I will be giving you a different post tonight.
This is something that I have been wishing to address for some time now.
I would like to say that this is more of a public service announcement more than it is an opinion piece.
There will be mild language in this post, so reader discretion is advised for those under the age of 18.
Couriers (Restaurant Workers, Independent Contractor, Foot Messengers, etc) it does not matter which title you bestow on us, we come at your becking call with your food.
Some couriers are nicer than others while others have a nasty disposition with the world.
I would like to address the real elephant in the room: Seamless/Grub Hub couriers/independent contractors.
I would like to reiterate to those of you who are new to my blog that I am an independent contractor for the following companies: Uber Eats, Door Dash (inactive right now,) Shipt (Shipt Walker,) and a private company called Foodie for All. Foodie for All is a woman-owned and run business whose specialty is catering for small and large companies as well as corporations.
I have been with this company for two years, and I would suggest anyone interested in large-scale catering go through them.
(Shameless plug, yeah I know, I need more work people!)
Back to the topic on hand...
Seamless/Grub Hub hires contractors/couriers to pick up your food and deliver it to you. Common courtesy would be for the courier to let you know when they're at the restaurant, confirm the order, and then text or call to let you know they're on the way. This is standard practice that is taught with all courier companies including Amazon with their Delivery Associates and Drivers.
This practice seems to go out of the window with the majority of them. It is rare when I get a courier who lets me know when they have my food let alone on their way. This is poor customer service etiquette and should be reprimanded when not followed.
I will admit I will revoke a courier's tip when this is not followed. I have no patience for couriers who speak to me any way they wish, or the courier decides that he wants a larger tip for coming all the way to my building.
I have a tip for those who you who ask me for one: You will not get an extra tip and I will make sure to reply to you with a sarcastic or derogatory tone.
Functionality?
This is a word I have heard a lot from individuals who work in the corporate field and how they feel about us (couriers/restaurant workers). There are individuals who view us as heroes and heroines for being outside delivering in all forms of weather and during this ongoing pandemic. While there are others who feel that it was our choice for being outside and should be punished for not finding a real job.
Functionality and respect are two words that these Seamless couriers need to remember and relearn. You must show the customer that you are functional enough to be relied upon, and you must show good faith, expedience, and respect towards their food and your presentation.
Your actions and inaction tell the customer that they don't want to use Seamless or any other company to order food and eventually call the restaurant directly.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it becomes a problem when the rest of us are scrambling for orders.
I ask of you all to think about your customers when you pick up their order, and for godsakes call or text the damned customer when you're on the way!
I can't emphasize enough how important this is. This will determine whether the customer gives you a tip or not. I know how easy it is to blame the customer for being cheap; however, we do not know what the situation is with each customer. Some customers may have enough to feed themselves and not tip. Some customers may want to tip, but they choose to give you cash instead. (Nothing wrong with cash tips either.)
Some customers are downright cheap and those are the customers that I do not expect a tip from nor do I ask for one.
So the next time you pick up an order, think about your customer, eat some humble pie, and be the best courier you can be.
Thank you,
Lady Sakura
P.S. I am not judging all Seamless/Grub Hub couriers. Door Dash and Uber Eats couriers are as guilty as they are too. This is something that I have seen as a customer and this is something customers complain about when I'm in the field as a courier.
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