The former supermarket checkout supervisor has built up an invaluable storehouse of knowledge about how to save time and reduce stress, since starting with Amazon Flex almost three years ago.
“I’m the administrator for six Facebook groups for Amazon Flex Drivers (delivery partners) in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and on the Gold Coast, and there are about 20,000 people in the groups,” Michael says.
“I give tips and ideas because I’ve been doing it so long. We help answer questions and help new drivers when they first sign up for the app. It’s all about sharing tips to make the job easier. There are simple ways to reduce the time it takes to complete your block (time spent delivering).”
How you can earn extra cash and reduce stress
Michael, 44, started his side hustle as an Amazon Flex delivery partner in Melbourne to earn some extra income after he decided to reduce his hours as a supermarket checkout supervisor and enjoy a more flexible working life.
“I decided I wanted to be a bit more independent, so I remained in retail on a part-time basis and took up Amazon Flex after I saw a media article on Amazon when it was just starting in Melbourne,” he explains.
“I was looking for something to make up the difference in income, and it was a very good way of topping up my income. It was also a lot less stressful than working fulltime as a checkout supervisor. The flexibility is also a big thing for me.”
Michael, now works full-time from home as a technology support person, but he likes his side hustle so much that he’s still doing one three and a half hour block delivering parcels each week.
“It does off-set the rising cost of living and it also helps me save for things like holidays,” he says.
“When I was younger, I was a pizza delivery driver so I’m very good at getting around places, but it doesn’t really matter if you know the city because the app navigates you. I could do any location and it would take me about the same time to make my deliveries.”
My best tip for new Amazon Flex delivery partners
Michael says the best tip he could give any new delivery partner would be to learn how to pack your vehicle correctly to save time locating and delivering parcels.
“It’s all about how you pack the car,” he says, pointing out that all the parcels now come in coloured tubs which match up to delivery location information on the app to simplify packing a vehicle in the most efficient and practical way.
“The app is also improving all the time.”
Michael says while you can use any vehicle, he recommends using a hatchback because it’s easier to pack and unload than a sedan.
“The advantage I have is that because I’ve been doing it for so long, I’m very good at packing my car properly, which helps me deliver parcels faster.”
Next, how to be your own boss with Amazon Flex.
Learn more about Amazon Flex.
