Despite the risks, bots have become an increasingly common tool for Flex drivers. Many have grown frustrated with the intense and often unpredictable nature of grabbing shifts, or they simply want to make more money, according to several current and former Flex drivers. Some of them spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation from Amazon. Drivers also join Facebook groups for other Flexers in their neighborhood, where people alert group members when shifts are posted, said Chad Polenz, an Amazon Flex driver and YouTuber who posts videos about his experience as a gig economy worker.
In his two years as a Flex driver in Florida, Polenz said he has learned that Amazon usually drops new shifts in the app around to a. One program, called Zero Flex, uses a script to analyze network traffic between the Flex app on a user's device and Amazon's servers.
When the script detects that a new block is available, it's able to grab the blocks before they're released to other users.
One Flex driver told CNBC he has used a variety of bots to help him secure blocks in his hometown of Miami, where he said there are a lot of Flexers and, as a result, higher competition. Flex Utility uses an Android phone's accessibility features to create a virtual button that's overlaid onto the Flex app.
The Flex Utility tool refreshes the Flex app, filters out blocks that don't match the user's search criteria and then places the button over appropriate blocks. Drivers can specify what kinds of blocks they'd like to grab based on the pickup center, time of day and type of block. The app is "quite a bit faster" than a human because it can filter, select and swipe blocks "within a millisecond, while it would take a human at least several seconds," said the developer behind the Flex Utility app, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Flex Utility developer claims his app doesn't violate Amazon's terms of service because the user has to manually click the Flex Utility button in the Flex app. Two Flex drivers who use Flex Utility said they haven't been suspended by Amazon when they've used the tool. There are also devices called autotappers or block grabbers that automate the physical action of tapping the app. Users clip two cables onto their phone in the location where the refresh button and blocks appear in the Flex app.
Once the device is connected to a power source, the phone's touch screen sensors can recognize its taps. They're even available on Amazon's own website, although the devices violate the Flex terms of service. A quick search for "auto clicker" on the marketplace turns up several listings , including one titled "bot auto swiper.
Polenz works several gigs in addition to Flex, including driving for Lyft and delivering orders for Instacart and Doordash. He said Flex is usually a "back up" job for him because he gets so much work from Instacart and Doordash. During one particularly slow summer a few years ago, there were fewer gig jobs available, so Polenz decided to give a block grabber a try for a video. He bought a block grabber on eBay , but found the device wasn't able to tap on the blocks fast enough before another user beat him to it.
These blocks are considered more valuable than other jobs because customers can add a tip to their order, unlike package deliveries. Drivers will tell the bot only to grab Whole Foods, Prime Now and AmazonFresh shifts so that they can scoop the blocks before others do. Drivers also use bots to limit their blocks to warehouses that are nearby, since the Flex app could potentially send them to pick up an order at a warehouse 50 miles away.
Longer trips mean lost time and more wear and tear on their vehicle. The faster drivers finish a job, the faster they can move onto the next block. In response to a rise in bots, Amazon has slowed the refresh rate in the Flex app, drivers believe. Multiple drivers told CNBC they think if they click on blocks too quickly, Amazon is able to detect that they're using a bot and will "soft block" them, preventing them from seeing any new shifts for a certain period of time. Amazon did not immediately respond to a query on this speculation.
There are 2 separate support phone numbers, one dispatch number for when you are working and another number for when you are not on the clock. And besides phone numbers. Having just came out in , it is still relatively new and has more room to grow. However, I suggest checking here for an updated list because, as I said, this business is still growing.
As with any job, there are going to be complaints no matter how good it is. And Amazon Flex is no different. There are complaints, the most common being…. As I mentioned above, when you work for Flex you have to schedule your shifts at least 2 hours in advance. These shifts, or blocks, can be hard to get because of all the other drivers that are also trying to get them. The length of these shifts will vary depending on the location you are delivering for.
I have seen them range anywhere from hours. Again, with Amazon Flex you are considered an independent contractor, not an employee, so they do not have cover on the job related expenses such as gas, maintenance, repair, etc.
This is a very controversial topic. It has actually been taken to court in an attempt to sue Amazon Flex for not considering drivers employees. This goes hand-in-hand with it being hard to schedule blocks. It has been suggested that Amazon should use a ranking system that gives certain drivers preference when it comes to choosing blocks, but this has yet to be seen in action.
You might get some strange looks from customers when they see you in plain clothes delivering their package. I creeps some people out, but Amazon Flex is getting more noticed and people are starting to get used to it. Amazon Flex can be a good side job, and that is how I recommend you treat it. Some areas will be better than others.
This depends on the amount of Amazon Prime Now deliveries there are and the amount of competition from other delivery drivers. If you start out part time and there is opportunity to get more hours, then go for it. If Amazon Flex fits the bill and is what you are looking for, and you meet all of the requirements, then you need to know how you can get started right away.
Applying is very simple and is all done online. There is no face to face interview or anything of that nature. You can visit the sign up page here. It will only take you a few minutes to complete this. It might take up to a month for you to hear back as to whether or not you are being considered for the job.
If you did end up getting passed the first qualification step, you will be emailed a survey that you are to fill out and you will be invited to attend an online information session to learn more about the job. The survey is just to further make sure you are qualified for the position. It will ask you about your vehicle, your insurance, your smart phone, etc.
If you make it passed the survey they will invite you to download the Amazon Flex app to your phone. A link will be provided. Finding where to download the app can be tricky and varies with whether you have an Android or iPhone. You can learn more about how to download the app Here. It will take several days for the background check to clear. They will pay you via direct deposit so you will be asked to link your checking account to the app. You will also be asked for your W-9 for tax reasons.
There are 19 different training videos that you are supposed to watch. These videos will go over different situations that you may encounter on the job and how to deal with them. But before you decide whether or not you want to drive and deliver for Amazon Flex, there are some things you need to know, like… How it all got started What are some benefits of driving for Amazon Flex? What is it like delivering for Amazon Flex? What are the requirements? How are you. You should have the option for everybody not just people for level two.
Plz make a change, this would be an amazing app if you just implemented more for the new comers. Just add more slots! The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:. Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age.
Learn More. With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app. App Store Preview. Description The app that lets you deliver with Amazon. Nov 16, Version 2. Performance improvements and bug fixes. Ratings and Reviews. App Privacy. Size Category Business. Compatibility iPhone Requires iOS Price Free.
0コメント