Equipment You Need as an Uber Eats Walker

Do you want to get started with a job in the food delivery world? Uber Eats is one of the most popular apps for ordering food. If you’re thinking about applying, this post will give you all the information that you need.

Click here to start delivering for Uber Eats

Quick tip: you can get cash back every time you fill up your gas tank by using the Upside app. It's free and pays out straight to your bank.

What Equipment do you need when starting an Uber Eats Walker delivery person? Here are some tips and tricks from an experienced Walker delivery person:

We’ll skip over the obvious thing – you need a smartphone with a data plan.

An Insulated Carry Bag

You’re going to be carrying at least one order, maybe even two or bags that are usually made of paper, over a distance. You need something that will keep the food warm and still.

An insulated carry bag should be something you already have or can easily purchase online. They’re not expensive and are worth investing in if you’re going to do this job regularly.

A Water Bottle

Especially if you’re out in summer, it makes sense to have some water with you, as staying hydrated is key.

Plus, you’re saving money not paying for drinks.

Usually, you can store this in your carry bag or get one that clips onto your belt.

Energy Bars or Other Snacks

You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so you need some extra energy.

You can find protein bars and other healthy food options in most convenience stores that are easy to carry in an insulated bag.

Phone case

A phone is obviously essential to your job, so the last thing you want is to drop it and be out of business. It’s worth investing in a protective case that will reduce the chance of this happening.

Personally, I’d recommend spending a bit more on a solid case like the Otter – it costs close to $50, but it’s saved my phone, and it’s hit concrete no less than three times in a month.

Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be on your feet a lot, and you want to make sure they’re not killing you!

Make sure that the shoes are comfortable. If you need them, get some new ones before starting this venture.

It’s also important to have a good grip if it gets slippery out there on the ground or if someone steps on your foot.

I recommend sneakers with rubber soles for best traction, which will help prevent any slips and falls when walking around town delivering food orders!

My personal choice was some no-brand sneakers with gel inserts. My usual winter shoes were a pair of Blundstones, but while they have good treads and are warm enough, I found them not that comfortable after a few hours.

Gel insoles for your shoes

Again, a pair of Dr Scholl’s Gel Insets will set you back maybe another $20, but they are worth it. They will make you more comfortable in your shoes, which results in better walking and less pain.

Flashlight

This is a bit of an extra, more needed if you’re going out at night, and honestly, most phones have a decent flashlight mode anyways.

This is for when you find yourself delivering to hoses where the numbers are hard to read.

Also, it might be good from a safety point of view – pointing a flashlight at houses to read the numbers make you pretty visible, which should make it obvious to any jumpy homeowners that you’re doing delivery and aren’t a burglar!

Phone Charger

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to make sure your phone is fully charged. Especially if it’s not an iPhone, Android phones’ battery life can be pretty limited and often frustratingly so.

Tip:
During your travels, keep an eye out for where there are power outlets. Most fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, and malls will usually have one around.

External battery pack

A phone charger is good, but what about those times when you can’t find an outlet? Most of the ones on the market connect to your phone via a USB port and should give you a few hours of extra battery life.

Summer or Winter Hat

You’re going to be outside in either cold or hot weather. So some kind of a hat is good to have when delivering. This should help protect against sunburns during the warmer months and from cold winds during the winter.
Also, while anyone can purchase Uber or DoorDash-branded kit off Amazon, wearing something that identifies you as a delivery person might give you an air of professionalism, saying if you’re going into gated communities.
Tip:
Check the weather before heading out. And during the summer, if the temperatures are really climbing, consider doing a delivery shift later in the day when it’s a bit cooler.

Gloves

Again, this is an item that you’ll need at any time of the year.
When it’s cold, they can help keep your fingers warm and from getting too chilled. And when it’s hot out, gloves will protect against hand problems like chaffing or skin peeling off due to sun exposure.
You don’t need anything fancy, especially considering you might be holding a lot of fast food bags, and the gloves are going to end up smelling fast food anyways!
Looking for cycling gloves for delivery? We’ve written a guide here for them.
Tip:
If you want a pair of gloves that also has touchscreen capabilities (so you don’t have to take them off every time someone texts), look for gloves that work with touch screens, such as Smartwool.

Click here to start delivering for Uber Eats

Save on gas & groceries: the Upside app gives you cash back when you fill up your tank, buy groceries, or eat out.

Hopefully, this list will give you some ideas of what equipment to get when you get started as an Uber Easts walker.