But inviting strangers, who may or may not be intoxicated, into your vehicle doesnt sit well.
Does this sound like you?
Heres an alternative side hustle: Deliver packages for Amazon Flex.
(Fun fact: Boxes are much less likely to throw up in your back seat.)
Now, the e-commerce giant is leaning more on independent contractors across the country through Amazon Flex.
How Much Money Can I Make?
Lets cut right to it: Youre here for the money.
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Do you avoid people too?
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Another perk: Amazon Flex deliveries are based on scheduled shifts, up to four hours in length.
That makes earnings more predictable than other app-based work.
Where Is Amazon Flex Available?
Amazon Flex launched in 2015 in Seattle only.
In-demand locations are frequently posted on itsGet Started page.
Did you know?
Becoming an Amazon Flex driver doesnt require any prior delivery experience.
Heres a rundown of the requirements beyond that.
How Do I Apply?
To sign up, youll need to create anAmazon accountif you dont already have one.
Then download the app to start the job app.
iPhone users can downloadAmazon Flexfrom the App Store.
In that case, followseparate Android instructionsthat include downloading the app directly from Amazon Logistics.
You may need to disable your phones security parameters that block third-party apps for it to install properly.
Once the app is installed, follow the prompts about location and scheduling availability.
Youll be able to specify what days and time frames you prefer.
If your area is in high demand, you may be able to proceed.
If not, youll have to join a waitlist.
After you submit that information, sit tight while the background check is processed.
Amazon Flex says it may take up to 10 business days.
Several drivers have reported that the process could take longer.
What Will I Deliver?
Amazon Prime isnt all smiley brown boxes.
How Do Shifts Work?
Shifts or blocks with Amazon Flex work differently than most gig apps.
Unless youre doing Instant Offer orders, you dont just log on and start driving.
For most orders, you could plan out when and how much work you want to do.
The Upcoming Offers list suggests blocks based on the schedule you submitted when you signed up.
Deliver as little as you like.
Theres no minimum order requirement for drivers.
(Youre capped at 40 hours a week, though.)
Keep in mind: The blocks are suggested times.
The opposite is also true.
If you accepted a block you dont want, cancel it at least 45 minutes before the start time.
Late cancelations will incur warnings.
After three warnings, you risk getting fired.
Whats the Work Like?
Lets not sugar coat it: Delivery work can be tough.
Instructions are often vague.
Youre on a pretty tight time-frame.
But the reward is higher than most gig work.
The guaranteed wages paired with an occasional light delivery load make it worthwhile for many drivers.
Some days, customers leave treats outside for delivery people to grab.
Other days, drivers get lost in labyrinthine apartment complexes for hours, looking for the right unit numbers.
Use these tips to help lessen the learning curve.
While youre waiting for your background check to process, its a good idea to review the training materials.
Dont just blow through them.
One common refrain among beginning drivers: They were woefully unprepared for their first delivery.
Many drivers benefit from YouTube tutorials that demonstrate effective ways to load up your orders.
That figure is gross pay.
Gig workers often overlook costs like gas, car maintenance and tolls.
When youre driving potentially hundreds of miles a day, those expenses add up.
Many drivers make do with a spreadsheet.
If thats too old school, try using expense-tracking software like Everlance, MileIQ or Quickbooks.
It helps if you know your locale well.
Many drivers lament large apartment complexes specifically.
If you find yourself delivering to one, take notes on how the unit numbers and buildings are organized.
(Does unit 2302 mean its on the second floor?)
Snap a pic of the community map.
Ask neighbors for directions.
Itll save you a lot of time in the long run.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
He covers the gig economy, entrepreneurship and unique ways to make money.
Read his latest articles here, or say hi on Twitter@hardyjournalism.
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