What It’s Really Like Gigging with Uber Eats According To Someone Who’s Done It
Brought to you by Uber Eats
Five years ago, Mariana Alves moved to Australia from Brazil, motivated by a burning desire to learn how to surf. While she enjoyed surfing, she’s since found another competitive passion in CrossFit.
“I’ve always wanted to have a passion for a sport so I can compete; give it my all and put all my effort into it,” Mariana says.
Image: Uber Eats
After stints in hospitality at hotels and restaurants, Mariana has found a rhythm walking dogs during the week and delivering for Uber Eats on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Outside of that, you can almost definitely find her at the gym. Punkee got the inside scoop from Mariana on what it’s really like delivering for Uber Eats.
Image: Uber Eats
You Can Work Whenever You Like
The truth is, anyone driving using the Uber App or delivering for Uber Eats can work exactly when they feel like it – and give it a miss when they don’t.
“If I’m going to dedicate myself 100% to CrossFit, I need the flexibility to work around my training schedule because that’s my main priority,” Mariana says. She generally logs on during the peak Friday, Saturday and Sunday times.
Image: Uber Eats
“If I feel tired like I don’t really want to work… I’ll just wake up early on a Saturday and work the full day instead,” Mariana says, adding that she also sometimes delivers during the week if she has some spare time or wants to make extra cash.
Whether you’re studying, looking after kids, planning a post-COVID holiday, or following a newfound passion for beekeeping, delivering for Uber Eats could offer the flexibility you need to meet your financial goals and maintain your other commitments.
Mariana prefers this flexibility to hospo work, where she was regularly left in the lurch by management, who unexpectedly cancelled shifts when venues were quiet.
You Can Make Bank
Speaking of financial goals, Mariana says she’s able to lead a comfortable lifestyle thanks to the cash she earns delivering for Uber Eats. “I’m able to make decent money during those three days, and it works perfectly with my training schedule,” she says.
Before Mariana accepts an order, she is provided with the minimum earnings she’ll make. On top of that, she keeps 100% of the tips she makes via the App. Mariana says she’s been pleasantly surprised by Aussies’ generosity given we – like her native Brazil – don’t have a big tipping culture.
She also added that you can make a tidy sum on a given day if you’re able to make peak times like Friday nights, Sunday mornings (hello, hangover orders), or public holidays work with your schedule.
Getting On Board Is Actually Super Easy
Paperwork is literally the worst part of starting a new gig. Do you mean to tell me I have to do all this paperwork just to… get paid for doing MORE paperwork? No thank you.
Mariana says signing up to deliver for Uber Eats was “super easy” – she has a car and had completed all the necessary requirements via Uber’s website in no time at all.
“It’s super quick, and you do it online, which makes it easy,” she says. Once you’ve provided all the required documents, you should be able to start earning with Uber Eats in around five working days.
If you’re thinking about signing up to deliver for Uber Eats and have a car, scooter, or motorbike, you’ll need your driver’s licence, some ID, and your rego certificate.
If you’re cycling, you’ll need your proof of ID.
To deliver for Uber Eats, you’ll need to complete an Impairment Education module, while cyclists also need to pass a bicycle safety test, but don’t worry, this whole thing is less daunting than a trip to the dentist.
Requirements vary by state or territory and can change from time to time, so it’s always best to check the site for full requirements.
Image: Uber Eats
When it comes down to it, Mariana says delivering for Uber Eats gives her the freedom she needs to follow her passion – and she’d encourage anyone considering it to try it out if flexibility is a priority for them.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else at the moment because it gives me a chance to focus on my biggest priorities, which are training and competing,” she says. “I can’t complain!”
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Lead image: Uber Eats
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