How To Start A Side Hustle: Delivering Pizza For Extra Cash

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It's Friday night, you've just finished another week at your day job. While scrolling through your banking app, that stubborn credit card balance hasn't budged despite your best efforts. Meanwhile, across town, your neighbor is sliding a hot pizza box into his insulated delivery bag, preparing to make USD$150 in the next five hours. 

If you've been watching your financial goals slip away while your evenings and weekends remain frustratingly unprofitable, pizza delivery might be a side hustle you must consider. Ready to get into it? Read on to know how. 

Why Choose Pizza Delivery as Your Side Hustle? 

Delivering pizza offers several advantages that make it an attractive side hustle option. For starters, the barriers to entry are relatively low. Unlike other side gigs that might require specialized skills or expensive equipment, pizza delivery primarily requires a driver's license and reliable transportation. Plus, the food service industry has consistent demand. 

Another benefit is the flexibility. Most pizzerias are busiest during evenings and weekends, making it perfect for those working traditional 9-to-5 jobs. You can pick up shifts that fit around your existing schedule and family commitments. Furthermore, you'll start earning money immediately, unlike side hustles that require building a client base or developing products before seeing any return. 

Basic Requirements to Get Started 

Before applying for positions to deliver pizza, make sure you meet the basic requirements. While these may vary slightly between employers, most pizzerias look for similar qualifications in their delivery drivers. 

Driver’s License 

First and foremost, you'll need a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Most employers will check your driving history for accidents, tickets, and violations. Since you'll be representing their business on the road, they want responsible drivers who follow traffic laws and drive safely. 

Own Vehicle 

A reliable vehicle is another essential requirement for delivering pizza. Your car doesn't need to be new or fancy, but it should be dependable and in good working condition. Regular maintenance is crucial since breakdowns mean missed deliveries and lost income. Additionally, you'll need current auto insurance that meets at least your state's minimum requirements, though some employers may require higher coverage limits. 

Smartphone 

Most pizza places also require their delivery drivers to have a smartphone with a reliable data plan. This allows you to use navigation apps to find addresses efficiently and stay in contact with the restaurant. Some larger chains even have a pizza delivery system that track deliveries and process payments. 

Customer Skills 

Lastly, basic customer service skills are important. As a delivery driver, you're the face of the business when you arrive at customers' homes. A friendly attitude and professional appearance can significantly impact your tips and the restaurant's reputation. 

Finding Pizza Delivery Opportunities 

When looking for pizza delivery positions, you have several options to explore. The most obvious choice is to apply to major pizza chains like Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, or Little Caesars.

These national chains typically have established delivery systems, consistent ordering volume, and standardized hiring processes. They often provide uniforms, car toppers, and thermal bags to keep pizzas hot during delivery. 

Don't overlook local independent pizzerias in your area. While they might have fewer delivery positions available, local restaurants sometimes offer better compensation or more flexible scheduling. Additionally, delivering for a beloved local establishment might result in more generous tips from loyal customers. 

The Role of Delivery Apps in Pizza Delivery

Another avenue to consider is food delivery apps like DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, or Postmates. These platforms allow you to deliver from multiple restaurants, not just pizzerias, potentially increasing your earning opportunities. The application process for these services is typically straightforward and can be completed online, with many drivers approved within days. 

To find specific openings, check job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, visit company websites directly, or simply walk into local pizza shops and ask if they're hiring delivery drivers. Many restaurants display “Drivers Wanted” signs during periods of high demand. 

The Application and Hiring Process for Delivering Pizza 

Once you've identified potential employers, it's time to apply. For chain restaurants, you'll typically complete an online application through their corporate website. Local pizzerias might prefer in-person applications or simple resumes. Food delivery apps have their own application processes through their respective platforms. 

During the application process, be prepared to provide personal information, employment history, and references. You'll need to share details about your vehicle, including make, model, year, insurance information, and sometimes proof of registration. 

Most employers will conduct a background check that includes criminal history and driving record verification. Some may also require a drug test. These screenings help ensure the safety of customers and protect the company's reputation. 

If your application passes the initial screening, you'll likely be called for an interview. Pizza delivery interviews are typically straightforward, focusing on your availability, reliability, and familiarity with the delivery area. Dress neatly but casually, be punctual, and emphasize your customer service skills and dependability. 

After being hired, you'll complete onboarding paperwork, including tax forms and employment agreements. Many pizzerias provide training that covers food handling safety, order preparation, delivery procedures, and payment processing. This training might last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the employer. 

Understanding the Financial Aspects 

Before starting your delivery job, it's important to understand how the pay structure works. Pizza delivery compensation typically includes several components: 

• Base hourly wage: This is often lower than minimum wage (using the “tipped employee” exemption in many states), usually ranging from USD$4-7 per hour while on delivery runs. 
• Tips: These form a substantial portion of your income and can vary widely depending on your location, service quality, and delivery speed. On average, drivers report tips ranging from USD$2-5 per delivery. 
• Delivery fees: Some restaurants share a portion of the delivery fee with drivers. This might be a flat amount per delivery or a percentage of the fee. 
• Mileage reimbursement: Some employers offer compensation for vehicle use, typically calculated per mile driven for deliveries. This helps offset fuel and vehicle wear and tear. 

When considering this side hustle of delivering pizza, you must factor in expenses that will affect your net earnings. The most significant costs include gas, increased vehicle maintenance, potential insurance premium increases, and accelerated depreciation of your vehicle. Tracking these expenses is crucial for understanding your true earnings and for tax purposes. 

Speaking of taxes, as a delivery driver, you're responsible for reporting all income, including tips. However, you may qualify for deductions related to your work expenses. The IRS allows deductions for business mileage (58.5 cents per mile for 2022), which can significantly reduce your taxable income. Consider using a mileage tracking app to automatically log your delivery miles. 

Delivering Pizza Strategies for Maximizing Your Earnings 

To make the most of your pizza delivery side hustle, implement these proven strategies: 

Work The Busiest Shifts 

Delivering pizza sees the highest demand on Friday and Saturday evenings, with Sunday afternoons during football season being another peak period. Holiday evenings and bad weather days often see increased orders as well. 

Focus on Efficiency in Delivering Pizza

Learn your delivery area thoroughly to minimize navigation time. Cluster multiple deliveries when possible, planning efficient routes to save time and gas. The more deliveries you complete per hour, the more you earn. 

Provide Exceptional Service 

A friendly greeting, quick verification of the order, and a sincere thank you can significantly impact your tips. Carrying extras like napkins, parmesan packets, and pepper flakes shows attention to detail that customers appreciate. 

Maintain Your Vehicle Properly 

Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and preventive maintenance help avoid costly breakdowns and ensure you never miss shifts due to car troubles. Keep your car clean inside and out—customers notice. 

Track Everything 

Record your mileage, hours worked, tips received, and all work-related expenses. This information is valuable for tax purposes and helps you evaluate whether this side hustle is meeting your financial goals. 

Consider Multi-apping 

If you work as an independent contractor through delivery apps, you might be able to run multiple apps simultaneously to minimize downtime between orders. Just be careful not to overcommit and deliver late. 

In Conclusion 

Starting a pizza delivery side hustle offers a relatively straightforward way to earn extra cash with flexible hours. While it requires minimal specialized skills, success depends on reliability, customer service aptitude, and smart financial management.  

By understanding the requirements, application process, compensation structure, and strategies for maximizing earnings, you can turn pizza delivery into a profitable side gig that helps you achieve your financial goals.