What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is Amazon's delivery program that lets independent contractors deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles. You pick up pre-sorted packages from Amazon delivery stations or Whole Foods stores and deliver them to customers on scheduled routes.
Why Amazon Flex Works
- • Guaranteed pay: Fixed hourly rate regardless of delivery speed
- • Flexible blocks: Choose your own schedule
- • No customer interaction: Just deliver packages
- • Predictable routes: Amazon optimizes delivery order
- • Tips possible: Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh orders include tips
Types of Amazon Flex Delivery
Amazon Flex offers several different delivery types, each with different pay rates and requirements:
Amazon.com Packages
Standard Amazon orders from delivery stations
- • Pay: $18-23/hour
- • Block length: 3-6 hours
- • Package size: Small to medium
- • Tips: No tips
Whole Foods
Grocery deliveries from Whole Foods stores
- • Pay: $18-25/hour + tips
- • Block length: 2-4 hours
- • Package size: Groceries (temperature sensitive)
- • Tips: $5-20+ per order
Amazon Fresh
Fresh grocery deliveries
- • Pay: $18-25/hour + tips
- • Block length: 2-4 hours
- • Package size: Fresh groceries
- • Tips: $3-15+ per order
Amazon Prime Now
Fast delivery from local stores
- • Pay: $18-25/hour + tips
- • Block length: 1-3 hours
- • Package size: Various retail items
- • Tips: $2-10+ per order
Realistic Earnings Potential
Based on my 3+ years of experience and 2,000+ deliveries, here's what you can realistically expect:
Whole Foods/Fresh (With Tips)
$22-30/hour
Base pay + customer tips
Standard Amazon Packages
$18-23/hour
Guaranteed base pay only
Real Example from My Experience
4-hour Whole Foods block on Saturday:
- • Block pay: $72 (4 hours × $18/hour)
- • Customer tips: $45 (8 deliveries, average $5.60 each)
- • Total earnings: $117
- • Effective rate: $29.25/hour
- • Finished early: Completed route in 3.5 hours
Requirements to Get Started
Basic Requirements
- • Age 21+ (different from food delivery)
- • Valid driver's license
- • Vehicle insurance
- • Smartphone (iPhone 6+ or Android 5.0+)
- • Social Security Number
- • Pass background check
Vehicle Requirements
✓ Vehicle Types
- • Mid-size sedan or larger
- • SUV or crossover
- • Pickup truck
- • Minivan or cargo van
✗ Not Accepted
- • Compact cars (limited space)
- • Motorcycles or scooters
- • Vehicles older than 20 years
- • Vehicles with significant damage
Pros and Cons
Pros
- • Guaranteed pay: Fixed hourly rate
- • Flexible scheduling: Choose your own blocks
- • No customer service: Just deliver packages
- • Finish early bonus: Keep full pay if done early
- • Amazon brand: Customers trust Amazon
- • Tips on some routes: Whole Foods/Fresh orders
Cons
- • Waitlist: Not always accepting new drivers
- • Block competition: Hard to get prime time slots
- • Vehicle wear: Significant mileage and wear
- • Heavy packages: Some deliveries are physically demanding
- • Apartment complexes: Time-consuming deliveries
- • Gas costs: Higher than food delivery
XP Tips: Maximizing Your Earnings
These strategies will help you earn more and work more efficiently:
📱 Master Block Grabbing
Getting good blocks requires strategy:
- • Refresh constantly: Check app every few minutes
- • Peak times: Blocks release at 10:15am, 4:15pm daily
- • Be flexible: Take available blocks to build rating
- • Use tap method: Tap rapidly when blocks appear
🎯 Choose High-Value Blocks
Some blocks pay significantly more:
- • Whole Foods: Higher pay + tips
- • Surge pricing: Higher rates during busy times
- • Prime Now: Good pay + tips for quick deliveries
- • Weekend blocks: Often pay premium rates
⚡ Optimize Your Route
Work smarter, not harder:
- • Organize packages: Sort by delivery order before leaving
- • Use GPS efficiently: Group nearby deliveries
- • Know your area: Stick to familiar neighborhoods
- • Apartment strategy: Batch apartment deliveries
Step-by-Step Application Process
Getting approved for Amazon Flex can take time, but following these steps improves your chances:
Step 1: Check Availability
Amazon Flex isn't available everywhere and often has waitlists. Check at flex.amazon.com
If waitlisted: You'll be notified when spots open (can take months)
Step 2: Submit Application
Complete the online application with:
- • Personal information
- • Driver's license information
- • Vehicle details and photos
- • Insurance information
- • Tax information (W-9)
Step 3: Background Check
Amazon runs comprehensive background checks including:
- • Criminal history check
- • Motor vehicle records
- • Identity verification
- • Employment verification
Timeline: Usually 2-7 business days
Step 4: Download App & Start
Once approved:
- • Download Amazon Flex app
- • Complete tax documents
- • Set up direct deposit
- • Watch training videos
- • Start selecting delivery blocks
What to Expect on Your First Day
Understanding the process helps you prepare for success:
1. Arriving at the Station
- • Arrive 15 minutes before block start time
- • Check in using the app
- • Wait for notification to proceed to pickup area
- • Bring phone charger and water
2. Package Pickup
- • Scan your driver's license
- • Collect route sheet and packages
- • Verify package count matches route
- • Load packages in delivery order
3. Delivery Process
- • Follow GPS navigation in app
- • Take photo proof of delivery
- • Mark delivery complete in app
- • Continue to next stop
4. Completion & Payment
- • Return any undelivered packages
- • Complete final app check-in
- • Payment processed within 24-48 hours
- • Tips (if applicable) show within 2-24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get off the waitlist faster?
There's no guaranteed way to skip the waitlist. Amazon opens spots based on demand in your area. Keep checking the app occasionally as spots sometimes open unexpectedly.
What if I can't deliver all packages in time?
Return undelivered packages to the station. Amazon understands that routes sometimes can't be completed. However, frequently returning packages may affect your standing.
Can I work for Amazon Flex and other delivery apps?
Yes, Amazon Flex allows you to work for other delivery services. Many drivers combine Amazon Flex with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or other platforms.
What happens if I get deactivated?
Common reasons include missed blocks, low ratings, or returns. Amazon has an appeals process, but deactivations can be permanent. Always maintain professionalism and follow guidelines.
How are taxes handled?
You'll receive a 1099 form for earnings over $600. You're responsible for self-employment tax and income tax, but can deduct business expenses like gas, phone bills, and vehicle maintenance.
Which blocks pay the most?
Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh typically pay the most due to tips. Prime Now can also be lucrative. Standard Amazon.com blocks pay the least but are most readily available.
Ready to Start Your Amazon Flex Quest?
Amazon Flex offers competitive pay and flexible scheduling for reliable drivers. Start your application today and join thousands of successful Flex drivers.