More than a third of people in the United States take part in the gig economy, either as a way to earn a full-time income or to supplement the pay they receive through more traditional channels. If you want to get in on the action, there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. But which one is right for you?
Luckily, you don’t have to make a single choice. You can actually sign up for and earn money through multiple gig-economy opportunities at once. However, in an ever-present quest for work-life balance, it’s probably best to stick to a few that are right for you.
To help you understand which earning opportunities might be right for you — and whether Introducely is something you should sign up for — we’ve gathered some information to compare it side-by-side with another popular side gig. Find out more below about how Introducely and DoorDash stack up so you can choose which one you might want to include in your gig-economy lineup.
What Is Introducely?
Introducely lets you earn money by connecting people from your existing network with people who want to meet them. Requesters place requests letting everyone know who they’re looking to meet, and they can offer a reward for a quality introduction.
If you sign up as an Introducer, you can fill those requests by making introductions when you know someone who is a good match. You get paid whatever reward the Requester set for each introduction you successfully complete.
What Is DoorDash?
DoorDash is a delivery service that lets people use an app to order from a variety of local restaurants. Independent delivery drivers, known sometimes as Dashers, can choose deliveries from the app. They go to the restaurant in question, pick up the food and deliver it to the address indicated by the customer.
DoorDash delivery drivers are paid per order and can also get tips from customers via the app.
Introducely vs. DoorDash: How to Choose the Right One for You
Obviously these are very different opportunities for earning. Let’s dig into some details about each so you can decide which one might be the easiest way for you to earn some extra cash.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
To get started on Introducely, you simply need access to an internet connection. That can be on a mobile device, your own computer or even a computer you can log into at the public library. Because we verify all our Introducers, you’ll also need a Facebook or LinkedIn profile. We use those to verify that you are who you say you are so we can ensure all Introducers can actually help connect Requesters with the people they need.
To get started on DoorDash, you need a smartphone so you can download the app, which is where you’ll get the information for deliveries. But obviously you need more than that. DoorDash requirements include:
- Having a car or scooter you can use to make deliveries (in some cities, you can make deliveries with a bicycle)
- Holding a current driver’s license
- Having a Social Security number (if you’re a driver in the U.S.)
- Being able to pass a background check
According to DoorDash, most people can start making deliveries and earning within a few days.
How Do You Earn Money?
Earning money on Introducely is super simple. Here’s a quick summary of the process:
- Search the current requests to find one you can help with.
- Send a response letting the Requestor know who you would like to introduce them to. Answer any questions the Requester asked and provide information about how you can help.
- Make introductions in a timely manner when your response is chosen by Requesters.
- Collect the payment offered for the introduction.
Earning money on DoorDash is also fairly straightforward, though it does require a bit more actual work. Here’s a basic summary of how it works:
- You log into the app and review open delivery orders.
- You select orders you want to deliver. You can make your choice based on factors such as how much time the delivery would take based on where the restaurant and customer are located or how much the delivery pays.
- After selecting the order, you pick up the food and take it to the address provided by the customer.
How Are Payments Made?
Introducely payments are made via Stripe. They’re deposited into your bank account within a few days after being received by Stripe.
DoorDashers get paid weekly for all deliveries made via direct deposit to your bank. There are options for daily pay via DasherDirect or instant payments via DasherDirect. Instant payments do entail a small fee.
How Much Money Can You Make?
How much you make on Introducely depends on the size of your network and your resourcefulness in making introductions. There aren’t any maximum limits, and you keep 100% of the pay that Requesters offer for introductions you complete.
DoorDash doesn’t limit how much delivery drivers can earn, but you are limited by factors such as time and how much people are willing to pay to have food delivered. DoorDash has a complex payment structure that offers a certain amount for each delivery based on factors like how far the orders are and whether it’s a peak delivery time. You also get to keep 100% of any tips offered by customers.
What Type of Risk Is Associated With the Gig?
There’s very little, if no, risk associated with earning money on Introducely. That’s especially true if you’re professional and polite and follow-through in a timely manner on all your introductions.
DoorDash comes with a bit more risk. Because you’re using your own vehicle to make deliveries, you have to pay for your own gas and maintenance. That can cut into your earnings, especially if you have to drive farther than expected to make a delivery or end up sitting in traffic. If you get in an accident, you may also be liable for any damages. As a contractor, you’re not covered under the same type of protections as a traditionally employed delivery driver.
The TL;DR Comparison of Introducely and DoorDash
Here’s a last look at some of the main points if you’re considering earning money with Introducely or DoorDash.
| Introducely | DoorDash |
| What do you need to get started? | An internet connection and a Facebook/LinkedIn profile | Be 18 years oldHave a vehicleHave a driver’s licenseHave a SSN (in the US)Pass a background checkHave a smartphone |
| How much physical work is required? | None | Some physical work required to move in and out of locations and pick up and carry food |
| What risk or expenses do you take on? | None | You incur the expenses and risks associated with using your own vehicle, including maintenance, wear and tear and fuel. If you’re in an accident while driving for DoorDash, it’s typically your own responsibility as you are not a company employee. |
| How much money can you make? | Earning potential is only limited by your own network and how many introductions you can manage | DoorDash says drivers earn an average of $25 an hour nationally, though it can be more or less in different areas |
| How are you paid? | Via Stripe, which transfers money directly to your bank account | By direct deposit into a bank account weekly with some options for daily or instant pay, though fees can apply |
Whether you’re looking for a regular side gig to help pay the bills or just want to earn some money to fund an upcoming trip or other big splurge, Introducely and DoorDash are both potential options. For those with a big network, though, Introducely is clearly the easier of the two when it comes to signing up and earning money fast with very little work or resource investment.
About the Author
Nick Chasinov
Nick Chasinov is the founder of Introducely and covers topics regarding sales, marketing, technology, networking, career growth, and all things Introducely related.