Reminders from a gig driver who cares
We all know gas prices are high but no one is more aware than those who are delivering goods or driving people in the gig industry (Uber/UberEats/Door Dash/etc ).
It's shocking how little these platforms contribute to the pay. For example I received an offer of $2 to go 25 miles which was estimated to take 40 minutes last night and that included tip! What that tells me is this order was only platform pay.Your tips are what make this possible for us.
We can reject these absurd offers, but then our stats and ability to make any bonus pay is jeopardized, which either means we take offers so low we risk not breaking even, or not driving at all.
Drivers do this first and foremost to earn money please keep that in mind when you are making the choice to have something delivered or requesting a ride.
The rideshare guys have it a bit easier than those who deliver, however if everything went well and the driver provided an enjoyable experience show them your thanks since you don't tip until the end.
We all have likely had a bad delivery experience by now at least once and past experiences may influence your tips going forward. While unfair it is human nature, however, you have the ability to increase the tip after the delivery is made. If a driver delivered without issue your tip should be mindful of their cost, but if a driver went above and beyond please consider adjusting that tip.
As a driver who delivers I would encourage you to understand the tip you offer in the beginning will be a factor in the offer drivers receive. Higher offers are said to go to those with the highest stats (that's widely debated), and the offer will determine how quickly drivers except your order.
Here are a few more helpful hints from a driver who cares:
*Questions about replacements for items that are unavailable may come up regardless of where you order from. Drivers should reach out be prepared to answer calls/texts. Drivers who care make an attempt using both methods and are wait a reasonable time for your response
* Delivery instructions matter. If you keep experiencing issue with the actual delivery make notes that will help us. Keep in mind the system reads these to us for safety reasons but not until we are right on top of the address.
* Drivers are instructed to knock or ring the bell if you choose the "leave at door " option. Choose "meet at door" and in the delivery instructions include a note to leave at door do not knock or ring bell if you want to avoid this. We 💜 those who do this already!
*If you messages us when we are moving we will not get the message. We may not get a message until we are at your address it depends on several factors.
* We cannot get you extra sauce at no charge. Some of us will attempt and there are rare times it works but it is never without serious attitude. Many places already treat us poorly don't make it worse for us.
*We are not allowed to check your bags, they are sealed for a reason. All we can do is ask, some of us do, but it is not answered without attitude and the honesty is iffy.
*We do not always know all the details of your order it depends on how the merchant is set up.
*Some merchants have a pop up reminder for drinks others do not. This is the most missed item, but one we may not be aware of.
*Store orders, especially large ones, create the most need for customer contact. Choosing your replacements when placing the order helps, but please be prepared to approve replacements we choose for you or we will have no choice but to remove the item.
* We have the right to determine if something is unsafe for us at the time of delivery. We will leave items in a safe location for you to retrieve should this occur.
Note: I personally refuse to deliver to anything above ground level at apartment buildings after dark, strange things have happened. I will call and text you and happily wait for you to come down for a reasonable amount of time.
*We are only required to deliver to the address that was provided when the order was placed. If you have forgotten to change the address the platform you ordered from is unlikely to offer assistance. Drivers may be willing to help please be mindful of the distance.
* If your order is incorrect we cannot do anything to fix this. It is acceptable to contact us to ensure we gave you all that was given to us that is all we can help with. Please contact the platform you ordered from and/or the merchant with any other issues.
*If your driver delivered to the wrong location it is a food related safety violation for us to retrieve the order and properly delivery it. Contact the platform you ordered from to resolve this issue. If you contact the driver understand they are risking their ability to delivery in the future and your attitude will factor into their willingness to help.
* Things like washed out driveways, unpaved roads, and recent rain fall may make your location impossible for a driver to reach with the vehicle they are driving. Drivers are required to leave it in a safe location for you to retrieve.
Like with any job there are good drivers and those who do the least they can get away with. There is a good chance you will see the same driver if you order often from the same platforms. Drivers aren't given the full details when accepting, but they will once they pick up the order and if you make yourself memorable they are likely to treat you accordingly. Being kind, understanding, and responsive will not only help you during your current delivery but with future ones as well.