Walmart Spark is a delivery service that allows drivers to earn money by delivering groceries and other items from Walmart stores to customers' homes. As part of the growing gig economy, Walmart Spark has become a popular side hustle for those looking to make extra income on their own schedule.
But the question remains: Is Walmart Spark worth it? In this article, I'll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of working as a Walmart Spark driver to help you determine if this gig economy opportunity is the right fit for your needs and goals. Let’s start!
Walmart Spark is a delivery platform that allows independent contractors, known as Spark drivers, to earn money by delivering groceries and other items from Walmart stores to customers' homes. The Spark Driver app connects drivers with delivery opportunities in their area, providing them with the flexibility to choose when and how much they work.
Unlike other popular gig apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, which primarily focus on restaurant food delivery, Walmart Spark specializes in delivering a wide range of products from Walmart stores. This includes groceries, household essentials, and even larger items like electronics and furniture.
One key aspect of the Walmart Spark platform is that Spark drivers are independent contractors, not employees of Walmart. This means that drivers have the freedom to set their own schedules and accept or decline delivery offers based on their preferences. However, it also means that drivers are responsible for their own expenses, such as gas, vehicle maintenance, and taxes.
If you're interested in becoming a Walmart Spark Driver, it's essential to understand the requirements and application process. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own a reliable vehicle. Your vehicle should be in good condition and have adequate insurance coverage.
As part of the application process, you'll need to undergo a background check, which includes a review of your motor vehicle records and a criminal background check. This screening process is conducted to ensure the safety and security of both Walmart customers and the Spark Driver community.
Upon successful completion of the onboarding process, you'll receive a welcome email and text message from the Spark Driver team. These communications will provide you with important information on how to get started with the app, accept delivery offers, and begin earning money as a Walmart Spark Driver.
Spark drivers earn a base pay for each delivery, which varies depending on factors such as distance, time, and the size of the order. However, the earning potential doesn't stop there.
Walmart offers various incentives to help Spark drivers maximize their earnings. One notable example is the tiered incentives program, which rewards drivers for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specified time frame. As drivers reach higher tiers, they unlock bonus opportunities that can significantly boost their overall pay.
Speaking of other delivery apps, how does Walmart Spark compare in terms of pay? While exact earnings vary based on location and other factors, many drivers report earning competitive wages with Spark, often on par with or even exceeding what they make on Uber Eats and DoorDash.
So, how are Spark drivers paid? Earnings are typically deposited weekly via direct deposit, although some regions may offer alternative payment methods. Drivers can track their earnings, incentives, and bonuses directly through the Spark Driver app.
When it comes to evaluating whether Walmart Spark is worth it, earnings data is crucial. The average hourly pay for Walmart Spark drivers is around $15 to $20 per hour. However, it's important to note that earnings can vary significantly based on several factors:
To help drivers estimate their earning potential, Walmart Spark provides an earnings calculator tool. This innovative feature allows users to input their location and expected hours to get a personalized earnings estimate.
When discussing earnings data, it's essential to consider both the average hourly rate and the overall earning potential. While the average hourly pay is a good starting point, many drivers report being able to earn significantly more by optimizing their schedules and taking advantage of bonuses and incentives.
For example, some drivers have shared their weekly earnings:
However, it's crucial to keep in mind that these figures are anecdotal and may not represent the typical experience. Factors like location, competition, and individual driving habits can greatly impact earnings.
As a Walmart Spark driver, you'll encounter various types of deliveries, each with its own unique requirements and characteristics.
With these orders, customers place their purchases online and select a pickup time. Your job is to arrive at the designated Walmart store, park in the reserved pickup area, and wait for a Walmart associate to load the pre-packed order into your vehicle. Once loaded, you'll deliver the order to the customer's address.
Express deliveries are time-sensitive orders that customers need to receive within a short timeframe, usually within two hours. These orders typically consist of groceries or other essential items. As a Spark driver, you'll need to prioritize these deliveries and ensure they are completed promptly.
Dotcom orders, also known as general merchandise orders, include non-grocery items such as electronics, home goods, clothing, and cleaning supplies. These orders are picked up from inside the Walmart store, often from a designated pickup area.
Shopping and delivery orders require a bit more involvement from Spark drivers. For these orders, you'll need to enter the Walmart store and shop for the requested items yourself.
Using the Walmart Spark app, you'll locate and scan each item, ensuring you select the correct products and quantities. After completing the shopping, you'll proceed to the checkout and pay for the order using a QR code provided in the app. Finally, you'll deliver the order to the customer's address.
Walmart GoLocal is a white-label delivery service that allows other retailers to utilize Walmart's delivery capabilities. As a Spark driver, you may receive offers to complete deliveries for these partner retailers. Walmart GoLocal deliveries are picked up from the respective retailer's location, rather than a Walmart store, and then delivered to the customer's address.
Let's explore the key advantages and potential drawbacks of becoming a Walmart Spark delivery driver
As a Spark Driver, there are several strategies you can employ to boost your earnings and make the most of your time on the road. One popular approach is multi-apping, which involves using multiple gig apps simultaneously to increase your chances of receiving high-paying orders.
When multi-apping with Spark, it's essential to choose apps that complement each other and don't lead to excessive waiting times or conflicting deliveries. Some drivers find success combining Spark with food delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Another key factor is knowing the best times to drive. Typically, peak hours for Walmart Spark deliveries are during the morning and evening, when customers are more likely to place orders for groceries and household essentials.
Leveraging incentives and bonuses is another excellent way to boost your earnings with Spark. Keep an eye out for promotions like guaranteed earnings, peak pay, or challenges that reward you for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specified timeframe.
Some additional ways to boost your earnings as a Spark Driver are:
When considering whether Walmart Spark is worth it in 2024, it's essential to analyze its earnings potential compared to other side hustles.
Drivers can choose when and how often they work, making it appealing for those looking to supplement their income. However, earnings can vary significantly based on location and demand.
Compared to competitors, Walmart Spark has its pros and cons. For instance, while some delivery apps may offer higher base pay, they often come with stricter schedules. Walmart Spark provides more flexibility, which can be a significant advantage for those balancing other commitments.
Walmart Spark is best suited for part-time workers, students, or anyone looking to earn extra cash on their own terms. However, those who rely on consistent income might find it less appealing due to the variability in job availability and pay rates.
While Walmart Spark can be a worthwhile side hustle, it's not the only option available. There are several other delivery gigs and non-delivery side hustles to consider.
If you're interested in delivery work, you might want to explore alternatives like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex. These apps offer similar flexibility and the opportunity to earn extra income on your own schedule.
Uber Eats and DoorDash are popular food delivery services that allow you to deliver meals from local restaurants to customers' doorsteps. Amazon Flex, on the other hand, focuses on delivering packages for Amazon.
For those who prefer not to work in the delivery industry, there are numerous other side hustles to consider. Some popular options include driving for Uber or Lyft, which allows you to earn money by providing rides to passengers.
Other non-delivery side hustles include freelance writing, virtual assistance, online tutoring, and selling handmade crafts or products online. These alternatives may offer more variety and the chance to explore different skills and interests.
The platform provides a flexible way to earn money, appealing to those seeking side gigs. However, the experience can vary widely based on location and demand.
Walmart Spark can be a great option if you're looking for a side hustle that fits around your schedule. Tracking your personal results while trying out Walmart Spark can help you determine if it meets your financial goals.
Ultimately, the decision to join Walmart Spark should factor in your local market conditions and your willingness to adapt to the gig economy's fluctuations. If you’re open to experimenting with different delivery options, you might find that Walmart Spark is worth your time.
