The gig economy and better delivery driver tips.
It’s in all the news. There are economists and strategists and financial experts weighing in. The economy is a hot topic. In fact, almost anything money related is a hot topic of discussion these days. And if it’s about saving money, it’s even more interesting. Especially for the delivery driver working in a gig economy. Experienced app couriers are carefully balancing resources and creatively balancing schedules. And this is just the start.
The gig economy hasn’t been the best friend of the courier. This may sound like a reference to inflation, or a tumbling stock market. However, it’s more of a nod to the delivery app. In the world of at home delivery, there are only a couple of serious delivery apps. And with a 67% market share, Door dash is one of them. Furthermore, it’s one of the few recognized by most merchants and at home customers.
With this in mind, it’s natural to assume something must be happening to have such a large market share. For example, great deals or lower prices. In fact, strategic marketing helps. Similarly, global events like pandemics can solidify a service or technology. And the delivery app is definitely an example of a service central to daily life. Furthermore, it can even be considered a cornerstone in the gig economy.
The Gig Economy
So, does a gig economy also mean better courier tips? That is an easy question to answer for any solo courier. Furthermore, couriers with more than a decade’s worth of experience have a unique perspective on this topic. In fact, they are aware of the changes at the personal experience level. Of course, as with all things, times change. Additionally, technology advances and what was once complicated, becomes less so.
However, to say tips are better or worse, is relative. It’s more about whether or not tipping has improved. This is a large area of discussion among couriers, with many conflicting opinions. Ask any courier fresh off a series of runs, and two times out of three, it will depend on the particular delivery app. This is research couriers do in elevators, or in hotel lobbies while waiting on delivery customers.
The discussion always starts the same. Courier: “You running deliveries?”
Other courier: “Yeah, you?“
First courier: “Yeah, slow night. Which app are you using?“
Other courier: “Tell me about it! I’m using Door dash. You?“
First courier: “Same. It’s not as good as it was, that’s for sure.”
Better Delivery Driver Tips
The same conversation leads to comparisons with the other popular delivery apps. Many couriers drive for more than one app. Furthermore, most couriers are helpful to other couriers. Therefore, a little information exchange can go a long way. This is how couriers check to see if other couriers are experiencing the same decline in pay. It’s good to know where the problems are, so they can be addressed.
It takes about ten seconds. Couriers don’t have the time for long-winded debate. The light is either green or red. It can’t be both at the same time. Or can it? Actually, no it can’t, that was a trick question. Only the cat in the box can pull off that dual state business. For the courier, the light is either green or red. Deliveries either pay, or they don’t. However, in the gig economy that is par for the course. This is especially easy for the experienced courier to see.
The experienced courier has more than delivery app experience. Couriers in the business for longer than a decade, have most likely driven for a brand. For example, Domino’s or Papa John’s, or any merchant with an in-house delivery crew. Therefore, the perspective they work with, is one of experience. They remember when delivery was not as common as it is now. In fact, once upon a time if you didn’t live in a delivery area, there wasn’t a way to get an at home delivery.
The gig economy and the delivery driver
Additionally, there were only a couple of places that had a delivery crew. This meant at home delivery had limits. Not only zone limits, but also availability limits. Compare that to today’s delivery choices and it’s like comparing night and day. In other words, the difference is noticeable.
It all comes back to the gig economy and perception. It’s fair to say the delivery app is an important part of everyday life. And on a financial level, it is one of the cornerstones of the gig economy. Additionally, delivery drivers rely on delivery driver tips, for pay. The delivery customer is an important part of that process. So is the professionalism of the courier. There is more than a lot involved in this topic. It will definitely reoccur in upcoming articles. Stay safe out there.
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