Pro Tip: Update your preferences weekly based on your actual schedule. Outdated preferences can result in missed opportunities or unwanted offers.
Understanding Reserved Blocks
Reserved blocks are delivery offers sent to you based on your preferred scheduling settings. They're offered to you before being released to all drivers.
How Reserved Blocks Work
- • Offered 24-48 hours in advance
- • Based on your availability settings
- • You have limited time to accept
- • Declining too many can reduce future offers
- • Priority given to high-standing drivers
Reserved vs. Open Blocks
- • Reserved: Offered directly to you first
- • Open: Available to all drivers
- • Reserved blocks often have better rates
- • Less competition for reserved blocks
- • Open blocks may surge higher
Optimization Strategies for More Blocks
1. Maximize Your Availability
Set availability for more hours than you actually want to work. You can always decline offers. More availability = more reserved block offers.
2. Select Multiple Stations
Don't limit yourself to one station. Select 3-5 nearby stations to significantly increase your reserved block offers.
3. Maintain High Standing
Drivers with "Fantastic" standing get priority for reserved blocks. Focus on on-time deliveries, successful deliveries, and reliability.
4. Accept Reserved Blocks Promptly
Reserved blocks have acceptance windows. Respond quickly to maintain your priority status and show Amazon you're an active driver.
5. Include Unpopular Time Slots
Early morning (4-6 AM) and late night slots have less competition. Including these can dramatically increase your reserved offers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Receiving Reserved Blocks?
- • Check that your standing is "Great" or "Fantastic"
- • Expand your availability to more days/times
- • Add more delivery stations
- • Make sure notifications are enabled
- • Update the app to the latest version
Scheduling Preferences Not Saving?
- • Check your internet connection
- • Force close and reopen the app
- • Clear app cache in phone settings
- • Reinstall the Amazon Flex app
- • Contact Amazon Flex support
Getting Too Many Unwanted Offers?
- • Narrow your time slot preferences
- • Remove stations you don't want
- • Reduce your weekly availability hours
- • Be more selective about block types
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set preferred scheduling on Amazon Flex?
Open the Flex app → Menu → Settings → Scheduling Preferences. Set your available days, time slots, and preferred stations, then save.
How often should I update my scheduling preferences?
Update weekly or whenever your availability changes. Keeping preferences current ensures you receive relevant reserved block offers.
Do reserved blocks pay more than open blocks?
Reserved blocks typically pay base rate, while open blocks may surge higher when unclaimed. However, reserved blocks are guaranteed without competition.
Can I decline reserved blocks?
Yes, but declining too many reserved blocks can reduce future offers. Try to accept at least 50% of reserved blocks offered to maintain priority status.
Why did I stop getting reserved blocks?
Common reasons: standing dropped below "Great," declined too many offers, outdated preferences, high competition in your market, or seasonal volume changes.
Master Amazon Flex Scheduling
Now that you know how to set preferred scheduling, learn more strategies to maximize your blocks and earnings.
About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work.