Amazon Flex vs Shipt 2026: Complete Platform Comparison
Two leading delivery platforms with different approaches to gig work. Discover which platform matches your skills, preferences, and earning goals.
Table of Contents
1. Platform Overview
Amazon Flex connects drivers with Amazon's delivery network, primarily handling packages from Amazon orders along with Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh grocery deliveries. Launched in 2015, it's grown to become one of the largest gig delivery platforms, operating in most major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Shipt, owned by Target since 2017, focuses on personal shopping and grocery delivery. Shipt shoppers select items from store shelves, then deliver directly to customers. The platform partners with Target, various grocery chains, and other retailers to provide same-day delivery services.
The fundamental difference lies in the work itself. Amazon Flex drivers receive pre-packaged orders to deliver, while Shipt shoppers actively shop for groceries and communicate with customers during the process. This distinction shapes everything from earning potential to skill requirements.
Both platforms position themselves as flexible earning opportunities for independent contractors. However, their different approaches to delivery work create distinct experiences that appeal to different types of workers. Understanding these differences helps you choose the platform best suited to your preferences and goals.
2. Pay Structure Comparison
Amazon Flex pays drivers for scheduled blocks, with rates typically ranging from $18-25 per hour for standard deliveries. Whole Foods and Prime Now blocks often pay higher, sometimes reaching $30+ per hour during peak demand. Base pay is guaranteed for completing your block, regardless of how quickly you finish.
Shipt uses order-based pay calculated from factors including estimated shopping and delivery time, order complexity, and distance. Base pay per order typically ranges from $5-15, but the real earning power comes from customer tips. Tips often equal or exceed base pay, making customer relationships crucial for maximizing income.
The tipping dynamics differ dramatically between platforms. Amazon Flex customers can tip, but the interface doesn't emphasize it, resulting in lower tip frequency. Shipt's model explicitly encourages tipping, and customers develop relationships with preferred shoppers who consistently provide excellent service.
Experienced Shipt shoppers often earn $25-35 per hour after tips, outpacing typical Amazon Flex earnings. However, this requires building customer relationships and mastering efficient shopping techniques. New shoppers without established customers typically earn less until they develop their client base.
3. Types of Work
Amazon Flex work primarily involves logistics block deliveries—picking up pre-sorted packages from delivery stations and delivering them to residential addresses. Routes typically include 30-50 stops over 3-5 hour blocks. The work is physically straightforward but requires efficient navigation and time management.
Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh blocks through Flex involve grocery deliveries but without the shopping component. You pick up pre-bagged groceries and deliver them, similar to standard package routes but with temperature-sensitive handling requirements and often better tipping.
Shipt work centers on the complete shopping experience. You receive an order, shop items from store shelves, communicate with customers about substitutions, check out, then deliver. Each order requires 30-60 minutes of shopping plus delivery time. The work demands product knowledge, communication skills, and efficiency.
Shipt shoppers develop expertise in store layouts, product locations, and efficient shopping strategies. Top performers complete orders faster while maintaining quality, increasing their hourly earnings. The learning curve is steeper than Flex, but mastery creates competitive advantages.
4. Scheduling and Flexibility
Amazon Flex uses a block-based scheduling system. Drivers claim blocks of 2-5 hours that begin at specific times. Blocks appear in the app based on demand, and competition for desirable blocks can be intense. Once you have a block, you're committed to that time window.
Shipt allows shoppers to claim individual orders rather than time blocks. Orders appear on a metro-wide board, and shoppers select orders fitting their schedule and location. Delivery windows are typically one hour, giving you flexibility to build custom schedules order by order.
Shipt's scheduling granularity offers advantages for fitting work around other commitments. You can take a single order during a lunch break or stack multiple orders during dedicated work periods. This flexibility appeals to parents, students, and those with variable schedules.
However, Flex blocks guarantee work for their duration, while Shipt order availability varies. During slow periods, Shipt shoppers may struggle to find orders, while Flex drivers with blocks have assured work. Each system has trade-offs between flexibility and income predictability.
5. Application Requirements
Amazon Flex requires applicants to be at least 21, have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and have access to a mid-size or larger vehicle. The application process is primarily automated, with approval typically occurring within days to weeks depending on market demand.
Shipt's application process is more selective. Applicants must be at least 18, pass a background check, and complete a knowledge assessment about shopping and customer service. A video interview evaluates communication skills and customer service orientation. The process takes 1-3 weeks.
Shipt's selectivity means lower acceptance rates but also less competition once approved. The platform seeks shoppers who can provide excellent customer experiences, not just complete deliveries. This focus on quality creates higher earnings potential for those who make the cut.
Both platforms conduct ongoing background checks and may deactivate drivers for policy violations or poor ratings. Maintaining good standing requires consistent performance and adherence to platform guidelines. Professional conduct and customer satisfaction determine long-term platform access.
6. Customer Interaction
Amazon Flex involves minimal customer interaction. Most deliveries require simply leaving packages at doorsteps, with occasional signature requirements or access code entries. Communication typically occurs only when delivery issues arise, such as missing addresses or access problems.
Shipt requires extensive customer communication. Shoppers introduce themselves at order start, communicate throughout shopping about items and substitutions, and often interact at delivery. Building customer relationships directly impacts tip amounts and repeat order opportunities.
Shipt's member matching system connects shoppers with repeat customers who've rated them highly. Preferred shoppers receive early access to their matched members' orders, creating steady business with familiar customers who tip generously. This relationship-building aspect appeals to customer-service-oriented workers.
For introverts or those preferring limited interaction, Amazon Flex's hands-off approach may suit better. Extroverts who enjoy customer relationships and can leverage excellent service into higher tips often thrive with Shipt's relationship-centric model.
7. Vehicle Requirements
Amazon Flex requires mid-size or larger vehicles capable of holding numerous packages. Four-door sedans with foldable rear seats usually qualify, but larger vehicles like SUVs or minivans provide advantages for high-package-count routes. Vehicle condition must meet Amazon's standards for professional appearance.
Shipt has more relaxed vehicle requirements since grocery orders are smaller than package routes. Most personal vehicles work, including compact cars. The key requirement is sufficient space for insulated bags to maintain temperature during grocery transport.
Shipt recommends insulated bags for temperature-sensitive items, though they're not always mandatory. Many successful shoppers invest in quality insulated bags, coolers, and organizational tools to maintain product quality. This equipment investment is modest compared to vehicle requirements.
Fuel efficiency matters more for high-mileage Flex routes than for Shipt shopping, which involves shorter delivery distances. However, Shipt shopping creates more total driving when combining store trips with deliveries. Consider your vehicle's fuel economy for either platform.
8. Physical Demands
Amazon Flex involves repeated vehicle entry/exit, walking to doorsteps, and lifting packages up to 50 pounds. High-volume routes may include 40-50+ stops, meaning significant cumulative physical activity. The work is fast-paced with time pressure to complete routes efficiently.
Shipt shopping requires walking store aisles, lifting and carrying groceries, loading vehicles, and carrying bags to customer doors. Large orders with cases of water or heavy items create lifting demands similar to Flex. The shopping process typically involves more sustained walking than Flex delivery stops.
Weather exposure differs between platforms. Flex drivers spend more time outdoors walking to doors, while Shipt shoppers spend more time in climate-controlled stores. Both face outdoor exposure during loading and delivery, but Shipt offers more indoor time overall.
Neither platform is sedentary work. Both require reasonable physical fitness, comfortable walking and standing, and ability to lift moderate weights. Those with physical limitations should evaluate which platform's demands better match their capabilities.
9. Market Availability
Amazon Flex operates in most major U.S. metropolitan areas, with particularly strong presence in cities with Amazon delivery stations and Whole Foods locations. Coverage continues expanding as Amazon builds infrastructure. Check the Flex app for availability in your specific area.
Shipt operates in approximately 300 metro areas across the U.S., with strongest presence near Target stores since Target owns the platform. Coverage includes suburbs and smaller cities where partner grocery stores operate. The network has grown significantly in recent years.
In markets where both platforms operate, drivers can choose based on preferences or work both platforms. Markets with only one platform available make the choice obvious. Check both platforms' websites or apps to confirm availability in your location.
Order volume varies by market size and demographics. Large metro areas typically offer more consistent work on both platforms, while smaller markets may have slower periods. Research local demand through driver forums and social media groups before committing significant time to either platform.
10. Realistic Earnings Potential
Amazon Flex earnings typically range from $18-25 per hour for standard logistics blocks, with Whole Foods and Prime Now blocks potentially reaching $25-35 per hour during peak periods. Finishing blocks early effectively increases your hourly rate. Annual earnings for part-time drivers often reach $15,000-25,000.
Shipt earnings vary more widely based on tips and efficiency. New shoppers might earn $15-18 per hour while learning, while experienced shoppers with established customers often earn $25-35 per hour. Top performers in strong markets report $40+ hourly earnings during peak periods.
Both platforms offer bonus opportunities during peak demand periods. Amazon Flex surges block rates during high-demand windows. Shipt offers order bonuses when demand exceeds shopper supply. Strategic scheduling around these peaks maximizes earnings on either platform.
Consider expenses when evaluating earnings. Gas, vehicle maintenance, and insurance costs apply equally to both platforms. Shipt requires some upfront investment in insulated bags. Tax obligations as independent contractors reduce net earnings by approximately 15-25% depending on deductions.
11. Combining Both Platforms
Many successful gig workers combine Amazon Flex and Shipt to maximize earnings. The platforms complement each other well—Shipt excels during grocery rush hours while Flex provides consistent package delivery throughout the day. Strategic scheduling between platforms fills gaps and optimizes income.
Typical multi-app strategies include running Shipt during morning and evening grocery rushes (8-11 AM and 4-8 PM) while taking Flex blocks during midday or overnight hours. This approach captures peak demand on both platforms while maintaining steady work throughout the day.
Managing two platforms requires organizational skills. Track earnings, expenses, and schedules separately for each platform. Avoid overcommitting to conflicting schedules. Maintain performance standards on both platforms to preserve access and preferred scheduling.
Start with one platform before adding another. Master the workflows, build customer relationships or scheduling strategies, then integrate the second platform once comfortable. Trying to learn both simultaneously often results in poor performance and frustration on both.
12. Which Platform to Choose
Choose Amazon Flex if you prefer straightforward delivery work with minimal customer interaction, want guaranteed pay for scheduled blocks, have a larger vehicle suited for package delivery, or prioritize simplicity over maximum earning potential. Flex suits those who want to show up, deliver packages, and go home.
Choose Shipt if you enjoy customer interaction and relationship building, want higher earning potential through tips, prefer granular scheduling control, possess strong shopping and communication skills, or thrive on variety within the shopping experience. Shipt rewards customer service excellence with higher earnings.
Consider your personality and work preferences honestly. Introverts often prefer Flex's hands-off approach, while extroverts may earn more through Shipt's relationship model. Neither platform is objectively "better"—the right choice depends entirely on individual fit.
If uncertain, try both platforms. Many drivers discover unexpected preferences through experience. You might assume you'd prefer one model but find the other more satisfying once you've tried it. Both platforms offer flexible work that allows experimentation without long-term commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more, Amazon Flex or Shipt?
Shipt typically offers higher earning potential due to customer tips, with shoppers often earning $20-30+ per hour. Amazon Flex provides more consistent base pay of $18-25 per hour but with limited tipping. Shipt's tip-based model creates more variability but higher ceilings for top performers.
Is it harder to get started with Shipt or Amazon Flex?
Shipt has a more selective application process including a video interview and shopping test, while Amazon Flex requires only a background check and vehicle inspection. Amazon Flex is generally easier and faster to start, but Shipt's selectivity means less competition once approved.
Can I do both Amazon Flex and Shipt?
Yes, many drivers work both platforms to maximize earnings. Running Shipt during grocery rush hours and Flex for package deliveries creates a diversified income stream. Multi-apping between these platforms is common and can significantly boost total earnings.
Which platform has better flexibility?
Both offer flexibility, but differently. Shipt allows claiming individual orders with specific delivery windows, while Flex uses scheduled blocks. Shipt provides more granular control over timing, while Flex guarantees work during your scheduled block. Choose based on your scheduling preferences.
Must-Have Gear for Flex + Shipt
Quality bags = happy customers = better tips (all tax-deductible!)
Find Your Best Fit
Whether you choose Amazon Flex, Shipt, or both, success comes from understanding each platform's strengths and matching them to your skills and preferences. Start exploring today and discover which delivery model works best for your earning goals.
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About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work. My goal is to help you maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.