Earning Potential | Time to Start | Set-Up Cost | Location | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Quick | Low | On-the-Road | Moderate | Beginner |
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast – How to Become a Deliveroo Driver.
Among the many side hustles available today in the UK, being a driver for food delivery apps remains a popular option. You have plenty of control over your time and the amount of effort you put into this job. In addition, the only major skill set you need is the ability to drive.
Alongside Just Eat and Uber Eats, Deliveroo is one of the most well-known food delivery companies, with their drivers standing out thanks to their egg-blue uniforms. More than that, Deliveroo is one of the most trusted services in the industry, especially in the UK. It’s no wonder that many people want to become a Deliveroo delivery driver.
How do you become a
food delivery courier? What are the things you need to have and the skills you must possess to qualify as a rider? This blog post will dive deeper into the process of becoming a Deliveroo delivery driver. Read on to learn more.
Deliveroo is a food delivery service that began in 2013. The company is based in London, but it has since spread to other territories like Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Using the Deliveroo mobile app or website, a customer can order food from a wide range of local restaurants, fast food chains, and eateries. A recent update also allows you to shop for groceries.
Drivers serve as the middlemen between the customer and the business. They pick up the food or grocery items and deliver them right to the buyer’s doorstep. For this service, the driver earns compensation.
You will need to work as an “independent contractor” if you want to become a Deliveroo delivery driver. In other words, you won’t be an official employee. You will be a self-employed individual who manages your own time and where you work. There are work slots, but we will discuss that in a bit.
In a way, Deliveroo simply works as a platform where you can find delivery opportunities. Still, you will need to pass an application process and meet the proper requirements to begin using the app.
Since Deliveroo doesn’t publicly publish their rates for drivers, we can look at reviews from previous drivers. Data from Indeed indicates that you could earn an average of £14 per hour, and the range starts from £6 and maxes out at £19.
Since you’re an independent contractor, Deliveroo will pay you on a per-drop basis. You will only earn for every delivery you make. Past drivers say that the average rate is either £3 or £4 per drop. You will need to make four to five drops each per hour to reach the average.
One way to increase your delivery opportunities is by being smart when booking work slots. Work slots are how couriers reserve a certain time frame where they can make deliveries.
Deliveroo has limited slots for each time period and location, so you will need to pre-register once the slots open. Your current statistics would govern your booking time. The higher your rating, the earlier you can reserve a slot. This model gives you the most flexibility, and it also helps you reserve peak hours, resulting in more drops.
According to the Deliveroo rider application page, you will need the following in order to begin your application.
To work with Deliveroo you must be aged 18 and have proof of right to work in the UK.
You can apply to be a Deliveroo driver (rider) via their website at https://riders.deliveroo.co.uk/en/apply.
Here are the steps you may need to follow before you can become a fully fledged Deliveroo delivery rider.
As an independent contractor, you will need to handle the start-up costs of being a Deliveroo delivery rider. These include the following.
Deliveroo doesn’t provide a fuel allowance, so you will need to shoulder this expense throughout.
You will need coverage for your vehicle. This is a general requirement for anyone owning a car or motorcycle.
These are one-time expenses for the branded Deliveroo delivery items.
You will handle expenses for thermal packs, smartphone docks, and other equipment.
If you become an independent contractor with Deliveroo, it's important to remember that you'll be classed as self-employed and be responsible for managing your own taxes.
Unlike traditional employment where income tax is automatically deducted, as a self-employed individual, you'll need to keep detailed records of your earnings and expenses. You will need to complete an annual Self Assessment tax return with HM Revenue and Customs, and pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions accordingly.
It's advisable to set aside a percentage of your earnings to cover these tax obligations.
Consulting a
Chartered Accountant
can provide you with personalised advice and help you understand the tax implications more thoroughly.
Being a Deliveroo courier has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Based on reviews from past drivers and available public information, here are some of what you can expect.
You’ll enjoy the flexible hours, excellent driver rates, and ability to reserve work slots. If you’re planning to apply, use the guide we shared above as a reference. For more details, please contact us today.
Before you go... becoming a Deliveroo delivery driver is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food delivery side hustles in the UK. Much like ordering from a full menu, there are several other apps and opportunities to explore. Don't limit yourself to just one platform; diversifying could be the key to maximising your income.
Interested? Then you won't want to miss our next article, where we delve into the nitty-gritty of becoming a food delivery driver across multiple platforms. Get ready to find your perfect delivery fit and elevate your earning potential. Stay tuned!
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk
One-Minute Podcast – How to Become a Deliveroo Driver
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're talking about becoming a Deliveroo delivery driver as a side hustle in the UK. One tip that can make a significant difference is smartly booking your work slots. Deliveroo operates on a limited-slot system, so time slots for deliveries get quickly taken up. Your ability to book these slots is based on your driver rating. The higher your rating, the earlier you can book. By maintaining a high rating, you can secure the most lucrative time slots, such as peak lunch and dinner hours, which means more deliveries and higher earnings for you. This can lead to a more profitable and efficient experience.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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