There is a lot of buzz about Amazon’s Flex, freelancer program in the media recently. According to media accounts, “Amazon India is hiring students, housewives and retired professionals as part-time delivery executives” and “The person needs to work for four hours a day and can earn₹120-140 an hour delivering packages. The “part time delivery partner” will be paid every Wednesday.”
This follows a buzz about other programs from the tech giant; in the past, we ran a few features about Amazon
- What is the Amazon’s franchise program? How do I become a Franchisee?
- Amazon extends franchise model by ordering 20,000 Mercedes-Benz
On its Indian website, Amazon Flex advertises
Join Amazon Flex – Make ₹120 – ₹140 per hour delivering packages with Amazon. All you need is an Android phone and some free time*.
*We are currently looking for 2 wheeler riders in Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Jaipur
Be your own boss, set your own schedule, and have more time to pursue your goals and dreams.
In this article, we follow up with an overview of Amazon’s flex program. Find below an extract of key points from Amazon’s Flex program FAQ
What is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is a program where independent contractors, called delivery partners, deliver Amazon orders. Hundreds of millions of items are available through Amazon, including electronics, household essentials, and much more. Delivery partners use their own vehicles to deliver packages to Amazon customers.
What does this mean? By signing up for Amazon Flex, you will be considered an “independent contractor,” and NOT employee of Amazon.
- You are expected to own a 2-wheeler.
- You’ll need to maintain a third-party liability insurance for your vehicle, or any such other insurance as may be required by the applicable law.
- Amazon will cover all the drivers under Amazon Flex under a “Group Accident policy,” provided you have accepted to the Terms and Conditions on the Insurance Page while onboarding. This includes Accidental Death or Disability. This policy will cover you and remain valid only when you are using Amazon Flex to deliver packages to a customer or are returning to your designated location to return undelivered packages.
- As an independent contractor, you can bring anything with you to aid in your deliveries and you are free to choose your attire while delivering with Amazon Flex. For your safety, we recommend that you wear closed shoes and do not wear any loose clothing while at the station or out on road for delivery.
When will you get paid?
You can track your pay on the Earnings screen of the Amazon Flex app. Amazon Flex processes payments on Wednesdays via direct deposit to the bank account you provided during sign up.
- Earnings estimates are based on an estimated length of time (referred to as a block). We aim to ensure that the number of parcels you are assigned to deliver within your block is realistic, taking into account traffic congestion and the primary requirement to drive safely. However, the actual time taken per delivery may vary (because it could, occasionally, take less time or a little more time than expected).
- The earnings over the week will be will be subject to a with-holding tax of 1% as per the Govt. regulations. The total payout will be net of taxes. For ex: If you make INR 1000 during the week, you will be receiving INR 990 into your account
- PAN Card is mandatory for you to drive for Amazon Flex in India. You will have to provide the same in our Tax interview page. In case you do not have a PAN Card, please apply for the same.
Watch out for online ‘Amazon Flex’ fraud
Many programs rolled out by technology companies – including Facebook, Microsoft and Google – also attract fraudsters. With the Indian media running headlines stating “Amazon plans to tap students, housewives to speed up deliveries,” fly-by-night middlemen might step in offering ‘consulting‘ and ‘placement service‘ for candidates interested in the program.
Individuals are advised to directly contact Amazon’s flex from their website and not through intermediaries.
In the media
- Amazon plans to tap students, housewives to speed up deliveries – mint
- Staffing firm TeamLease says India’s e-commerce sector will require 1.22 lakh new delivery agents by FY20-end. – ET
- Amazon Flex Will Let You Earn Extra Cash Delivering Packages for Amazon India Part Time – NDTV Gadgets
- Amazon India set to offer students, retired individuals, homemakers part-time delivery jobs – Business Today
- Now you can make money on the side with Amazon – IndiaTimes