Postmates Background Check Almost Ready: How to Pass (Do This Now)

Background checks conducted by Checkr are typically processed in about a week, give or take. If a background check takes longer than two weeks, consider checking the status of the background check through the Checkr Candidate Portal.⁶

Many background checks may clear in as few as two days, while some may take as long as ten days. There are various factors that may affect the length of time on background check return.⁴

There are many variables to consider when evaluating the length of time a background check may take. These factors may be sorted into four categories: application errors, company variables, user variables, and extraneous variables.²

Some common application errors which can delay a background check include:

• Not completing the background check consent form
• Submitting inconsistent information on the background check consent form (e.g. signing with a non-legal name)
• Not submitting legal documentation along with consent form (Driver ID)

Some common company variables which may delay a background check include:

• Large influx of applications and background checks
• Issues with the driver app or website processing of background checks
• Communication snag between the company and third-party background check service

Some common user variables which may affect background check turnaround time include:

• Having lived in multiple states, cities, and countries
• Having a complex employment history
• Having adverse information returned on background check

Finally, there may be extraneous variables affecting background check processing, including:

• Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on courthouse staffing and response time

Earnings through Uber Eats/Postmates vary depending on the area of residence, hours worked, and quality of service provided. For example, an individual working in a large city is likely to make more money than someone in a smaller, less urban area. On average, Postmates drivers may procure an $11 hourly wage before tips though the range and exact wages vary greatly by area.^{1, 12}

There are many considerations to take into account when deciding if a driving job is the right fit. While working for Postmates (or Uber Eats) may provide a great deal of flexibility in terms of schedule and hours worked, there are many variables to consider, such as:

• Does the potential driver live in a profitable area?
• Can the price of fuel be offset by potential income?
• Can a driver work enough hours to make the effort profitable?

These are just a few of the factors that may affect the value of a driving job for a specific individual. Every situation is different.⁵

Postmates customers can use Uber Cash (formerly Postmates Cash) to pay for orders by preloading “cash” from a debit or credit card to the Postmates app. However, Postmates does not accept traditional cash payments.⁷

A lengthy background check may be attributed to various causes such as an incomplete application, a hold-up in the processing of the application, complicated employment or criminal history, or outside factors such as local effects of the pandemic on staffing and court turnaround time.^{2, 4}

There are several background check statuses that an individual may see during the background check process conducted by Checkr, one of which is “Consider.” The “Consider” status means that the background check has been completed but still requires a review of any negative information which may have shown up.⁴

If a background check has taken longer than two weeks, check to make sure that all forms were filled out correctly and no action is required. If all documentation and information have been properly submitted, visit the Checkr Candidate Portal to check the status of the background check. Contact Checkr to address any confusing information.⁶

The entire hiring process from start to finish varies depending in large part upon the length of the background check process. A person may begin driving for Uber Eats in less than two weeks if the background check turnaround time is typical.¹⁴

There are several factors which may disqualify someone from working for Postmates/Uber Eats or another delivery service. These may include:²

• Not having an operational smartphone
• Not having a valid Driver license
• Having felony convictions or criminal convictions of a violent nature
• Having a significant driving record with multiple or serious infractions
• Having a DUI on MVR report
• Not being of legal age to drive

With Postmates, drivers received welcome kits. Some other delivery companies also provide starter kits (e.g. Doordash). However, UberEats does not provide a welcome kit for new drivers, so while veteran Postmates drivers would have received a welcome kit, recent hires for Uber should not expect to receive one.¹³

Doordash uses Checkr, the same third-party company used by Uber (Postmates) to conduct background checks. Doordash support claims that the background checks are typically processed in 5 to 7 business days, though it can sometimes take longer.⁹

Prior to driving for any delivery company, an individual needs to pass a background check. Once the candidate passes the background check, he or she is approved to drive for the company in question.

Some companies send starter kits or welcome packets for new drivers, and though Postmates was, historically, one of those companies, UberEats is not. Therefore, new drivers for the company should not expect to receive a welcome kit.

First and foremost, all delivery drivers for companies such as Postmates/Uber Eats must have a smartphone in order to obtain jobs.³

For any delivery job, an essential requirement is the mode of transportation. While delivery on foot is permitted in some large cities (e.g. New York City, Chicago), walking deliveries are not widely encouraged. Most delivery persons will want access to a car, bike, or scooter.⁸

Formerly, Postmates had a customer support line at (888) 815-7726 as well as contact points via the website and app.¹⁷ Now, Postmates queries will redirect to the parent company, Uber.¹⁰

After signing into an Uber Eats/Uber account or app, queries will redirect to Uber’s Help page where customers can search topics for information or view active orders and recent receipts. Only customers signed up for premium membership packages receive access to Uber’s customer support phone line, and other customers likely have more luck receiving help through Uber’s Facebook or Twitter accounts.^{15, 16}