We all have used online delivery apps at home or office. Be it for the necessary order-ins after a hectic work schedule or a casual dining experience with your loved ones at home, during your ‘Netflix and Chill’ sessions, online food order needs no occasion. How can foodies not take advantage of getting their favorite dishes delivered to their doorsteps? On days when you could not cook your own food, online delivery services are a savior!
However, as some of us know, there are some unsaid rules and etiquette to follow while ordering our meals or snacks online. Whether you are ordering your favorite items on mobile apps or ordering from the restaurant directly, you need to follow some rules and regulations for a more pleasant food ordering experience. So, here are some dos and don’ts regarding the appropriate etiquette tips you need to keep in mind during food deliveries.
7 Dos and Don’ts While Ordering Food Online for Delivery
1. Understand the Concept of Tipping
Many people have this popular misconception that online delivery fees or other service fees account for the driver’s gratuity. However, the truth is that no amount of this service and delivery fees that your online food delivery app charges go to the food delivery agent. The harsh fact is that drivers rely on the tips they receive from customers, and it makes up a significant amount of their income.
Yes, delivery drivers receive a nominal wage, but it is much lower than the standard salary rates of other jobs. The minimum wages for tipped delivery agents depend on the city or state. Therefore, while you are getting your favorite meals delivered to your doorstep, and you are enjoying your food in the comfort of your couch or during your busy office work, make sure to tip your delivery messenger enough. It’s because they are running your errands, even at odd hours and in harsh weather conditions.
By tipping generously, you are returning the favor. Along with that extra cash, try writing a note of gratitude or a special note to let them know you are satisfied with the service.
2. Double-Check All Your Order Details
At every step, check your details, starting with the precise dishes you are ordering, their quantity, the add-on menus, and the special delivery instructions (if you have any). Most importantly, check whether your contact details and address are accurate. Also, check that the contact number you provided is working and active.
We know this suggestion is a no-brainer, and you will immediately go, “Bruh! We know that!” However, sadly, many customers keep ignoring this, resulting in order cancellations or drivers going helter-skelter to find a single address. You will be surprised to learn the high number of delivery mishaps that happen every day due to customer errors.
So, once again, confirm the delivery address and phone number. The good news is some food delivery apps have a special section for adding voice notes. You can use that feature to record the correct directions to your home. This way, many drivers won’t even need to call in the first place to know your exact location. Make the driver’s life easier and get your meals delivered on time and without hassles.
3. Keep Your Phones Nearby
Here we are with another no-brainer. Yet, there are such high customer dissatisfaction rates. Did you ever see a message saying, “Order Canceled”, since the delivery agent could not reach you? Or did you ever make your driver wait for too long because you missed picking up their phone calls? If it sounds relatable, then it goes without saying that you need to be more attentive to your phone. Keep your phones nearby after placing an order through an online food order app.
Not only should you keep your phones nearby but also ensure the “Do Not Disturb” mode is turned off. Modern-day individuals tend to keep their phones in ‘Silent’ mode to maintain peace of mind during their off-work hours. But after you have placed your order, consider switching off the “Do Not Disturb” button until you receive your order.
Most delivery services depend on phone calls or app messaging to alert customers about the delivery status and after a successful delivery. Customers can show appreciation, respect, and gratitude to the delivery rider by responding to their texts or calls and answering the door promptly. We are glued to our phones almost 24×7, so let’s not keep the hard-working drivers waiting.
4. Never Blame the Driver
Did you ever receive incorrect orders after eagerly waiting for that snack or meal you were craving for? Or did you receive an item having an ingredient you are allergic to or is not part of your diet? We know it’s frustrating at times, but never make the mistake of showing your irritation or anger to the rider. Remember that your messenger had no responsibility while the food was prepared. The driver just picked up your order and set off to deliver it to you on time.
So, instead of blaming them, the best way to prevent such mishaps or incorrect orders is to add specific instructions to the restaurant (there’s a space for it in the app during or after placing an order). Even after writing clear instructions, if your order was wrong or not as instructed, write proper feedback with snapshots of the food you received to the restaurant or the delivery app’s customer support representatives.
5. Provide Clear Delivery Instructions
Although many delivery messengers are familiar with a particular neighborhood where they are delivering food regularly, you never know whether your particular driver is comfortable in finding your location. It would be wise to add specific information about your delivery location, landmarks, directions, floor, parking areas, etc. The more detail, the better.
Furthermore, try to mention the person who will receive the order, especially when you are not home or when you are sending an order as a gift to someone. Add the receiver’s name, and if it’s a gift, add his/her contact number too. Respect the driver’s time and add directions, ensuring their way is smooth. If there are any hurdles on the way, try not to direct that path. And if it is the only way, then take the extra step of over-explaining your location details.
6. Manage Your Pets
While some delivery agents might be friendly with pets, you cannot expect all of them to be comfortable with them. Some are even afraid of pets. So, it’s best to tackle your furry friends for a while and ensure they are not the ones welcoming your delivery person. Even if they do, never let them alone without supervision. You don’t want to scare off the agent with an overly enthusiastic fur baby. It may delay the person’s next deliveries.
7. Maintain a Proper Dress Code
Pay attention to what you are wearing while receiving your order. If you are in any inappropriate dress code, change it into a decent one. We know it’s the joy of ordering in that you don’t need to change into out-of-home clothes. But while receiving your order in your sweatpants is still okay, never greet while wearing towels! At any stage, consider how the driver might feel. So, when your driver is on the way, change into something decent.
Final Words
To conclude, we love spending time with our loved ones by ordering food or relying on online food delivery apps on days when we cannot take lunch to the workplace. We enjoy the convenience of getting your favorite dishes delivered to our doorstep. Similarly, we should show some love and respect for the delivery agents, putting in efforts to reach our meals on time and cater to our hunger pangs and cravings. We hope the above recommendations enhance your next online food order in Delhi experience.
