Virtual Dispatch

The delivery tip has its own system and it’s unique

Everyone has been there at one time or another. Maybe it’s dinner at a favorite restaurant. Or, maybe it’s a specialized coffee. In either case, a tip is common practice. Furthermore, the tip is usually based on a system. Sometimes there is the generous, out of the ordinary big tip, that isn’t based on a formula. Or math. However, most tipping situations use a percentage of the overall cost of the services rendered, or products obtained.

In other words, there is a method to help determine the amount that makes for an appropriate tip. Although the larger, more generous tips, don’t usually follow a system, they are above what the system considers appropriate. Therefore, they are indirectly based on the percentage system.

The upside is having a system to help determine a fair tip. Especially in cases where the services rendered are more involved. For example, a large dinner party dinning in a fine restaurant. This is a larger than normal job for any server. Therefore the gratuity is often larger as well. Particularly in cases where the service is exemplary. However, the gratuity is still based on the percentage system. Even when only used as a guide.

The Delivery Tip

Now it’s the courier’s turn. And the question about the delivery tip still remains. How much should I tip the delivery driver? It’s a good question. Many couriers have a pretty good idea what the best tip would be. However, it isn’t based on any system. In fact, there’s no real system for finding the appropriate tip for the courier. The percentage system isn’t the preferred method for determining a fair delivery tip.

And here’s one possible reason why: The expense is too high. Or it just doesn’t feel right to math out the delivery tip. Therefore, the delivery tip ends up being a matter of the best guess, instead of a standard percentage. For example, a forty dollar order from a merchant is an average expense for most delivery orders. And fifteen percent of forty is six. Therefore the percentage tip would be six bucks.

This is in addition to the delivery fee paid to the driver. (It’s important to note the delivery fee, and the delivery fee paid to the driver, are different amounts)

In other words the delivery fee charged to the customer, is not what is paid to the courier. The courier gets a percentage of that. A small percentage. However, many customers mistakenly assume the delivery fee, goes to the courier. Therefore, adding a tip based on a percentage of the total cost of the delivery, can feel excessive. With this in mind, that fifteen percent, six dollar tip, now seems like too much.

Its Own System is Unique

The problem with all the back and forth, is the courier’s expenses. Which are greater in comparison to other fields that rely on tip income. Furthermore, the expense, and the fact that most solo couriers and crew couriers bring their own equipment to the table, are often overlooked. Another part of the equation is the saving money part.

In most deliveries, the total can get large pretty quick. Especially if the drop-off is far away. Likewise, the delivery tip gets consideration after discovering the total cost of the delivery. The only thing a percentage will help at this point is to drive up the total cost of the delivery. Therefore, a few bucks will have to do. And then release the offer to the queue. And see which couriers can afford to work with the bare minimum.

The system for the delivery tip is unique. In fact, it’s so unique it’s still in development. However, that is ultimately a positive thing. It means the large, and generous delivery tip, is always possible. Stay safe out there.