I’ve been delivering food and groceries for Postmates for a month now and there are some tips you should know.
Things customers should do to make their delivery faster and easier.
- If you’re staying at a hotel or live in an apartment, add a note in your order about your exact location.
- Which building are you located?
- Should I deliver to your door or meet you in the lobby?
- Which hotel are you staying? Certain areas have multiple hotels in one block and GPS isn’t always reliable.
- Do you live in a gated community? Add a note or text your driver the code before they reach the gate. Preferably when you place an order or after it has been picked up.
- Tips are nice but not required and I
won’t think any less of you if you don’t tip. I understand some people don’t come from a tipping culture, or don’t have much to spare. Many drivers, especially if they’ve worked as servers, tend to feel more entitled to tips. But don’t feel obligated to do so if the service was average or poor. However, if you think the driver went above and thought about your needs, such as grabbing a stack of napkins or adding more condiments without being told, then feel free to tip. - If you do tip please try to give cash instead of tipping in the app. This way it won’t get taxed and drivers get to keep more of their earnings. Most of us are scraping by and it doesn’t help when the government takes their cut.
Things drivers should do.
- If the customer lives in an apartment or is staying in a hotel, text or call them where you’ll meet. Sometimes customers don’t leave a note about which room to deliver.
- If you’re stuck in traffic or think you might, call the customer ASAP and give them an ETA. Also, apologize for the delay and thank them for waiting.
- When you’re delivering to a hotel, you don’t need to ask permission to enter, just walk through and take the elevator. The staff won’t question you.
- The first digit of a hotel room number corresponds to the floor level (this is assuming you rarely stay in hotels and are unfamiliar with the layout). For example, room 100 will be on the first floor, room 200 on the second, and so forth.
- If there’s no parking at a hotel, tell valet you’re with Postmates and you’re making a delivery. They should allow you to park for free but if they don’t (which is rare) then call the customer and explain the situation and ask them to come down.
- Schedule your lunch break in between peak hours during slow times.
- Don’t expect tips because you’re not entitled to someone’s money. You have to work for it and go above and beyond. Nobody owes you anything but if you feel otherwise then perhaps a salaried job is more suitable for you. It’s not the job of the customer to pay your wages they’re not your employer.
- Always double check the order before you leave a restaurant.
- If you’re ordering from a sit-down restaurant, ask to be seated at the bar because that’s where the to-go orders are usually taken.
- Be courteous when you interact with the customer in any form. If you text or call them, “Hi Sarah this is Lena from Postmates! I’ve just arrived. Where should I meet you?” Then say “Thank you and enjoy your lunch/dinner!” when you’ve handed their order over.
This isn’t a comprehensive list but I hope it covers the basics of Postmates from the customer’s and driver’s point of view. Do these things and you’ll have a pleasant experience.