You signed up for DoorDash thinking you'd make $25/hour. Reality? After gas, car wear, waiting for orders, and DoorDash's 20% service fee, you're clearing $12-15/hour. Uber's the same story—long pickup times, declining rates, algorithm manipulation, and you're driving strangers around hoping for tips.
Meanwhile, your neighbors are paying $45 to have their lawn mowed, $60 for furniture assembly, $75 for snow removal, and $50 for handyman work—tasks you could easily do, keeping 100% of the money, without spending hours in your car.
Here's the complete breakdown of why Gig It Done beats DoorDash and Uber for people who want to actually make money with their time.
The Brutal Truth About DoorDash and Uber in 2025
Let's be honest about what working for DoorDash and Uber actually looks like now:
📉 The Reality of Food Delivery & Rideshare Apps
- DoorDash base pay dropped to $2-4 per delivery, forcing you to rely on tips
- Uber rates declined 15-30% in most markets since 2022
- Both apps take 20-30% of your gross earnings before you even see the money
- Markets are oversaturated with drivers, meaning longer wait times between gigs
- Gas prices eat 30-40% of earnings (delivery drivers average 30-50 miles per shift)
- Car maintenance costs $0.15-0.25 per mile (brakes, tires, oil, wear and tear)
- Acceptance rate pressure forces you to take low-paying orders
- Algorithm manipulation hides full payout information until completion
- No guaranteed minimum—you can drive an hour and make $8
- Peak pay bait-and-switch floods zones with drivers, reducing individual earnings
What DoorDash and Uber Drivers Actually Make:
💵 Real DoorDash/Uber Earnings After Expenses
| Metric | What They Show | Reality After Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised Pay | $18-25/hour | $12-18/hour actual |
| Gas Costs | Not mentioned | -$4-7/hour |
| Car Maintenance | Not mentioned | -$2-4/hour |
| Wait Time | Not counted | 20-40% unpaid time |
| App Fees | Hidden | 20-30% taken |
| Net Hourly Rate | $18-25/hour | $8-14/hour |
Translation: You're working for less than many minimum wage jobs, putting wear on your car, and have zero job security.
Why Gig It Done is Fundamentally Different
Gig It Done isn't another delivery app. It's a local service marketplace where you provide valuable services directly to neighbors—and keep 100% of what you charge.
Gig It Done
- Your Cut 100% of what you charge
- Typical Hourly Rate $30-80/hour
- Travel Distance Work in your neighborhood
- Schedule You choose when to work
- Client Relationships Build recurring income
- Expenses Minimal gas/maintenance
- Set Your Rates You decide your value
DoorDash/Uber
- Your Cut 70-80% after app fees
- Typical Hourly Rate $8-14/hour after expenses
- Travel Distance Drive all over town
- Schedule Algorithm controls availability
- Client Relationships One-time transactions
- Expenses High gas + car wear
- Set Your Rates App decides your pay
The Math: 20 Hours of Work Comparison
Let's compare what you'd actually make working 20 hours per week on each platform:
💰 Weekly Income Reality Check
DoorDash (20 hours/week):
| Gross earnings shown in app | $360 (at $18/hour) |
| Gas costs (60 miles × $3.50/gal ÷ 25 mpg × 20 hrs) | -$168 |
| Car maintenance ($0.20/mile × 60 miles/day) | -$240/month = -$60/week |
| Unpaid wait time (30% of shift) | Already included |
| NET WEEKLY EARNINGS | $132/week ($6.60/hour) |
Uber (20 hours/week):
| Gross earnings shown in app | $400 (at $20/hour) |
| Uber's commission (25%) | -$100 |
| Gas costs (100 miles × $3.50/gal ÷ 25 mpg × 20 hrs) | -$280 |
| Car maintenance & cleaning | -$80/week |
| Insurance increase | -$40/week |
| NET WEEKLY EARNINGS | -$100/week (LOSING MONEY) |
Gig It Done (20 hours/week):
| Lawn care (5 clients × $45 = $225/week) | $225 |
| Handyman work (8 hours × $50/hour) | $400 |
| Pet sitting (4 visits × $35) | $140 |
| Gas costs (local work, ~20 miles total) | -$15 |
| Equipment/supplies | -$25 |
| NET WEEKLY EARNINGS | $725/week ($36.25/hour) |
📊 The Bottom Line
Same 20 hours of work:
- 🔴 DoorDash: $132/week ($528/month)
- 🔴 Uber: Losing money
- 🟢 Gig It Done: $725/week ($2,900/month)
That's 5.5x more income for the same time investment.
10 Reasons Gig It Done Beats DoorDash and Uber
1. You Keep 100% of What You Earn
DoorDash/Uber: Take 20-30% of every dollar you make, plus hide the full amount until after delivery.
Gig It Done: You charge $50, you keep $50. No platform fees. No hidden cuts. Direct payment from client to you.
2. You Set Your Own Rates
DoorDash/Uber: Algorithm determines your pay. Rates decline over time. Can't negotiate.
Gig It Done: You decide what your time is worth. Charge $30/hour or $80/hour—it's up to you.
3. Build Recurring Income Streams
DoorDash/Uber: Every delivery is a one-time transaction. Start from zero each day.
Gig It Done: Turn one-time clients into weekly lawn care, regular cleaning, monthly handyman work. Predictable income.
4. Work Only When You Want
DoorDash/Uber: Acceptance rate pressure. Penalized for declining low-paying orders. Algorithm punishes "cherry picking."
Gig It Done: True flexibility. Respond to jobs you want, ignore the rest. No penalties. No pressure.
5. Stay Local—No Driving All Over Town
DoorDash/Uber: Drive 5 miles to restaurant, wait 10 minutes, drive 7 miles to customer, drive 3 miles back. Repeat all shift.
Gig It Done: Work within 2-5 miles of home. Spend time working, not driving. Save on gas and car wear.
6. No Algorithm Games or Manipulation
DoorDash/Uber: Hidden tips, bait-and-switch peak pay, opaque acceptance rate systems, constant policy changes.
Gig It Done: Transparent. You see the job, you see what they'll pay, you decide. No games.
7. Your Car Isn't Your Office
DoorDash/Uber: 100% of work time in your car. Sitting, driving, wearing down your vehicle.
Gig It Done: Physical work variety—lawn care, handyman tasks, moving, cleaning. Healthier for body and car.
8. Recession-Resistant Services
DoorDash/Uber: Luxury services—first to get cut when money is tight. Competition increases when economy dips.
Gig It Done: Essential services—lawns still need mowing, repairs still need fixing, snow still needs removal.
9. Build Real Business Skills and Reputation
DoorDash/Uber: You're a faceless contractor. No transferable skills. Can't take customers with you.
Gig It Done: Build your reputation, collect reviews, develop client relationships, create a real side business you own.
10. Less Stress, More Control
DoorDash/Uber: Rush hour traffic, dealing with restaurant delays, difficult customers, time pressure, safety concerns.
Gig It Done: Set your schedule, choose your clients, work at your pace. More autonomy, less stress.
What You Can Do on Gig It Done (Real Services, Real Pay)
Here are actual services people need in every neighborhood, with what they typically pay:
💼 High-Demand Local Services
- Lawn care: $35-75 per lawn (1-2 hours work)
- Snow removal: $50-150 per driveway (30-60 minutes)
- Handyman work: $40-80/hour (repairs, assembly, installations)
- House cleaning: $25-50/hour ($150-300 per house)
- Furniture assembly: $30-60/hour
- Moving help: $30-50/hour
- Pressure washing: $100-300 per job
- Pet care: $25-50 per visit
- Errand running: $25-40/hour
- Yard cleanup: $60-120 per job
- Gutter cleaning: $80-150 per house
- Painting: $200-500 per room
Notice the pattern? Every single one pays better per hour than DoorDash or Uber, requires less driving, and has potential for recurring business.
The Honest Downsides of Gig It Done
Let's be fair—Gig It Done isn't perfect for everyone. Here are the legitimate drawbacks:
⚠️ When DoorDash/Uber Might Be Better
- You need money TODAY: DoorDash/Uber offer instant work. Gig It Done requires 1-2 weeks to build clientele
- You hate physical work: Sitting in a car is easier than mowing lawns or moving furniture
- You're not self-motivated: Apps tell you what to do. Gig It Done requires initiative
- You can't do basic tasks: If you're uncomfortable using tools or doing physical labor, delivery might suit you better
- You prefer anonymity: Delivery apps are more anonymous. Local services require face-to-face interaction
- You don't want business relationships: One-and-done transactions vs. building client relationships
✓ Gig It Done is Better When You
- Want to actually make more than minimum wage
- Can invest 1-2 weeks to build initial client base
- Don't mind physical work (or prefer it to sitting in a car)
- Want control over your rates and schedule
- Value building something that grows over time
- Are comfortable with face-to-face client relationships
- Have basic tools or can acquire them
- Prefer working in your neighborhood vs. driving all over
How to Transition from DoorDash/Uber to Gig It Done
You don't have to quit cold turkey. Here's a smart transition plan:
Week 1: Setup & First Client
- Create your Gig It Done profile
- Choose 2-3 services you can offer based on skills
- Respond to 10 task posts in your area
- Complete your first 1-2 jobs
- Keep doing DoorDash/Uber while building momentum
Week 2-3: Build Client Base
- Ask satisfied clients for reviews
- Request referrals
- Respond to more task posts daily
- Gradually reduce DoorDash/Uber hours
- Focus on finding 3-5 regular clients
Week 4+: Scale Your Income
- Once you have 5+ regular clients, you can quit delivery apps
- Focus on building recurring revenue streams
- Raise your rates as demand increases
- Add complementary services
- Enjoy higher pay with less driving
💡 Pro Tip: Test the Waters
Don't quit DoorDash/Uber immediately. Spend 2 weeks doing both—DoorDash during slow hours, Gig It Done on weekends. You'll quickly see which one actually makes you more money per hour. Then you can make an informed decision.
Success Stories: Real People Who Made the Switch
📈 Marcus: Former DoorDash Driver
Before: 30 hours/week on DoorDash = $450/week after expenses ($15/hour)
After switching to Gig It Done: 25 hours/week = $1,100/week ($44/hour)
Services: Lawn care + handyman work
Key insight: "I was spending 8 hours making $120. Now I mow 5 lawns in 6 hours and make $225. No brainer."
📈 Jennifer: Former Uber Driver
Before: 20 hours/week Uber = $240/week after expenses ($12/hour)
After switching to Gig It Done: 15 hours/week = $600/week ($40/hour)
Services: House cleaning + organizing
Key insight: "I work less, make more, and my car isn't falling apart. Plus I have regular clients now."
📈 David: Did Both, Kept Gig It Done
Tried both simultaneously
DoorDash earnings: $11-16/hour after expenses
Gig It Done earnings: $35-60/hour for same time blocks
Services: Furniture assembly + moving help
Key insight: "When you do the actual math, delivery apps make no sense unless you have literally no other options."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gig It Done better than DoorDash and Uber for making money?
Yes, for most workers. Gig It Done lets you keep 100% of what you charge with no app fees, set your own rates ($30-80/hour vs $8-14/hour after DoorDash/Uber expenses), build recurring clients for steady income, and work only when you want without acceptance rate pressure. You earn more per hour and avoid oversaturated delivery markets.
How much more can you make with Gig It Done vs DoorDash?
Most Gig It Done workers earn $30-60/hour keeping 100% of earnings, compared to DoorDash's $8-14/hour after gas, maintenance, and time between orders. For 20 hours weekly, that's $600-1,200 on Gig It Done vs $160-280 on DoorDash—potentially 3-4x more income for the same time investment.
What skills do I need for Gig It Done vs delivery apps?
DoorDash/Uber require a car and ability to follow GPS. Gig It Done offers services from simple (pet sitting, errand running, house sitting) to skilled (handyman, pressure washing, lawn care). Start with basic services requiring minimal skills, then expand. Most tasks are learnable within days.
How long does it take to make money on Gig It Done?
DoorDash/Uber offer immediate work but low pay. Gig It Done requires 1-2 weeks to get your first few clients by responding to task posts. Once you have 3-5 regular clients (achievable in 2-4 weeks), you have steady income that exceeds delivery app earnings. Initial setup takes more time but pays off quickly.
Can I do both DoorDash and Gig It Done?
Yes! Many people do DoorDash during slow weekdays and Gig It Done services on weekends. This lets you compare earnings directly. Most people find they make 2-4x more per hour with Gig It Done and eventually drop delivery apps once they build a client base.
What are the downsides of Gig It Done compared to DoorDash/Uber?
Gig It Done requires upfront client acquisition—you need to respond to posts and build your client base, taking 1-2 weeks. DoorDash/Uber provide instant work but at much lower pay. The tradeoff: Gig It Done takes initial effort but pays significantly better long-term, while delivery apps offer immediate low-wage work with declining pay over time.
Do I need special equipment for Gig It Done?
It depends on your service. Pet sitting, house sitting, errand running need nothing ($0 startup). Handyman work needs basic tools ($100-300). Lawn care needs mower and trimmer ($200-500). Pressure washing needs equipment ($300-600). Start with low-equipment services, then invest profits into equipment for higher-paying services.
Is Gig It Done safe compared to Uber?
Both have safety considerations. Uber involves driving strangers in your car, often late at night. Gig It Done involves going to clients' homes for work tasks. Check profiles and reviews, meet clients before starting, tell someone your location, and trust your instincts. Most clients are homeowners needing legitimate help.
Ready to Stop Losing Money on Delivery Apps?
Join thousands of people earning 2-4x more per hour doing local services in their neighborhoods.
Start Earning More✓ Keep 100% of earnings ✓ Set your own rates ✓ Work in your neighborhood
The Bottom Line: Do the Math Yourself
Here's what it comes down to: Would you rather make $8-14/hour after expenses driving all over town for DoorDash/Uber, or make $30-60/hour working in your neighborhood for Gig It Done?
⏰ The Time Value Comparison
To make $500/week:
- 🔴 DoorDash: 40-50 hours of driving, $200 in gas, 300+ miles on your car
- 🔴 Uber: 35-45 hours of driving strangers, wear on vehicle, higher insurance
- 🟢 Gig It Done: 12-18 hours of local work, minimal driving, build recurring clients
The choice is yours. You can keep doing what you're doing, watching DoorDash and Uber cut rates while your car depreciates. Or you can invest 2 weeks building something better that actually pays what your time is worth.
Your neighbors are already paying good money for services you can provide. The question is whether you'll be the one earning it, or if you'll keep delivering their food for $8/hour while someone else charges them $50 to mow their lawn.