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In the modern age, finding well-paying gigs has become much easier, thanks to platforms in both the offline and online sectors.
One such platform is Amazon Flex, which is run by one of the largest eCommerce giants in the world. The platform offers its drivers decent pay for every hour they work, based on the number of Flex blocks they schedule.
Amazon Flex drivers need to be able to schedule the blocks first to accept the gigs and make money. The trouble is, it’s not always easy to find or schedule blocks during working hours.
Let’s look at the ways you can get more Amazon Flex Blocks and earn as much money through the driving gig as possible. Read on to learn the strategies that can help you sustain a steady stream of cash through the app.
Amazon Flex Blocks: An Introduction
Amazon Flex is a platform created by Amazon for the sole purpose of delivering food and packages by hiring freelancers. This has two major benefits, in that it improves the reach of the brand while employing those who need the job.
The freelance drivers working for the platform have access to a flexible schedule, which allows them to pick and choose their working hours. These working hours are also based on the number of blocks a driver claims at any point throughout the day. And the number of blocks a driver claims is a shift for them that can last from two to six hours a day.
Additionally, these blocks can also be route-specific. They can either take the driver to different parts of the city or keep them in the vicinity of a store for deliveries. Thus, an Amazon Flex driver will have various types of deliveries to work with based on the blocks they claim.
Each block has information on the amount of time a driver must spend to complete the shift, as well as how much they can earn. This affords the system plenty of flexibility, but it is one that rewards the ones who claim the blocks first.
This means that if you’re too late to claim a block, you may be left with the ones that offer less money for more work. And since other drivers will also want to claim the good blocks, it’s basically a race to claim those blocks quickly.
Many drivers check their Amazon Flex app regularly to ensure they have access to the best blocks that pay well. It’s a sound strategy that can often net drivers the blocks they desire.
Amazon Flex Blocks: Limitations
Amazon has established caps on the number of blocks that a Flex driver may obtain. While this preserves the idea of the platform being a side gig, the potential for Amazon Flex as a primary source of income has decreased. Of course, this also keeps the company from having to provide the drivers with employee benefits and overtime compensation.
As a result, the number of hours that a driver can work for Flex is capped at 116 hours per month. Once you’ve worked for 116 hours, you will no longer be able to accept more blocks, and your “Offers” tab will be empty.
Consider tracking your working hours and planning your shifts ahead of time to maximize the income from the platform.
Getting Amazon Flex Blocks Quickly
Before we discuss a few tips to improve your chances of getting good Flex blocks, you must ensure that your app is updated regularly. As long as you encounter no issues with the smartphone and the Amazon Flex app is the latest version, and you are good to go.
It’s important to note that getting Amazon Flex Blocks quickly is a matter of remaining vigilant during your working hours. As long as you remain quick on your feet and keep a close eye on the app, claiming the best blocks should be fairly manageable.
1. Refresh Repeatedly
Consider refreshing the page each time you access the “Offers” tab on your Amazon Flex app since the app doesn’t do so by default.
Manually refreshing the tab will show you the blocks that have been added throughout the day. Doing so at least twice in a row, several times throughout your working hours, can improve your chances of claiming the good blocks.
The most popular working hours are around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is close to when the blocks go live. Of course, this can change based on where you are located.
Feel free to test different hours when claiming blocks to see which time works best for you. By doing so, you can optimize your Amazon Flex shift quite effectively.
2. Use The Preferred Scheduling Feature
The Preferred Scheduling system is a feature that is a part of the rewards system of the app.
As you continue to work and grow your Amazon Flex driver level, you will unlock additional perks. And the more deliveries you complete, the more points you earn. Consequently, the more points you earn, the faster you will level up. Once you reach level two, you will have access to the Preferred Scheduling Feature.
The gist of this feature is that it allows you to choose your preferred pickup station, time of day, and delivery days. This can be particularly handy if you’re working as a part-time Flex driver.
When blocks that match your preferences show up, you will receive a notification on the Amazon Flex app. This gives you priority to claim a specific block over other drivers, which can be quite a boon for your working shifts.
If you’re already at level two, be sure to check your settings for this feature.
3. Be Quick To Claim Open Blocks
Amazon Flex works on a first-come-first-serve basis for drivers, and blocks disappear the moment a driver claims them. So, the best strategy to secure as many blocks as possible is to be quick about doing so.
Based on the start and end time, as well as the designated pay, you can judge whether a particular block is worth pursuing or not. If it fits your schedule, claim the block the moment you’ve gone through its details.
Moreover, certain blocks are open for several days, so consider claiming them quickly as well. Even if you can’t attend the block, you can cancel it at least 45 minutes before the time of delivery. There are no penalties associated with forfeiting a block well before the delivery time, so there’s no harm in claiming such blocks beforehand.
4. Choose Blocks During Peak Hours
One of the best ways to ensure you get paid well for the gig is to drive during peak hours.
During busy periods, there’s a good chance that Amazon requires more drivers to cover more deliveries. Thus, the company will post more blocks in the Flex app and pay drivers more based on the block priority.
These peak hours are usually on Mondays and weekends, whereas Tuesdays and Wednesdays see relatively lower activity on the app.
Additionally, times like the holiday seasons are also peak times for Amazon Flex drivers. During such times, be sure to make the most out of your driving gig and maximize your earnings through Flex blocks.
5. Sign Up For Amazon Flex Reserved Blocks
Amazon Flex reserved blocks are gigs that are reserved specifically to suit your schedule. Naturally, this makes them radically different from usual blocks, as you can accept them at your leisure.
While using the app, you can update when you will be available to attend to a block. The app will then let you know when a particular block can be accepted.
Reserved blocks are particularly useful if you’re a part-timer looking for some extra income. By updating availability based on your other job and commitments, you can ensure that the hours working as a Flex driver don’t go to waste.
6. Explore Different Deliveries
Food and groceries aren’t the only type of deliveries covered by Amazon Flex. There are a few alternatives you can choose from, all of which have unique timing and payment allocation.
The timings for each delivery type is as listed below:
- 3-6-hour blocks for Amazon.com deliveries
- 2-4-hour blocks for Prime Now deliveries
- 2-4-hour blocks for Amazon Fresh
- 2-4-hour blocks for Store Orders
- 15-45-minute blocks for Instant Offers
Depending on how much time you have on your hands, as well as the pay, consider exploring all the different delivery types. Certain delivery types can pay you more for a package that is more or less the same as another delivery type.
Final Word
Amazon Flex is one of the best side gig apps on the market, being a great way to earn a little surplus cash. Of course, due to the first-come-first-serve nature of the platform, claiming the blocks can quickly become competitive for the drivers.
Thus, the best way to claim the maximum number of blocks as a driver is to simply be quick. Keep refreshing your “Offers” tab, read through the details and claim the Amazon Flex block before anyone else to capitalize on the opportunity.
Feel free to mix and match the different strategies listed in this guide to optimize your income through the app further.
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