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Vogo Scooter - The Week In On Demand

Uber Jumps Higher and Instacart Is No Longer Whole

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This Week In On Demand — Dec. 21, 2018

While you prepare for a relaxing holiday break, app companies are trying to get everything crossed off their checklists before Christmas Day. Here’s what happened this week in on demand.

Vogo Lands $100 Million Investment From Ola

Early in the week, Ola announced they were investing $100 million in India scooter startup Vogo. Ola also participated in the Vogo’s Series A, but the individual investor amounts weren’t made public. Vogo’s also backed by Stellaris Venture Partners and Matrix Partners India.

For Ola, the investment is part of an on-going effort to prevent Uber from dominating the on demand transportation market in India. The country is already Uber’s second-highest grossing market in the world. With the latest investment, Ola will be able to offer Vogo scooter rentals through their rideshare app. They’ve already expanded their offerings to include bike rental and motorbike taxi hires.

Uber Unveils New Jump Bike Design, Gets Self-Driving Approval, and Loses UK Drivers’ Rights Appeal

On Tuesday, Uber showcased their new Jump e-bike model to the world. The latest generation bike is designed for increased durability and enhanced user experience, displaying retractable phone mounts and changeable batteries.

Jump Bike Uber
Uber's new Jump Bike

 

Uber acquired the bike-sharing startup in April, but their movements have been minor until recently. In November, the company launched a large fleet of e-bikes in Seattle, and now, they are reportedly preparing for mass expansions across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe.

Also this week, Uber earned approval from the state’s Department of Transportation to relaunch their self-driving program. Uber halted their autonomous vehicle tests after one of their vehicles killed an Arizona pedestrian earlier this year. Going forward, the company hopes to avoid further safety issues by having two employees in the vehicle, similar to Waymo.

While the rideshare company is making progress with their expansion efforts, Uber received a legal hit in the UK. On Wednesday, a UK appeal court upheld the 2016 ruling that Uber drivers are considered employees and not contractors. As a result, the business is required to provide benefits and meet the country’s minimum wage requirements.

It’s the second appeal they’ve lost with this case, but the fight isn’t over, as they’re expected to make an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Lyft Tussles With Keller Lenkner

It was reported last week that Lyft is facing another lawsuit. A petition was filed in San Francisco last Thursday on behalf of over 3,000 Lyft drivers. The complaint claims that the company has refused to cover private arbitration costs. Coincidentally, Uber faces a similar situation after being hit with over 12,500 driver arbitration demands early this month.

The Plaintiffs firm behind both cases, Keller Lenkner, first filed in October after approaching Lyft for settlement talks, which Lyft rebuffed.

The most recent petition comes two months after the first set of demands were filed, which was almost immediately followed by the company filing a civil suit against the plaintiffs’ law firm, Keller Lenkner.

From Reuters:

Lyft alleged that Keller Lenkner lawyer Warren Postman had been privy to confidential Lyft documents in his previous job with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Litigation Center. Postman, on behalf of the Chamber, had sued to block Seattle from adopting an ordinance that would have permitted drivers for ride-sharing companies to engage in collective bargaining with ride-sharing companies that classified them as contractors. Lyft was not a party in the Chamber case but alleged that behind the scenes, it worked closely with Postman on the case

Lyft has also faced other legal battles this year, including two class action lawsuits. A case involving driver pay was launched in May while another focused on driver categorization hit in November.

Instacart Loses Whole Foods Deal

Late last week, Instacart announced the end of its partnership with Whole Foods. The two companies signed a five-year contract in 2016, giving exclusive delivery rights to Instacart.

But Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017 created tension between the two organizations, as the online retailer has intentions of its own to conquer the grocery delivery industry. Whole Foods’ customers will now have to rely on AmazonFresh for on demand grocery service.

While the news may shock some shoppers and consumers, Instacart has been preparing for the move for months. In fact, the company slashed it’s yearly customer fee in November to become more affordable than Amazon’s Prime membership.

They also closed a $600 million investment round in October followed by a host of big-name team additions. Such steps serve as preparation for both an inevitable Amazon showdown and their anticipated IPO in 2019.

Target Expands Shipt’s Product Offerings

On Tuesday, Target announced expansion plans for its on demand delivery options through Shipt. The retailer acquired the same-day delivery service in 2017, and since then, they’ve slowly broadened their store offerings on the platform to extend outside groceries and include select basics across other departments. But starting in 2019, customers will have the ability to choose products in all major retail categories.

Target Shipt Driveup

 

While Amazon and Instacart have been sidetracked with each other, Shipt has become a more prominent player in the grocery delivery industry. Since last year’s acquisition, the service has expanded to 200 markets across 46 states. In comparison, Instacart is available in 240 markets, which means Shipt is quickly gaining ground in the industry.

That’s the biggest hits and misses from this week in on demand. Check back next week to find out what last-minute moves the top companies are making before the arrival of 2019.

 

Shipt Shopper Guide

Working With Shipt: All You Need to Know to Get Started

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We’ve covered various delivery gigs at Rideshare Central recently, including Deliv and Amazon Flex. But you may also be curious about a grocery delivery service like Shipt.

Shipt is an app that pays you to shop and deliver fresh goods to nearby customers, similar to Instacart.

Shipt was founded in 2014 and raised $65 million before Target acquired them at the end of 2017 for $550 million. Target now uses Shipt to offer same day delivery to customers from about half of its stores.

Working as a Shipt shopper can be a great way to make some extra cash in your spare time while doing something you enjoy.

But Shipt shopping isn’t for everyone. If you want to make money with this app, you’ll need to work quickly and efficiently.

With so many side gig options at your disposal, it’s important that you understand the basics of working with Shipt before you decide whether it’s right for you.

Below, we’ve put together a quick guide containing everything you need to know about working with Shipt.

Shipt shopper at checkout
Shipt shopper at Target checkout

 

From how much you can make to what the application process looks like, we’ll guide you through the world of Shipt to help you make a more informed decision about becoming a Shipt shopper.

How Shipt Works

Shipt is an app-based grocery delivery service that allows members to save their grocery lists to the app and submit orders when they are ready.

For just $99 per month, Shipt customers can get unlimited grocery delivery services from major grocery stores in their area. Once they submit an order, a Shipt shopper claims it, completes the order, and delivers the items to the member’s home.

As a Shipt shopper, you can create your own schedule.

You set your availability by the hour and can make your shopping schedule up to five days in advance. That means if you only want to work between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can just pick up orders during this time.

The flexibility of scheduling is great for individuals with full-time jobs who want to pick up a side gig after work or for students who want to earn money in between classes.

Shipt has actually put together a great video about how to schedule yourself and claim Shipt orders.

 

Shipt shoppers can also decide where they want to pick up orders.

They can limit their shopping to a single zone, which encompasses a radius of a few miles around a major grocery store. They can also choose to shop in multiple zones, allowing them access to even more orders.

Shipt shoppers use the shopper app to see order requests.

Within the app, the shopper can see the store, the size of the order, and the delivery destination.

Though you do not have to accept or claim every order that comes through in your zone, Shipt does measure acceptance rates. That means if you reject too many of the orders that come through in your zone, you may lose your ability to work with Shipt.

Once you accept an order on the shopping app, you drive to the designated grocery store, select the items on the shopping list, and pay at the register using the provided Shipt company card.

Thankfully, Shipt has also put together a helpful video on how to shop for Shipt orders.

 

Then, you take a photo of the receipt and upload it to the app before completing the order by making a final delivery to the member’s home.

Those working with Shipt can shop multiple orders at one time. In fact, many successful Shipt shoppers will fulfill multiple orders while at the same store. Every order you deliver pays you a commission, so working on multiple orders at one time allows you to earn more money over time.

How Much Do Shipt Shoppers Make?

One of the most important things to consider before becoming a Shipt shopper is how much you can make through your side gig.

Average earnings depend on a number of different factors, including your location, what types of orders you are picking up, and how efficiently you complete these orders. Below is a breakdown of how you earn money shopping for Shipt and how much you can potentially earn over time.

Earning Commission

The most important way that Shipt shoppers get paid is through the commission they earn on each delivery. The current commission rate is $5 plus 7.5% of the total order amount.

That means that for a $150 order, you will earn a commission of $16.25. An order that large should take about one hour to complete.

Smaller orders will pay less, but they take less time to complete. And the tips on those small orders can add up fast.

Earning Tips

Another way Shipt shoppers earn money is through member tips. Getting more and better customer tips is the best way to maximize your earning potential on Shipt. Many Shipt customers are either too busy or may not have the ability to shop for themselves. These customers are willing to pay more for the convenience of grocery services like Shipt and often tip well when they are satisfied with their experience.

The better customer service you provide, the more you can earn through customer tips. Paying attention to details such as the quality of produce you select for a customer and the accuracy of your order is an effective way to build relationships that lead to higher tips. Similarly, little extras like walking the groceries into the house can also help you earn more and better tips.

Average Shipt Earnings

As we mentioned above, average Shipt earnings depend on a number of different elements. According to Shipt, experienced shoppers can make anywhere between $16 to $22 an hour. Though it is possible to make some serious cash with Shipt, it can also be possible to earn below minimum wage if you aren’t smart about how you work.

The more efficient you become as a Shipt shopper and the stronger relationships you build with members, the more you stand to gain financially. One high school teacher living in Orlando, Florida, actually quit his high school teaching job to become a Shipt shopper full-time as he was earning around $100,000 per year. To earn this much, he was working around 60 hours a week with an average of 22 shopping trips per working day. The relationships he built with members allowed him to earn more tips per trip, contributing to his high earnings.

Shipt Shopper Apply
Shipt Shopper Selecting Wine

 

Another Shipt shopper in the Nashville area earns a steady $17.50 per hour. Working 35 hours a week with 4-day work weeks, this Shipt shopper takes home about $600 per week. For her, the flexible scheduling and ability to make more per hour than a standard 9-to-5 job makes Shipt shopping worth her time. Though earning potential does depend on tips, this shopper finds that the generous tippers make up for those who tip less.

Where Is Shipt Available?

Shipt is available in most major U.S. Cities. To see if you can apply in your area, enter your zip code on the Shipt coverage area page.

How to Become a Shipt Shopper

Becoming a Shipt shopper is rather easy. There are some basic requirements that you need to be able to meet before you apply to work for Shipt:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance
  • Have access to a reliable vehicle, 1997 model or newer
  • Have basic knowledge of produce selection
  • Use insulated cooler bags for groceries
  • Be able to lift at least 40 pounds
  • Own an iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android smartphone (5.1 or newer)

If you meet these basic requirements, you can apply to become a Shipt shopper. The application requires you to fill out some basic information about who you are and why you want to work for Shipt. After filling out the application, you’ll complete a video interview through a third-party site, answering questions that help the Shipt team determine if you’re a good fit.

Once you are accepted and have downloaded the shopper app, you can start shopping!

 

Be A Shipt Shopper

 

Amazon Flex Driver

Amazon Flex: Getting Started As A Driver

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Amazon Flex is one of the newer additions to the gig economy, allowing private couriers to deliver Amazon packages, groceries, and any other of the millions of products you can now have brought to your doorstep within hours of ordering. Many individuals that earn money driving for Lyft and Uber have added food and package delivery to their hustle so that they can earn more money during their time on the road. Intrigued? Check out this quick guide to getting started with Amazon Flex so you can start dominating the delivery space.

Signing Up With Amazon Flex

Signing up with Amazon Flex is quick and easy—as long as there is a position open in your area. This will be the first question you are asked about in the process. Amazon lists all open areas on their site, so all you have to do is scroll through and find an area close to you to work in.

Amazon Flex Driver - City

 

If your area is not on the list, you can sign up to be on a waitlist, and Amazon will email you when a spot opens up. If your area is open, select it and you’ll be asked to provide:

  • Basic demographic info
  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Vehicle insurance info
  • Social security number/tax ID
  • Bank account info for direct deposit
  • Driver’s license info

You will also be asked to consent to a background check. The background check process takes a few days, so don’t expect to be making money with Amazon Flex immediately.

While you’re waiting for your clearance, take a look at the short training videos Amazon provides to ensure you’re ready to go when you’re approved. Pay attention closely, as there are quizzes at the end of each video.

Choosing Your Schedule

Driving for Amazon Flex is a bit different than driving for Uber or Lyft. You can’t just turn on your app and start driving any time you want. With Amazon Flex, you must pre-book your time by claiming shifts—or blocks, as Amazon calls them.

Amazon Flex Blocks

 

Each block is three to four hours and worth a set amount of money. Blocks are released for claiming 24 hours before they are set to begin. At that time, you can check for available blocks within the app. To claim a block, simply click on it and you’ll receive a confirmation message within the app. Amazon boasts that its drivers can make $18-25 per hour delivering packages to its customers.

What to Expect as an Amazon Flex Driver

Flex drivers can generally expect to pick up packages from an Amazon facility and drop them off to customers in their areas. When you get started, you choose a warehouse that you will pick up from.

Amid your deliveries, you also have the option to pick up “Instant Offers” that pop up in your area, allowing you to earn some extra cash. These could be from Amazon Prime, Amazon Fresh, or Amazon Restaurants.

Amazon Flex Instant Offers

 

The cool thing about Amazon Prime, Fresh, and Restaurants is that customers can tip you. Amazon takes none of your tips, so do a good job and you can dramatically increase your income with these Instant Offers.

Picking Up Orders with Amazon Flex

As mentioned before, you may have a variety of order types, which means you may have a variety of pickup locations. Let’s break them down now.

  • Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Restaurants—The location of your pickup will show on your app an hour before your block start time. The pickup spot may not be the actual establishment—you may be instructed to go to a waiting area before being given the pickup location.
    • Prime Now—There are Prime Now delivery stations throughout your working area. When you’ve arrived, you must swipe “I’ve Arrived” in your Flex app. You’ll be given your assigned route, and the app will let you know when your order is ready. You’ll then need to scan each of your assigned packages in the station before you head out.
    • Amazon Fresh—These orders begin at a Prime Now delivery station. Follow the same process as with the other orders. You’ll be instructed as to whether the customer needs to be present for delivery and if you need to verify age due to alcohol deliveries.
    • Amazon Restaurants—When picking up from a restaurant, you’ll want to have an insulated bag to keep food warm. You can either purchase your own bag or hope that there’s a loaner bag available at the delivery station. Like the other pickup types, when you arrive at the location, tap “I’ve Arrived” in the app and it will tell you where to go.
  • Store Orders—Some Prime Now orders require you go to an actual store to pick up the item(s). When you’ve arrived at your start location, tap the “I’ve Arrived” button on the app and it will tell you where to go to pick up the order.
  • Amazon.com Orders—These will begin at a delivery station, which will appear on your app an hour before you start your block. In most cases, you’ll be met by an Amazon employee who will verify your ID and ask you to scan an arrival code.

As with all of these orders, the app will provide you with suggested routes for delivery. Note, these may not be the best routes, so use your judgment and local knowledge to find the best routes in order to maximize your time and your income.

7 Tips to Really Make Money with Amazon Flex

While Amazon says its drivers make between $18-25, the reality is, the range is much wider. Keep in mind that this number is before taxes and expenses. So, when you take into account fuel, oil changes, and other maintenance costs, these numbers can be a lot lower. If you want to truly make money as an Amazon Flex driver, follow these best practices:

  1. Log every mile you drive—Whether you keep a paper notebook in your car, or use an app, keeping track of your miles will enable you to take every deduction you deserve as an independent contractor.
  2. Keep track of car maintenance—Save your receipts each time you fuel up or change your oil, brakes, transmission fluid, lights, windshield wipers, etc. These expenses may be deductible at tax time.
  3. Organize your vehicle—When you receive your packages, they will have a manifest attached, which allows you to cluster your deliveries. Keep your packages organized in this way, with the closest deliveries in the front seat, then move the next round from the backseat to the front and so forth. Being able to hop out of your car with the right packages keeps you efficient.
  4. Use a bigger vehicle—If you have access to a larger vehicle like an SUV, you have the ability to take on more packages for your delivery area. As your deliveries are generally concentrated in a given area, mileage is not as crucial as it is with passenger delivery services, so the reduced mileage efficiency isn’t as much of an issue.
  5. Avoid returning packages undelivered—When you can’t deliver a package, you have to drive it back to the station, which takes time. Do everything you can to prevent package theft by leaving deliveries in a more secure location. Don’t forget to take a picture of the delivery location.
  6. Dress for money—When it comes to making extra tips, it’s all in the presentation. Wear clean, well-fitting clothes. Brush your hair. Think about who you would want walking up to your door and handing you your burrito, electric razor, or organic produce.
  7. Know your area—Even if you don’t live in the area to which you’re delivering packages, the best thing you can do to increase your efficiency is to know the area inside and out. This includes times of increased congestion, construction areas, and insider shortcuts. While the Flex app does its best to provide you with the most efficient route to your deliveries, it may fail to take into account local issues.

Get Ready to Ride

Amazon Flex has the capability to greatly increase your income, particularly as a part-time side-gig. The key is efficiency, so use the tips in this guide to get you started with Amazon Flex.