Postmates vs. GrubHub: Which is Better for You?

Postmates and GrubHub are pretty similar from the driver’s side, so it can be hard to choose which platform is right for you. The easy way to pick between GrubHub and Postmates is to look at which one is actually offered in your area. However, assuming they’re both offered in your area, how do you pick between the two?

GrubHub tends to be less flexible but more secure in its earning capabilities. On the other hand, Postmates gives you more freedom but requires slightly more work and strategy on your part.

As you make your decision, here are some differences between the two platforms that you might want to consider.

1. The hiring process

Neither Postmates nor GrubHub have any personal interview as part of their hiring process. Both require a background and vehicle check, and have requirements on vehicles. GrubHub tends to have a few more questions about vehicles as part of their application process, but nothing too significant.

Both take a few days to be hired after finishing the background check.

2. Training

Grubhub requires new hires to attend either an in person or online training. This training goes over the platform, what to expect, and how to do the job.

Postmates has only a 2-3 minute video, which can be good for independent workers who don’t want to spend much time on training. However, you’re probably going to need to work a little harder to educate yourself about the ins and outs of the gig economy and food delivery if you go the Postmates route.

3. Work Gear

Postmates’ gear is pretty basic—a single tote bag to carry orders, and a company credit card to make purchases for customers.

GrubHub, on the other hand, provides you with more gear and uniform materials. They provide two bags (small and large option), a hat, shirt, cap, and a laminated sign for your vehicle. The uniform pieces in particular can help identify you as a professional courier rather than just another person. This can help clients and restaurants identify and recognize you more readily.

4. Scheduling

GrubHub has a less flexible schedule, with required numbers of “blocks” (usually 2-5 hours). Couriers sign up on a first come, first served basis. They are released weekly, which means you have to get your blocks as soon as they come out. You’re unlikely to get the hours you want if you go to sign up even ten or twenty minutes late. It’s very difficult to sign up for blocks back to back, meaning it’s hard to sign up for multiple shifts without large breaks in your schedule.

Postmates, on the other hand, doesn’t tie you to any specific schedule. You can work whenever you want, for however long you want.

5. Workflow

GrubHub has a more streamlined process—it’s limited to food delivery. While many GrubHub employees tend to find they’re less busy, they also have the benefit of GrubHub’s “hourly guarantee”—a set minimum the company will always pay you per hour.

Postmates, on the other hand, has a more complex workflow. Sometimes you may just be picking up and delivering food. Other times, both restaurants and stores may require you to order, use the credit card to pay there, etc. The variance can lead to greater demand, which, for many drivers, can make up for the fact that there’s no hourly guarantee. If you’re struggling to find orders, you may need to change when you work or where you work—busier times and areas are where you’re going to make the most.

6. Support for Drivers

GrubHub has a “driver care phone line,” which lets you have ready access to an actual person. Postmates, on the other hand, requires you to go through “help” menus in the app. On a rare occasion, these will prompt a call to you (not you calling them).

7. Tipping

GrubHub prompts customers to tip before they finish placing their order (and before you ever see it). They do not have the option to tip after you make the delivery unless they give a cash tip. This means that your customer service doesn’t actually play a role in your tip (which could be good or bad, depending on how much you’ve worked to improve customer service).

Postmates, on the other hand, doesn’t prompt for a tip until you’ve delivered the food. This means that if you’re a communicative, friendly courier, you’re likely to pull in a higher tip than if the customer were to tip before you even get there.

8. Getting paid

GrubHub pays weekly (week is Monday through Sunday, pay is Thursday of the next week). Payments typically take 3-5 business days to process your payment. However, GrubHub also has a partnership with Daily Pay which allows for daily payments ahead of your workday. Beware though, there is a transfer fee.

Postmates, on the other hand, allows you to make transfers after you earn. There is a transfer fee of about 15 cents, and it takes a little longer to get your money (usually around 5 business days).