If you own a car and are looking for a side hustle, you must have crossed paths with Amazon Flex.
This is an initiative that Amazon created in 2015 to help independent workers in the US, UK, and a few more countries make extra money by delivering Amazon parcels.
While many drivers consider Amazon Flex a mere side hustle, others work full-time, delivering packages every day in their own vehicles. But the million-dollar question is, is the Amazon Flex driver job really profitable in 2022? Read on as we answer that in this article.
Becoming an Amazon Flex Driver
Becoming an Amazon Flex Driver is pretty straightforward. You need to have a driver’s licence and a mid-sized sedan car for package transportation; the bigger the vehicle, the better.
Considering Amazon is a mobile-based app, you will require a smartphone. In addition, you must answer a few background questions about your personal details, driving history, and criminal record.
The whole registration process may take up to a maximum of 5 days. If you are not sure how to go about the process, here is a guide on how to become an Amazon Flex driver and everything else you should know.
How Does an Amazon Flex Driver Make Money?
Your primary job as a Flex Driver is delivering packages through various Amazon.com services.
These include Amazon Restaurant, which offers food orders delivery from multiple restaurants within an hour, and Amazon Fresh, which involves the delivery of fresh foods and groceries.
The delivery job may sound odd, but it pays handsomely depending on the size of the vehicle you have. According to Amazon, you can earn anywhere between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on the number of deliveries you make.
Courier jobs are considered service jobs in some regions, and drivers can earn extra tips. While customers are not required to pay tips, a prompt and professional delivery increases the chances of getting one.
There is no certainty on how much you will make after a successful job. That being said, how much you make daily, weekly, or monthly will depend on the number of hours you put in. Even so, Amazon will cap your daily, weekly, and monthly working hours to a specific number.
Amazon Flex Driver Expenses
While Amazon Flex is an excellent way of making extra cash, it does not come without expenses. Being an independent contractor, you don’t expect reimbursement in case of additional costs incurred during the job.
If you own the vehicle you are using, your profit will be higher on what you are making. That being said, if you are servicing a car loan, it means your profit will be a bit lower.
Vehicle maintenance, insurance, taxes, and vehicle registration claims a significant portion of your final earnings. The more you drive your vehicle, the more mileage you have, significantly increasing wear and tear.
Additional expenditure is the gas your car will consume during those extra drives. However, the cost may be insignificant if you use a fuel-efficient vehicle or an alternative fuel source like an electric car.
Being an independent contractor means that you are eligible for self-employment taxes. However, Amazon does not withhold any taxes from their payments; the responsibility solely lies with you.
So, is Amazon Flex Driver Job Profitable in 2022?
Amazon Flex Driver Job is relatively new and not widely available. While this may mean it is less lucrative or reliable than other similar gigs, the job can be highly profitable and worth it, especially if it is available in your area and there is less competition. However, so much could change in the coming years as Amazon popularised this initiative.
