Wonolo brands itself as an “on-demand staffing marketplace.” They help workers find work ranging from delivery to administration. They also find work in event staffing, merchandising, warehouses, and general labor.
Clients post jobs on the Wonolo marketplace, and workers review the positions and choose the one they want.
Although most Wonolo jobs are entry-level jobs and not highly paid, Wonolo pledges to guarantee all its workers a “living wage.”
Living wages differ from minimum wage in that it calculates the cost of living in different cities. For instance, the minimum wage in California is $12. But the “living wage,” according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, is $18.66.
One downside to Wonolo, however, is the extent of its reach. They are looking to extend to all cities in America, but they presently operate in only a fraction. You can check to see if they have jobs available in your city.
Additionally, you are not permitted to cancel shifts with less than 12 hours’ notice or Wonolo will lower your work rating and could kick you off the platform. Meanwhile, companies are not penalized for doing the same.
Worker reviews also indicate that Wonolo’s customer support is terrible – some workers can’t even resolve basic payment issues.
Fortunately, other platforms provide similar services that you could defer to if you are not pleased with Wonolo.
Also Read: Part-time vs Full-time
Best Apps Like Wonolo
1. Instawork
With reasonable pay, and the flexibility to work for who you want to and when, Instawork poses a very good alternative to Wonolo.
Their job availability however is streamlined to warehouse, general labor, hospitality, and culinary. But they have a lot of jobs in these categories.
If you are looking to take advantage of the great opportunities Instawork provides, all you have to do is download the app and browse through the available jobs and pick the one that works best for you.
You can also apply for permanent work that fits your schedule. You can book shifts, track your working hours, and get paid – all through the app.
The requirements to work for them include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a smartphone
- Have relevant experience for the job you’re applying for
- Complete a background check
Pay ranges from minimum wage to as much as $25 per hour in some cases.
Currently, they operate in over 30 major metro areas. And for the places they don’t operate in yet, they have an option for you to complete your profile and join the waitlist.
That way they can contact you once they open in your neighborhood.
Check Out: Best Jobber Alternatives
2. Qwick
If you are looking for gigs in restaurants and bars, and you’re okay with working at events, then Qwick is for you.
They help people find quality part-time and flexible jobs in the food and beverage industry.
Pay ranges from minimum wage to $30 per hour
They currently operate in these cities: Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; Dallas, TX; New York City, NY; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL
To start, you are required to:
- Have a smartphone
- Have prior experience
- Have any required licensing (such as food handlers certificates for chefs)
- Attend an in-person orientation
Unlike Wonolo, Qwick pays as quickly as within the next hour after completing your shift (once you set up the Instant Pay feature).
They also encourage their clients to develop relationships with workers and hire them permanently, if both parties are on board with the idea.
According to them, “We believe that helping quality people to find quality jobs will help to build great long-term relationships with the businesses that we partner with.” That’s an impressive mission statement, in my opinion.
The app is available for Android and IOS.
3. TaskRabbit
A fantastic alternative to Wonolo, TaskRabbit is particularly awesome for trained professionals just as much as it serves low-skilled workers.
TaskRabbit provides work gigs in a wide array of fields, from delivery services and TV mounting to lawn care services to painting.
Unlike Wonolo, TaskRabbit allows workers to set their rates. That way, you are paid what you charge.
They operate in most major cities in the U.S. There is a complete list of all the places they are available on their homepage.
To work, you have to:
- Be 18 or older
- Submit to an identity-check
- Have a bank account
- Have a smartphone
- Have a valid Social Security number. In California, you will also need a business license.
All of the site fees (other than a $25 registration fee) are paid by customers, not freelancers. That means that you get 100% of the rate you set.
TaskRabbit has a lot of perks and a considerable chunk of jobs, but if you want to boost your chance of getting work constantly, you can also use the other apps on this list.
4. JiffyOnDemand
JiffyOnDemand is a service professional app that lets skilled workers post the services they offer, for willing customers to hire.
Common services include Hanging Pictures & Hooks, Paint Touch Ups, Tiling, Hardware Install, Misc. Jobs & Repairs etc.
Like Wonolo, JiffyOnDemand takes contractors’ pay seriously with a price range anywhere from $40 to $85 per hour.
But they also charge commissions of 12% to 18% of the contractor’s pay. You will also pay fines for job cancellations.
One downside to JiffyOnDemand is the lack of availability in a wide range of locations. You can only use their services in a handful of locations including Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Ottawa.
Requirements for getting jobs on JiffyOnDemand include:
- Appropriate experience
- Appropriate licenses
- Appropriate Insurance
- Any necessary tools of the trade
- Smartphone
The site offers different payment schedules for about 17 different tasks, including electrical and plumbing work, appliance repair, snow removal, and general handyman services.
Lawn care is charged at $50 per hour; appliance repair at $75 per hour; electrical work at $150 for 1.5 hours. The contractor gets anywhere from 82% to 88% of this rate, depending on the city and the size of the job.
The bigger the job, the more money that goes into the contractor’s pocket.
Even though the payment is not processed as quickly, they are made before Saturday. They are always made on Friday, without fail, after the week the job was completed.
While contractors can earn more by themselves, having someone market their services for less than 20% might be considered a reasonable trade-off. Plus Jiffy gives better rates than most platforms.
It’s worth noting that if you show up late to a job or you cancel, you will be subject to a fine.
Also, there’s a “user’s protection plan” that can be triggered by the customer. This means the contractor is obligated to redo a service or be responsible for the cost of the job if need be.
Also Read: How To Write An Email For A Job?
5. Shiftgig
This is another site like Wonolo that connects their already-vetted “specialists” to secure temporary jobs, side-hustles, and labor gigs for workers. Industries they connect workers with include hospitality, retail, food, and experimental marketing industries.
The site pays by direct deposit every week for all the shifts worked in the previous week. If a Specialist works more than five shifts, they might be eligible to receive payment even faster.
Shiftgig also has an affiliation with a company called DailyPay, which lets you withdraw payments a day after your completed work, once your hours are confirmed.
The rates for their jobs can range from minimum wage an hour to $25-$50 and even more. You are paid based on the number of hours you reported for your shift which will be confirmed by your client after completing each shift.
You are also eligible as a gig worker to work overtime at a rate 1.5 times more than the normal rate. This is after you exceed your 40-hour workweek.
Explore the best apps like Shiftgig here.
6. Bellhop
This is another app similar to Wonolo. It is streamlined to help people move.
It provides clients that need help moving with people who are strong enough to help. So there isn’t really any skill involved, except that you should be able to lift 100 pounds.
Other requirements include:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be able to lift 100 pounds
- Own a smartphone to source opportunities
- Handle your transportation
You will also need to complete the Bellhops interview process, pass a background check, and have a standard checking account to receive payment.
The average pay is $15-$21 per hour, including tips.
The cities they operate include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
Their app is available for IOS and Android.
Also Read: What To Include In A Cover Letter For A Job?
7. Bluecrew
This is another great alternative to Wonolo. While Wonolo connects workers to businesses, Bluecrew hires workers and lets them pick among the shifts and clients by themselves.
Think of Bluecrew as a staffing company for companies that want flexible workers for on-demand delivery, customer service, and warehouse workers.
Although the workers’ pay depends on the job and shifts that the employee picks up, most of these entries are not high-paying positions.
They pay anywhere from $10 – $20 per hour.
To be eligible to work with Bluecrew, you are required to conduct a personal interview and undergo a background check.
The company rates worker performance on a point-based system:
- You get six points for uploading a photo and your bio to the site
- You get a couple more for liking Bluecrew on Twitter and Facebook
- You also get five points for each time you complete a shift
- If you get a 5-star rating from an employer or you’re made a “favorite”
However, there is also a punishment system that deducts points if you are late to work, cancel a shift without prior notification, or behave inappropriately on a job. When you have points deducted, you could be fired at any time.
8. ToolBelt
This is another app like Wonolo that connects contractors with clients and other contractors.
Unlike Wonolo, you can get lucrative opportunities on this site and you also get to set your rate.
However, they don’t have the kind of coverage that Wonolo has. They provide services only in Seattle, Portland, Southern Oregon, and Los Angeles.
The app is available on App Store and Google Play with really impressive reviews.
Explore: How Long A Cover Letter Should Be?
9. WorkMarket
WorkMarket is another gig economy platform like Wonolo that can help you find jobs. Unlike Wonolo, this platform includes remote job opportunities too.
Registering on this site is free but you have to pay before you can start applying for jobs. When completing your profile, they run a background check and a drug test.
They charge $20 for a background check and $25 for a drug test. This could be considered a precaution put in place for potential employers.
Once you are a member, you can see all the available jobs on your dashboard. Requirements differ based on: Scorecard Ratings, Test Scores, Agreements, Certifications, Background checks & Drug tests, etc.
The pay you can get from jobs is rumored to usually be in the range of $50 to $300, which is considerably lucrative. However, jobs are not that frequent.
Depending on your location, you can get paid via direct bank transfer, PayPal, or through the WorkMarket Visa.
10. GigSmart
GigSmart is another app like Wonolo. It’s a marketplace that connects temporary workers with individuals or businesses that need help.
The pay varies depending on the job. The clients set their prices on GigSmart and the worker decides if he’s willing to take the job or not.
Job opportunities could be daycare, driving, warehouse, or customer service. You are also required to pay $1 per hour as a commission to the site.
This $1 goes to the ODICA (On-Demand Independent Contractor’s Association). This association covers occupational accident insurance – insurance that covers both medical expenses and disability compensation for workers injured on the job.
Requirements:
- You have to be at least 18 years old. They also employ younger people (but with parental consent).
- You should have legal authorization to work
- You should be able to sign a legal contract
- You should be able to pass a background and DMV check
Workers are usually paid within two weeks after job completion. Although you can speed up the process if you are willing to pay a 3% processing fee.
To see the job offerings, you have to go through the full registration process.
The exceptions to this are companies including Uber and some local businesses that pay a small fee to get their jobs displayed on the job board.
Also Read: Best Questions To Ask The Interviewer
11. Shiftsmart
Shiftsmart is another great alternative to Wonolo. It connects businesses in search of product teasers, retail workers, telemarketers, etc.
They have both remote and in-person job opportunities.
With availability in over 50+ countries including the United States, Shiftsmart provides a lot of job opportunities for people around the globe.
Much like Wonolo, you also have the luxury of cherry-picking the jobs and shifts that you want and/or fit your schedule.
The pay varies depending on the company you work for and the type of work you choose to do.
Although based on the kind of available jobs, payment ranges from $10 to $20 per hour. Some jobs also promise bonus payments.
To work with them you have to:
- Be 18 or older
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S
- Have a smartphone
- Be fluent in English
- Be able to access a Mac or Windows computer with a strong internet connection for remote work
After a shift, Shiftsmart approves your payment. Ideally, this takes five days.
Once the payment has been approved, you can withdraw it immediately or wait for up to three days for a direct deposit. You can, however, choose Instant Pay for a $3 fee.
The app is available on Android and IOS platforms.
Also Read: Best Greenhouse Alternatives
12. Sabbar
Sabbar is another great alternative to Wonolo. However, Sabbar only serves Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but it’s set to come to other cities in Saudi Arabia.
They are a Saudi tech startup that creates technological solutions in a bid to increase the recruitment process in the retail, hospitality, and entertainment industry.
They create job opportunities for you regardless of your skill and education level with opportunities in cafes, restaurants, and retail shops.
With Sabbar, you can choose your work hours and the job you’d like to do from the available pool of jobs, obviously, and they pay on time.
Your expected pay depends on the company you work for.
The jobs they offer include Sales Rep, Cashier, Event Organizer, Host, and Reception.
13. Moonlighting
Moonlighting is another alternative to Wonolo – a gig economy app available to freelancers and professionals looking to showcase their businesses and find new clients.
They have both remote opportunities and in-person jobs. Their in-person tentacles are spread across the USA and Canada, for now.
You can communicate directly through the app before receiving the job, send professional invoices, and receive payments without having to pay commissions or processing fees.
Like a good chunk of the contractor apps we’ve reviewed in this list, Moonlighting lets you set your rate. So what you earn depends on you.
While this is a good thing, it’s good to note that a high rate may drive customers away.
Unlike most gig economy apps, Moonlight has a thousand opportunities you can pick from, so there is no shortage of jobs.
Signing up and using Moonlighting is free. But they also have a premium plan that helps you to set up and market your platform.
Due to the high level of communication in its Marketplace, Moonlighting sets a daily limit of three new chats and three new comments to protect its users from spamming.
However, this limitation does not apply to Pro users.
14. Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is another fantastic substitute for Wonolo. The difference with MTurk however is that the jobs are remote.
They are also low-level skilled jobs and low earning opportunities.
As opposed to actual jobs, MTurk gives you HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks). These are tasks that can’t be carried out by a computer or a robot, and they need human intelligence to be completed.
These HITs are created by “Request Customers” and completed by “Worker Customers.”
The kind of jobs you should expect include surveys, transcription, writing/copy editing, data entry, voice recording, SEO research, text verification, and searching for information.
For the skilled jobs, MTurk takes you through a training and test process that will make you eligible for some tasks. Usually, these tasks pay better than unskilled tasks.
How much you can make is highly inestimable. This is because the amount you can earn depends on the type and number of HITs you complete.
Some HITs pay as low as $0.01 and there are others that pay as much as $18.
However, a 2018 study found that only 4% of its workers made the minimum wage. Not quite impressive.
You can choose to be paid in cash or gift cards.
Although, as previously stated, the jobs don’t require skills (except average human intelligence) or physical input, which explains why the return on time is so low.
To register, you have to be at least 18 and human.
Check Out: Best BambooHR Alternatives
15. Upshift
Upshift is another alternative to Wonolo. It is an on-demand platform that specializes in staffing businesses with better, high-quality workers.
The industries they provide workers for include hospitality, light, and clerical industries.
Upshift lets you choose when and where you’d like to work.
With a 95.6% job success rate, and a less than 2% no-call, no-show rate, it’s obvious Upshift thoroughly vets its applicants.
The industries they work with include hospitality, food and beverages, warehousing, retail, events’ services, etc.
Also Read: Best Lever Alternatives
Wrapping up: What is Wonolo’s best alternative?
With a wide niche range and a wide network of operations, similar to Wonolo, Instawork poses the best alternative to Wonolo.
They also have a lot of jobs and the pay is fair.
