This question generally comes to mind before entering an industry; however, after becoming one, you still think about how the other drivers and industries are performing overall.
The people who drive for Uber Eats generally don’t restrict themselves to one platform; they drive for other platforms, such as DoorDash, Deliver Easy, Restaurant brands, etc.
With potential earnings ranging from $5k to $75k per year, your income as an Uber Eats driver is entirely within your control. Your availability during peak hours and your location are the two key factors that determine your overall earnings. And remember, Uber X and Uber Eats have separate busy hours, which we’ve detailed in another blog.
As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll find that the job offers flexibility. For instance, you’re generally not busy until lunchtime, but if you’re online during mid-day in a business area, platforms like Uber Eats or Doordash will keep you busy. You could make up to $50 or more in just 3 hours. If you’re near the city area, you’ll keep getting deliveries after lunchtime. The number of delivery requests will start picking up again as people request their dinners. This time, most drivers prefer it as traffic is relatively low, and it’s easy to reach restaurants to customers’ homes. If you’re in one of Auckland’s busy suburbs and you’re open to all delivery trips, you could make $70-$100 on weekday evenings and up to $150 on weekends.
Overall, driving for Uber Eats in New Zealand offers a flexible earning opportunity. If you drive full-time, you can easily make $150/day on weekdays, with some drivers reporting over $200 even on weekdays only. Weekends typically see a 30% increase in earnings. The flexibility of the job allows you to tailor your earnings based on your availability and location.
We have over 1,000 drivers. We have seen a trend in the past: Most people start their journey with Uber Eats and then later move to Uber X. The requirements of Uber X are high compared to Uber Eats. You need a vehicle under 15 years old, a passenger service licence, and many more. We have a separate blog explaining the pros and cons of Uber Eats and Uber X.
There are many expenses against Uber Eats and Doordash income, like fuel, mobile data, etc. We have listed some key points that can help you save money on taxes.
Ensure you maintain your logbook to keep track of your kilometres so you can claim millage as an expense.
Requirements to become an Uber Eats driver in NZ:
It’s easier than you might think to become an Uber Eats driver. As per Uber, over 100,000 drivers have earned income via Uber Eats in New Zealand at some point in the last decade. You can start with a bike, a 50cc scooter, or a 1990 car. All you need is one mode of transportation to travel from one point to another.
There are different requirements for different modes of transportation; we will explain each of them
If you are registering as a Car driver:
- Must have NZ full driving licence
- Your car must be a 1990 model or newer
- 3rd party insurance is mandatory
- Pass a criminal background check and driving history review or hold a P endorsement.
If you are joining as a moped.
- Must have NZ full driving licence
- Your car moped must be a 1990 model or newer.
- 3rd party insurance is mandatory
- Pass a criminal background check and driving history review or hold a P endorsement.
- A helmet and appropriate safety gear are required.
If you are joining as a Bike:
- You should be able to ride a bike around Auckland.
- A helmet and appropriate safety gear are required.
- Pass a criminal background check and driving history review or hold a P endorsement.
Regardless of which mode of travel you choose, there are a few that are constant to all the modes of transportation:
- To register as a driver for Uber Eats, you must be at least 18 years old in all the modes of transport.
- You must have a valid visa or right to work in New Zealand
- Smartphone: iPhone or Android to use the Uber Driver app
- NZ bank account and IRD number
- Delivery Bag: Uber may provide one, or you can purchase an insulated delivery bag.
Once you become a driver, you will be considered self-employed as per New Zealand tax laws which means you will be responsible for declaring your income, express and profit to IRD.
