Amazon Launches Flex To Rival Postmates In On-Demand, Crowdsourced Delivery

According to the Journal, the program works hand in hand with Amazon’s Prime Now service, where customers who sign up for the company’s $99-a-year unlimited shipping program can get items delivered to their doorstep for a fee in an as little as an hour. The company today announced a new program called Amazon Flex and it allows the average American to work in two, four or eight hour blocks on whatever day they feel like.

The way Amazon is selling the role on its website – “be your own boss: deliver when you want, as much as you want” – is strikingly similar to the way Uber markets itself to potential drivers. “You can pick up deliveries at a location near you”.

Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies is one of a number that have been sued in court in lawsuits that argue that the workers should be classified as employees and not independent contractors.

In order to become a driver, you’ll have to provide your own vehicle and Android phone.

The innovative service is only available in Seattle right now, but Amazon is planning to expand it to several more areas (including Austin, Chicago, Manhattan and Portland) in the future. That included the company eyeing up other startups in the food delivery space before ultimately launching their own ready-made food delivery service.

As The Guardian reports, Amazon Flex appears to have taken its cue from Uber and other “gig economy”-based services”. It will also serve as the platform from which jobs will be relayed to delivery workers. But one thing that makes Postmates stand out is its dedication to delivering goods in under an hour.

The retailer hasn’t officially unveiled the launch of Amazon Flex through a formal announcement, but the website is now live and accepting sign-ups from interested workers.