How to make a return delivery and what to look for
For a delivery courier, the delivery completion is also the beginning of the next opportunity. In fact, for the solo courier, the next opportunity could be one second after the drop-off. This is one advantage a solo courier has over the crew courier. The crew courier returns to the home base (merchant) to rejoin the driver queue.
Meanwhile, the solo courier is on the way to the next pickup location. The delivery offer accepted, and the timer now ticking. This is the time to watch for snafus and hiccups. Of course, little things happen, sometimes there are unforeseeable problems. But it’s the bigger problems that are best to avoid if possible. In fact, some issues can end a delivery, before it’s ever dropped off.
Therefore a return delivery may become necessary. Mainly because a delivery snafu can happen in several different ways. Likewise, one of the likeliest ways is the alcohol delivery. This type of delivery deals with age restricted items. And this one is a more involved delivery type. Furthermore, it has a different follow through. It is also one of the few items that get a return delivery, if undeliverable.
How to Make a Return Delivery
A return delivery is a step by step process. It has certain requirements. And it must be completed in a live delivery. In other words, the courier remains on the original offer, until the return delivery is complete. Then, depending on the app, the payout agreement is started. This applies to the return delivery that is an actual return. In some cases, the cargo is disposed of, rather than returned.
Once again, the items eligible for a return delivery, are only a few. Thanks to leave at the door options, hot fresh food items are not returnable. Neither are groceries, or any general merchandise items, such as pet supplies or similar. With this in mind, alcohol deliveries are unique in more ways than one. For starters, alcohol is returnable. In fact, if there is no one to accept the delivery, it has to be returned.
This is because the alcohol delivery must be signed for. Also it has rules. For example, it cannot be delivered to an already intoxicated person. Additionally, the delivery customer must have a valid ID. Likewise, someone must be there to sign for the delivery. If any of these conditions are not met the delivery cannot proceed. Moreover, the age restricted items must be returned to the merchant.
What to Look for
Once the courier encounters a problem a return must be started. In most delivery apps, there is a Help icon, or question mark. Clicking this (or something similar) initiates the return. At that point, the app has a process for the courier to follow. When no one is available to sign for the delivery, the app prompts the courier to make additional attempts to contact the customer. Once the process starts, a timer counts down to the end of the wait period.
This is a preset wait time. It is just in case the customer shows up at the last minute. If the timer reaches zero, and the courier is still waiting, the return process begins. This is when the courier confirms the items to be returned. Then there is information about the payout. In most cases, the courier gets the original payout. The one agreed upon, in the offer from the queue. Then the courier confirms the order of return, and it can begin.
Once the courier is back to the merchant, the delivery cargo can be confirmed as returned. This is done with a picture in the app, and the merchant’s signature. Once this is complete, the courier can confirm the return in the app. Then the payout will be issued. There are a few other scenarios that require a return delivery. However, the process is pretty much the same, no matter the cargo. Stay safe out there.
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