If you’re planning to relocate to Europe anytime soon, a great way to make some extra cash is by becoming a Deliveroo driver. This food delivery platform was born out of the need to provide customers access to the best foods local restaurants have to offer without any hassle. Reliable delivery drivers ensure that the food gets to the customer on time.
As a Deliveroo driver, you’re an independent contractor who works with others to provide a service. This is your chance to become an entrepreneur by partnering with a platform that provides a secure and flexible means of earning extra income.
What Is Deliveroo?
Deliveroo is a UK-owned food delivery company that works with local restaurants and consumers through the use of an efficient tracking system and delivery drivers. Deliveroo utilizes automation and the evolving gig economy to bring the best local cuisines and takeaways to their doorstep.
Deliveroo was founded in 2013 when Will Shu, moved from the US to London, England and created a platform that would go on to become one of the leading food delivery companies in the United Kingdom. Deliveroo holds a market share of 22 percent in the United Kingdom and 13 percent in the whole of Europe according to Deelroom’s Deliveroo IPO report.
According to the half-yearly financial report for 2021, Deliveroo increased its revenue by 82 percent, or £922.5 million, from its earnings in 2020. Based on the data gathered from its newsroom, Deliveroo partners with about 137,000 restaurants, 9,000 grocers, and 110,000 delivery riders to bring an optimal food experience to its 7.8 million active customers.
How Does Deliveroo Work?
Whether it’s comfort food, desserts, healthy options, or street treats, Deliveroo ensures its three-sided marketplace is efficiently run. Its partner restaurants, grocery stores, delivery drivers, and customers all connect through the Deliveroo app or website.
The consumer places their orders for their preferred meal through the website or app. The assigned restaurant prepares the order and a Deliveroo driver picks up the order. The delivery driver then drops off the order with the customer. With Deliveroo’s emphasis on the use of machine learning, the consumer can use the application to track their delivery.
Deliveroo operates in over 800 cities across European countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and France. To be a Deliveroo driver you must be at least 18 years of age and have a license to work in the UK. Drivers are allowed to cash in their earnings anytime they want.
How Much Can You Actually Make on Deliveroo?
According to the salary review by Indeed for Deliveroo riders in the United Kingdom, you can expect to make an average wage of £13.87 ($18.51) per hour working as a Deliveroo rider. This figure is considerably higher than the national minimum average which is £8.91 ($11.89) for those aged 23 years and above. According to Deliveroo, the exact wage of each driver varies.
Deliveroo uses a mapping system that takes into account the distance and logistical challenges encountered to calculate your pay. You can make between £2 ($2.67) to £20 ($26.68) per hour depending on the number of and nature of deliveries. You also get to keep all the tips you make from deliveries.
The Pros and Cons of Working on Deliveroo
If you’re considering working as a Deliveroo driver, you might appreciate some insights into what to expect. Below you’ll find a few of the advantages and disadvantages of working on the platform.
Pros of Working on Deliveroo
- Flexible hours and work structure. Working at Deliveroo allows you to determine how often you work. You can accept and decline orders. There aren’t any restrictions on the vehicle type for making deliveries. You can use a scooter, bike, motorcycle, or car.
- You can make a decent income. As a Deliveroo rider, you can earn a decent income especially if you make multiple trips a day and target high-value orders. Making deliveries that require driving long distances an additional delivery fee. Deliveroo allows you to keep all tips from customers.
- You get free insurance. Even though Deliveroo riders are freelance contractors, they’re covered when delivering food to customers. If you get into an accident while delivering an order, Deliveroo offers insurance. Your earnings also stay protected until you recover from your injury. This insurance also covers scooter riders when they’re delivering orders.
- You have access to Deliveroo perks. Working as a delivery person for Deliveroo allows you to take advantage of several perks. All you have to do is use your email address or Deliveroo ID to take advantage of sizable discounts on accessories for your vehicles, free drinks, and tools to manage your earnings as a driver.
- You get free kits. You don’t have to spend your money buying your driver kit. You can get them for free as a Deliveroo driver. This can serve you well especially if you’re running rounds on other platforms. Instead of making an additional payment to order a new kit for your other gig, you can use your free kit from Deliveroo and save some cash.
Cons of Working on Deliveroo
- You may need to supplement your income. It can be difficult to make a consistently high income as a delivery driver. While it pays above the national minimum wage, it may not help you earn enough to cover major expenses. Deliveroo is a great way to earn supplemental income.
- Inconsistency of orders. Like other companies with a similar business model, there are lows and highs. During peak times you can earn more but these times tend to be inconsistent. This makes it unreasonable to pay major expenses and expect long-term earnings from Deliveroo.
- There’s a lot of waiting. Since you don’t earn an hourly rate as a Deliveroo rider your time becomes your most valuable work asset. You can’t afford to accommodate delays that won’t get factored into your pay. As a driver, you may have to deal with orders being prepared slowly and traffic.
- Exposure to health risks. Even though Deliveroo provides free insurance for drivers, spending more time on the road can increase your risk of accidents.
- Increased cost of vehicle maintenance. As a delivery driver, your major tool is your means of transportation. If you use it often, your vehicle can suffer from wear and tear. Your vehicle may need more than the routine car service and that’ll cost you more. Your daily ride may accumulate to a higher cost of fuel and you may need to pay parking fees.
How to Become a Deliveroo Rider
If you’ve decided you want to become a Deliveroo rider, there are steps you need to follow to join this company. We’ve listed the steps to follow below.
1. Ensure you meet the requirements
To work on Deliveroo you have to live within the 800 cities and towns it operates in. Candidates from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Hong Kong are welcome to apply. You must be 18 years of age or older and pass a background check.
As a delivery driver, you should own a smartphone that’s up to date with iOS 11.0 or Android 6.0. You will also need a scooter, car, or bicycle as well as a helmet or any other safety equipment you may need. Your vehicle needs food delivery insurance to be considered. You should also have a functioning bank account in the country you plan on delivering in.
2. Apply and wait for approval
To apply to become a Deliveroo driver you will need to log on to the website and pick your location from the list of available locations. This application stage is four parts. You’ll be asked to pick your location, input your full name, phone number, address, vehicle type, and bank details. You’ll also be asked to upload documents like your work permit and valid driver’s license.
Once you upload the required documents, you’ll have to wait a few days for your documents to be approved and to be contacted about the results of your application. When you’re accepted, a contract will be sent to your email. You should carefully read through the contract agreement to be certain you understand the terms and conditions of service before signing and submitting it.
3. Get your kit
Depending on the vehicle you’ll be using you’ll be provided with some essential items to make deliveries as comfortable and safe as possible. If you’re a bicycle or scooter rider you’ll receive a reflective jacket, insulated backpack, and phone mount. Bicycle riders receive additional equipment like a small thermal bag and a safety helmet.
As a car rider, expect to receive two thermal bags and a phone mount. If you wish, you can purchase your kit from a supplier of your choice but they have to meet the Deliveroo standards. You also don’t have to wear the Deliveroo kit when making deliveries. You can get your free kit from the Deliveroo driver kit store. You can also ask for replacements for your core items.
4. Download the app
Download the Deliveroo app. You need to have an operating system of at least iOS 11.0 or Android 6.0. Once you download the app, log in with your mobile number and the security code sent as a text message to your phone. While you’re logged in, you can go online and view available orders.
Deliveroo also sends order notifications to drivers who are offline, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on deliveries. Click to accept the orders you want. Use the map on the app to locate the restaurant. When you arrive, show any of the staff the order details on your phone as proof. Use the route provided by the app to make your dropoff.
5. Track your earnings
You get paid after each delivery is made. You can also track every delivery made through your app. Go to the earnings tab and you’ll find a history of your earnings. However, Deliveroo may not include details like other bonuses, adjustments, or additional indemnities incurred during nights and special seasons.
Deliveroo sends delivery riders payment slips each month so they can keep track of their earnings. As a delivery driver, you should take advantage of financial management tools provided by the platform in managing your money. These tools can help you properly take advantage of perks and rewards, reduce your expenses, and save some extra cash.
6. Make a withdrawal
Deliveroo makes payments available to riders every Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your location. If you want to withdraw earlier, you can do that through the cash-out feature on the app. However, you will be charged a fee for early withdrawals. Go to your app, click on your earnings, and tap the “get paid” button to receive payments instantly at a one-dollar charge.
Deliveroo ensures you get an invoice for every payment you receive. You don’t have to pay for this invoice. Sometimes it might take your bank more than a day to process your money. However, if it exceeds three days, reach out to support.
How to Make More Money on Deliveroo
Deliveroo offers several opportunities for delivery drivers to make more money but to do so you have to intentionally look out for these offers. With the personal costs you’ll be incurring as a rider it’s important to try your best to make more than you’re spending. To help you do so, we’ve compiled a couple of tips.
Take advantage of peak hours
Occasionally, you’ll come across busy shifts that include high-value orders. You should actively seek out and secure orders during these busy times because you may earn more. Longer distance deliveries can also increase your earnings. Busy shifts usually occur on weekends and in the evenings. Deliveroo gives rewards to riders who deliver within a specific amount of time.
Collaborate with other riders for large deliveries
If you come across large customer deliveries you can accept them and share the task with other riders. The Deliveroo rider app notifies you when there are other riders available to help you make the delivery. This is a way to ensure you don’t miss out on earnings, especially since large orders tend to pay more than regular orders.
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Take advantage of extra fees
Deliveroo makes it possible for riders to boost their daily delivery fees through extra fees. To take advantage of extra fees, you have to be actively looking out for them in your app. When there are extra fees within your delivery zone, the app will notify you so you can accept them. You can also use the extra fees planner to help plan your deliveries for the day or week.
Good customer service can help you get more tips
You need to provide good customer service. This can go a long way in ensuring you get tipped since they are not required to tip you. It determines the quality of tips you’ll receive. A good tip will boost your earnings considerably.
Take orders with higher delivery fees
You can’t accept every order that’s assigned to you. You should ensure you filter out orders before accepting. Remember, you’re an entrepreneur seeking to make a profit from your service so you should always let that be your guide. Take orders that will pay more or would provide you with the opportunity to make more. Stick to zones with higher-value orders if possible.
Is Working on Deliveroo Worth It?
Depending on your short-term financial goal, Deliveroo can be worth it. If you’re a student looking for means to earn a supplemental income, Deliveroo is perfect. If you have spare time during the day or evenings, you can make extra money from Deliveroo.
Making Money on Deliveroo FAQ
Can you make good money on Deliveroo?
It depends. You can earn enough to cover short-term or low to medium financial obligations and expenses through Deliveroo, especially if you take advantage of the rewards and pay opportunities provided by the platform. You can earn an average of £100 ($133.42) or more per day if you can make multiple deliveries in a day.
Do I have to pay tax for Deliveroo?
Yes, you do. Working on Deliveroo makes you an independent contractor so you have to pay your taxes accordingly. You should keep track of all expenses you incur on the job so you know how to properly calculate your tax and take advantage of tax deductions. You can utilize an automated financial management app to help you track your expenses so it’s more efficient.
Does Deliveroo count as being self-employed?
Yes, it does. Working as a Deliveroo rider makes you self-employed. As part of the entry requirements for becoming a Deliveroo rider, you’re required to present a UK self-employed work permit before you can be accepted to work in the UK as a Deliveroo rider. All of your tax filings and expenses should be treated in accordance to ensure you’re legally compliant.
Do you have to wear Deliveroo uniform?
No, you don’t. Once you are approved as a Deliveroo driver after your application has been processed you’ll be provided with the branded core kit you’ll need as a driver. However, you’re not obligated to wear the uniform if you don’t want to.
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