A few years ago, I jumped on the opportunity to make a little extra money for my family by deliverying groceries for Shipt. With great pay, and very little competition for orders in my area, it was great! Over time, of course, membership grew and with that came more shoppers, more competition for orders, and as we all know by now, lower pay per order. I have also dabbled in other on-demand gigs like Lyft, Uber, Instacart, and Takl. So, let’s look at the current climate and briefly look at whether or not RIGHT NOW is the time to sign up for Shipt or other on-demand gig apps that involve you delivering goods in your personal vehicle. There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself, and in my opinion, I think you’ll come to a pretty cut and dry yes or no answer without having to even do any math.
The views in the article are my personal opinion only, based on what I have observed in my area, in local & national media, my experience with the gig economy, personal conversations with those still working in the gig economy, and based on information from a trusted mechanic and local new & used car inventory and prices. Please make your own decisions based on YOUR financial situation, your area, resources, and current economic climate. I am NOT by any means qualified to give financial or employment advice.
The Bottom Line:
New & Used car inventory is SCARCE right now and in high demand. The hard question you have to ask yourself before you click into that app for your side hustle, is this: ‘Can I afford to replace or be without my vehicle?’
The hard question you have to ask yourself before you click into that app for your side hustle, is this:
‘Can I afford to replace or be without my vehicle?’
Cindi, Godmother of the Messy Bun Mafia
What is your goal?
Mainly, why are you working or considering a gig job? Will this be your main income source, or supplemental? Are you trying to make some fast short term cash? Are you looking for a long term income suupplement?
Main income source:
If your car is good working order and can handle the additional mileage, AND you can keep up with regular maintenance, this MIGHT be a good option option for you. When I say regular maintenance, I don’t mean oil changes. I mean scheduled tune ups, spark plugs, oil changes, new tires (more frequently than you’re used to), etc.. All the things. Plus, you may want to consider throwing in a car wash plan unless you just really love washing your car.
Temporary Supplemental Income:
This might be good options, again, as long as your car is good working order and you can actually afford the extra miles and the risks involved: flat tires, fenders benders, extra wear and tear, more frequent oil changes, etc…these are all common expenses of gig economy workers. If you’re just trying to cover some unexpected expenses or save up for an upcoming event, gig work can be a great way to meet those goals/needs. Just be sure you can handle the risk. Also, do some research on the demand in your area. USE the service yourself during non peak hours and ask the driver if they have time to tell you about their LOCAL experience. Please don’t be offended if they don’t, they ARE working. If you do this, ask them if they have a referral code. Sometimes they can earn a little extra cash for referring you to the platform.
Long term Supplemental Income.
If you’re looking to make a long term contribution to your personal or household income, here’s what you have to consider:
- Can I realistically invest enough hours to make the money that we need meet our goals?
- Am I available during peak hours to maximize earning potential, at least one day a week?
- Can I earn enough to set money aside for savings for unexcepted automobile expenses?
- While I ending spending more to earn more (eating out more, more gas, clothes, supplies to do the job well, other related expenses).? While sometimes this balances out and takes care of itself, sometimes it does not – be honest with yourself when answering this question.
Do I have access to an extra vehicle for regular daily needs if something happens to my vehicle?
You can forget borrowing someone’s car for gig work – that’s just a hard now – unless it’s your spouse, partner, or parent…hard pass – just not cool. Even if it IS those people, please be seriously desperate before you do it. Don’t even ask, ok? Why? Insurance. Plain and simple. Don’t mess up your people to make a few dollars. End of discussion.
Do you just happen to have an extra vehicle you can burn through, AMAZING go for it. I just thought I’d Put this out there in case there’s anyone out there in world wide web trying to make this tough decision right now.
Answering the questions and taking a hard look at the used and new car market will really help give you some insight into what you might be up against if something goes wrong with your vehicle. I’m not saying don’t do it, I’m just saying that I want you to PLEASE do your research and consider your options and the risks v. rewards.
Just so I don’t totally rain on your parade, here are some other things you can consider that are little more ‘sure things’ than gig work: substitute teaching, pizza delivery or other specific restaurant delivery, reselling clothing or other items from home (start with things you already have), a weekend part time job, talk to your current employer about a raise (you’d be surprised at how many are willing to discuss this and WILL give it to you!)
I’d love to know if this article was helpful to you, and any feedback or extra insight you might have. I’ve done VERY little gig work over the last couple of years, so my experience is limited to watching the world go round with close friends and connections that I have maintained. Thanks for stopping by my little piece of the web!
