmates.
However, scheduling may not be as convenient until you reach Top Dasher status.
The Verdict: Postmates vs DoorDash
From the customer perspective, both services have similar offerings in terms of availability, user experience, and pricing.
The websites and apps look alike and provide an intuitive user experience.
Both Postmates and DoorDash have poor customer reviews across several review sites, with hundreds of complaints about individual drivers, cold food, and other issues.
Yet thousands of people still use both services every day.
DoorDash appears to be the more popular and reliable choice for many customers.
As for drivers, Postmates doesn’t require you to schedule a shift and provides some base supplies but has a slightly lower average pay rate.
DoorDash also offers more payment options.
However, individual income is based on availability, location, and service, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
You could also work for both companies to increase your take.
If a delivery service could ease some of the stress in your life, Postmates and DoorDash offer a reprieve from running some errands.
Sign up today to take a little of your overflowing plate without missing a beat.
Or, pick up a side gig and start driving for Postmates, DoorDash, or both!
