Are Delivery Side Gigs Worth It? My Real-Life Experience and Takeaways

Throughout 2025, I’ve tried several delivery-side gig apps as part of a very intentional effort to dig my family out of a financial hole we’ve been in for nearly ten years. At some point, you have to admit that doing the same thing over and over while hoping for different results just doesn’t work.

I have plenty of skill sets I could use to generate income long term, but I needed money immediately. Delivery side gigs offered a way to bring in funds quickly, even if they weren’t meant to be permanent solutions.

Over the course of the year, I tried Uber Eats, DoorDash, Walmart Spark, and Amazon Flex. I attempted to sign up for a few others, but due to where I live, there simply wasn’t enough demand to make them viable.

Each platform came with its own pros and cons, but none of them were perfect. And while DoorDash ended up being the best option overall, that’s not exactly something to celebrate after six months of trial and error.

Are Delivery Side Gigs Worth It? My Real-Life Experience and Takeaways 1

My Experience With Uber Eats

Uber Eats isn’t very popular in my hometown. There are only a handful of restaurants that use the service, which made it difficult to truly evaluate the app locally. To give it a fair shot, I started driving to Summerville, South Carolina, about 45 minutes from home. It’s still small enough for this country girl to navigate comfortably, so the driving itself wasn’t an issue.

One thing I liked about Uber Eats was the navigation system. It was easier to use than the other delivery apps I had tried up to that point. That said, Uber Eats felt like a gamble every single time I accepted an order. Customers have up to 24 hours to change their tip amount, which means what you think you’re earning can change after the fact.

I didn’t personally lose any tips, but the offers themselves rarely felt worth the time, gas, or effort. I also noticed just as many Uber Eats drivers in the area as drivers from other platforms, which made competition another factor.

Bottom line: Uber Eats is my last resort. I’ll use it if I’m in a pinch and need money fast, but it’s not something I enjoy or prioritize.

My Experience With the Walmart Spark App

My time with Walmart Spark was extremely short-lived, and in many ways, I regret not giving it more of a chance. However, when you need money now, patience is hard to come by.

Our local Walmart leaves a lot to be desired. I attempted three Spark orders and completed only one. That single order required rushing through Walmart to shop for items while waiting for customer approvals for substitutions. The other two attempts involved sitting and waiting for hours without ever receiving an order.

Spark offers a small incentive for waiting, but even on a terrible DoorDash day, I was making significantly more than I did sitting in a parking lot. It genuinely felt like I was losing money rather than earning it.

I also didn’t realize at the time that Spark could be used in other locations, the way Uber Eats and DoorDash can. If I had known that earlier, I might have stuck with it and tried Spark in Summerville instead.

Are Delivery Side Gigs Worth It? My Real-Life Experience and Takeaways 2

Why Spark Wasn’t a Fit for Me

Other Spark drivers were perfectly content waiting most of the day to keep their account status high. That wasn’t for me, especially during the peak of a South Carolina summer, sitting in a car with limited shade or standing outside in the heat.

I also disliked the in-store shopping aspect. Waiting on buyers to approve substitutions, rushing through aisles, and dealing with long pickup delays made the experience frustrating. Walmart isn’t my favorite store to shop in, to begin with, which is why I pay for Walmart+.

Veteran Spark drivers later told me my experience would have been much better in larger towns. Unfortunately, once you deactivate your Spark account, you can’t return. And onboarding wasn’t easy to begin with. In hindsight, I can admit my experience was highly location-dependent.

Are Delivery Side Gigs Worth It? My Real-Life Experience and Takeaways 3

My Experience With the DoorDash Dasher App

DoorDash has been the delivery app I’ve used the most throughout 2025. I started in December 2024, and in the beginning, it was fantastic. Orders in my hometown were high-paying, and we were able to make good money in a short amount of time, even after accounting for gas.

It didn’t take long to realize that new Dashers seem to receive better offers. Once you’re hooked and reach Platinum status, the quality of orders noticeably declines. Over time, Platinum became frustrating rather than rewarding.

Surprisingly, dropping down to Gold status turned out to be the sweet spot. That’s when we made the most money and actually enjoyed dashing again. Even so, DoorDash still feels like a gamble. You never truly know what kind of order you’re going to get next.

Our Biggest DoorDash Tips

Always factor mileage before accepting an order
Do not accept lowball offers because they aren’t worth the wear and tear
Accepting low-pay orders seems to lead to more low-pay offers

If you’re doing DoorDash, understanding the tax side is also critical. This article breaks it down clearly and is worth reading:
https://entrecourier.com/delivery/delivery-contractor-taxes/how-taxes-work/doordash-taxes/

Our Experience With Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex took a while to get approved, and once I was on the platform, the competition in my area was immediately apparent. Offers are limited, and you have to actively check the app to find available routes.

That said, every Flex route I’ve completed has been worth the time and effort. The pay has been solid, but like every other app, it’s still a gamble. You don’t know what you’ll be delivering or how smooth the route will be.

I don’t feel comfortable offering many tips for Amazon Flex, but there are a few things worth knowing. Vehicle size matters, and if you bring someone with you, be prepared for packages everywhere. Also, until you reach Level 2, you’ll need to check the app frequently. Amazon Flex does not chase drivers with notifications the way other apps do.

Final Thoughts on Delivery Side Gigs

Delivery side gigs served their purpose for us in 2025. They provided immediate income when we needed it most. However, they come with unpredictability, wear and tear, and mental fatigue.

These gigs are not long-term solutions, but they can be useful tools when used intentionally and with realistic expectations. If you’re considering delivery work, location matters more than most people realize, and a strategic approach makes all the difference.