You may have heard about both of these delivery services apps that offer great services for both consumers and drivers. Although Uber bought Postmates in July 2020 and it became one of Uber’s subsidiaries, both still run separately.
Whether you’re a courier or a customer looking for the best delivery service app between Postmates or Uber Eats, there are some things you need to know.
Read on to find out more about Uber Eats and Postmates.
Uber
Android version: download here
iOS version: download here
Postmates
Android version: download here
iOS version: download here
Uber Eats
Even if you’ve never used Uber Eats before, you might have already guessed what it offers. You can order food from some restaurants and grocery stores using this application.
Uber Eats for Consumers
Uber Eats has a service fee of 15% that adds to your order subtotal. The delivery fee is also based on the restaurant/store and drivers’ availability. When many people are ordering from the same place, the delivery fee will increase from the usual amount.
Typically, an Uber Eats delivery fee ranges from $0.99 to $7.99. The distance between your location and the restaurant/store will also count. The closer the place is, the less the cost will be. You’ll often see the delivery fee between $2.99 and $4.99.
Uber Eats for Drivers
When you apply to be an Uber Eats driver, there are some requirements you have to meet:
- Aged 19 years old or older (18 or over for bike delivery).
- Have a driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and regular insurance.
- A clean criminal background check (including theft, misdemeanors, violence, or drugs).
- Has an MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) and has no record of getting into more than three incidents over the past three years.
- No record of reckless driving, speeding violations (20mph or greater over speed limit over the past three years), and DUIs.
Postmates
Postmates is a service that delivers both food and groceries to customers. They’ve listed over 600,000 restaurants and merchants that you’ll find in their application.
Postmates for Consumers
Postmates’ list of merchants comes from its partner restaurants, non-partnered restaurants, and stores. It’s hard to determine how much Postmates charges for its service fee as this isn’t made public.
However, if you want to compare Uber Eats and Postmates, Postmates’ delivery fee starts from $3.99 and goes up to $5.99. Some merchants charge an additional fee of around $1.
Postmates for Drivers
Like Uber Eats, you need to pass a background check, which is more or less similar to Uber Eats’ background check.
These are the main requirements for Postmates drivers:
- Aged at least 18 or older.
- Have a vehicle (car, motorcycle, bike, or make it clear if you’re willing to deliver on foot).
Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Comparison for Consumers
Hard to determine which one’s the best? Let’s break the differences down one by one.
Costs
When you compare the fees between Uber Eats and Postmates, you’ll find both of the costs end up looking similar. However, if you count on promotions, Postmates is a little more generous in giving free delivery.
Promotions
Uber Eats and Postmates offer promo codes for new and existing users. For example, both offer delivery credits on several orders and trending restaurants. The promotions you get will vary depending on where you live, too.
Postmates also gives you an option to get unlimited free delivery for orders over $15 if you apply for membership, which costs $9.99 per month. Uber Eats has a similar perk called ‘Eats Pass’, for the same price.
Both Uber Eats and Postmates have referral programs that’ll reward you if you share the app with others. You’ll earn delivery credits when the person you referred downloads and orders from the application.
Delivery Speed
Both applications perform similarly. If you order from any F&B store, for example, it takes a while as the restaurant will only make your order after the courier arrives.
Customer Service
The help feature in Uber Eats lets you change the delivery address or connects you directly to the restaurant.
If you need to change something in Postmates, you can call your delivery courier while the delivery is still in progress. Uber Eats have this feature too. If your orders are already complete, both applications have a message feature.
Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Comparison for Drivers
The main difference is that all Uber Eats orders go through the application. Drivers won’t have to pay when they take the order. Postmates has a little more complicated system as it has non-partnered merchants in the app. Couriers have a special prepaid “PEX” card to pay the order they have to place in person.
Other than that, these are what you have to note if you’re looking to apply to Postmates or Uber Eats.
Vehicle Choices
What if you don’t have a vehicles Sorry, but you can’t apply to Uber Eats. However, you can be an on-foot courier for Postmates in some cities.
Payments
First, you won’t get a salary working as a courier for both apps. Instead, you’d be paid per delivery. The more orders you get, or the larger your orders are, the higher your pay will be. The rate will also be different from city to city.
Postmates and Uber Eats often pay more if you work during peak hours, but if you want to maximize your earnings, you need to take note of the volume of the requests. Be quick! Both apps depend on fast and good customer service. You can collect more tips too if you complete more orders.
On average, Postmates drivers make around $24.97 per hour, as Uber Eats couriers earn $16.75 per hour.
The Verdict
Postmates vs Uber Eats? It’ll depend on what you find more important if you’re a consumer. If you put speed first, you need to note that Postmates also have on-foot couriers.
If you’re looking for one application that offers more choice and promotions, Postmates wins the battle.
