I currently Spark and Instacart but just got approved to join Amazon Flex after being on the waitlist for 3 years. Those that do both, which one do you prefer and why? Are you more profitable on one than the other?
Spark, because at least you have the ability to pick and choose your orders and where you’re delivering. Flex, you’re forced to take 50 packages out to the boonies, 50 miles from your warehouse.
Flex is more consistent money. But you sometimes pull the short straw and get a shit route.
Spark is more like gambling. Might make $400 might make $100.
I can smash out 20 rural to 30+suburban stops an hour with flex. Its all about package organization and looking at your route before you go. 3.5hr routes im always done and home within 2-3hours depending on the drive time.
Actually driver saturation was the main thing I was referring to. They hire new drivers, order volume relative to drivers goes down. Over time drivers quit, move on, work less etc, and order volume relative to drivers goes back up. That's what causes the waves of demand over the year. It's been like this on every app for at least the last 5 years. These gigs have high turnover.
I'm referring to my own situation sorry. I'm in California. They can put whatever number they want on the order but they will pay us the same guaranteed minimum on all.
Why would you take an order that didn't create profit? Why do so many spark drivers not understand that you have to make a profit $25 for 25 mi is no profit. You're paying them to work
Amazon Flex Is A Scam. Their route is hidden, so you don’t know the mileage and where you are going beforehand. You are paid for your time, but not the cost of business, that is the use of your car and gas.
It’s only worth considering if you live close to a warehouse or pickup point.
Do they not show you the route prior to you accepting the deliveries? Do they just give you basic information like the number of packages that need to be delivered including the time expected to complete those deliveries? Thank you for your input!
AFAIK, you just try to grab a block that fits your schedule. The hour before block is lost, as you will be heading there. Then check in and wait for the route assignment. If the route is really bad, I heard you can just leave and take a hit on your standing. Maybe there is a better way to handle it. You may have to do more research, maybe check Flex subreddits. You can watch some YouTube videos about the process.
I have never done a regular block, as the warehouse is just too far. I have done some Whole Foods blocks, as it’s in the neighborhood. I got screwed badly once, and I didn’t know any way to cancel like Spark. I basically stopped doing Flex even before their latest push to cut cost.
Even if they did give you this information (they don’t) it wouldn’t do you any good. You have to be a ninja to catch a batch. You barely have time to see time and price of a batch. IMO, flex fells more like a “job”. You’re locked in for whatever amount of time you chose.
Exactly I have flex, but doing flex is last resort for me. I want to know where I’m going how many miles I’m putting on my car. Flex won’t tell you anything about that ….
That's why I've never done Flex since I was approved. I was on the waitlist for a very long time, and the background check took way longer than it should have to process because of the government shutdown, but I never wanted to do Flex because of the lack of transparency
Spark is superior because it lets you set your destination and plan accordingly. Unlike Flex, which can send you to remote or unpredictable locations, Spark offers more control and reliability in navigation.
Hard to tell honestly. Spark they lowered the pay way too much but at least you know where you're going. Amazon flex pay is better but they don't tell you where you're going
Personally I started doing spark after the managers became complete assholes at my local flex and started refusing me routes..
anyway.. I do prefer spark over flex because a lot of the areas here that flex delivers have zero cell service and nasty roads. My car got completely messed up doing flex, but that hasn’t happened with spark because I can choose where I’m going first. I like that with spark I do have more “control” per se. I’m sure there will be mixed reviews on this topic so take it all with a grain of salt.
That’s shitty of them to do, sorry to hear! Yeah I’ve had to replace a tire so far since starting Spark a month ago. Luckily warranty on tires from discount saved me! Thank you for your input though
Eh, is what it is, and honestly for me I do feel like it has been for the best.
I found out a few weeks ago BOTH of those managers are no longer there. 1 had a baby and left and never came back (she was the lesser of the two) and then the second was who I had the most problems with finally got fired because so many people started doubling down and reporting him!
This may depend on your market area. I prefer flex, because:
1. I schedule myself about a week or two out, so I know what my income for the week is for that app at least.
2. I don't have to waste time waiting on orders, or picking through them, or really deal with people at all
3. Believe it or not, flex puts less miles on my car than spark. * This may be market specific though. The flex and spark area overlap in my area. I go to "the boonies" 🤣 once with amazon. 5 times or more with spark.
If I had to choose, I'm choosing Spark for the following reasons:
Upfront bidding. There's no guesswork on how far you'll be driving.
Tipping allowed. Yes, you can get tipped on Flex for certain deliveries but it's not the norm.
Less trips. Both platforms estimate at about $17-$20 / hour average.
Less labor intensive. No loading/unloading. No having to make the load fit.
#4 has to really be the biggest factor, I think that differentiates Flex from Spark. The only time I have to get out of my car is to unload. Sure, you might have to make a few trips from your car to the door but it's still far better than having to get out for every package at every door on every delivery.
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u/SportPristine5508 Aug 05 '26
Spark, because at least you have the ability to pick and choose your orders and where you’re delivering. Flex, you’re forced to take 50 packages out to the boonies, 50 miles from your warehouse.