What: GrubHub is a food delivery app that is attractive to side hustlers in some states, but not in others.
Expected pay: $10 – $20 an hour
Husl $core: $$$
Where:
Major U.S. cities.
Requirements:
- 19+ years of age (21+ in Chicago)
- 2+ years driving experience
- Own an iPhone with iOS 8 or higher OR an Android with 4.0 or higher (With data plan)
- Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance
- Bikers must have a valid state ID
- Checking account for direct deposit
- Pass a background check
Review:
When we first reviewed GrubHub, it was one of the better food delivery apps for drivers. It combined brisk demand with some pay guarantees and better-than average delivery transparency.
However, California voters passed Proposition 22 in 2020. Prop. 22 guarantees a minimum hourly wage and some benefits for drivers in the state. GrubHub revised its app to discourage customers from tipping as a result. Tips are pivotal to delivery drivers, which makes this a worse-than-average option for California drivers and a red-flag for everyone else.
Why is it a red flag? Because it says that GrubHub is trying competing for diners, not drivers. If it gets away with this driver-unfriendly move, expect to see this practice spread like cancer.
It’s too soon to say whether this move will dramatically impact driver pay. However, the site’s main lure for drivers was that it encouraged customers to tip at restaurant rates. Without that, GrubHub would be a far less attractive side hustle.
GrubHub is now on a SideHusl watch list. We will update our review as more information becomes available.
Recommendations:
In the meantime, other apps you may want to consider: Uber Eats, Amazon Flex, Lyft and Wingz. You may also want to check out Dumpling, which helps personal shoppers and drivers set up their own independent operation.
What their drivers say:
(Reviews are edited solely for grammar, clarity and space.)
“I work 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. I made $17 an hour the first year. The last few months I am down to $12 an hour. Getting priority shifts is almost impossible. They are under new management now and it has gone down hill with all the competition coming to town.”
“There are good paying days as well as bad paying days, where lots of mileage is used and not enough money made. It will get you by in hard times or to make some extra money.”
“I have been an Independent Contractor with this company since September 2016. I like that I can schedule a 3 hour shift but they change the “blocks” (shifts) every few months. “
Also consider watching these worthwhile videos:
Eric Evolving on GrubHub’s pros and cons..
Jrv2succeed on how GrubHub works
Patrick on what it’s like to be a driver
*Updated 1/14/2021
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