Virtual Dispatch

The ungrateful courier is a news worthy specimen, every once in a while. Just when things seem to calm down, some ungrateful courier gets upset about a tip, or the absence of one.

Furthermore, the new viral sensation is caught red handed, getting upset about being empty handed. From there, every courier shares in the bad press. Not only does the impression of providing a service take a ding, so does potential earnings.

Again, this is something every courier shares in, when it happens.

The Courier

So why does that happen, and are couriers really ungrateful? Some of the viral sensations that happen about couriers, make the courier seem, not only ungrateful, but also downright cranky.

It is possible, to assure in this article, that not every courier is cranky. I personally know two that are real sweethearts. There is a daily intake of traffic stress and woes, coupled with the stress of monitoring the details on all cargo. However, the road is always there to soothe.

There is a difference between the courier that does the work, as a sidehustle, and a full time solo driver. The full time solo driver invests in potential earnings with longer duration shifts in the plans.

The sidehustle courier, typically has another job, or profession and works small blocks of time completing deliveries. For example, a courier may have limited time before another job begins, so, a quick delivery or two is all the courier is able to do at the time.

Myth and Misunderstanding

The difference between the two, is the time investment. The courier that has worked an all day shift, is counting on every dollar to recoup investment and, hopefully profit, as well. The profit pays the bills, the return on investment pays the expenses.

The expense of doing the work, increases, the longer the courier is on the road. Therefore, it is a rougher way to earn a living, due to the expense of using a personal vehicle. The full time gig-work courier, is also responsible for a greater tax liability, at the end of the year. So, save those reciepts.

As far as tips and courier greed, there are many opinions, and that is one thing. The courier will benefit by thinking in terms of guaranteed payout only. Make those count, and all tips are bonus, regardless of amount.

Finishing the day in one piece, and mindset, are top priorities. Guaranteed payouts are easy to count while doing the work. Later, if a dropoff location thought the work was above and beyond, there may be a tip. If so, it’s a bonus.

Tips are always optional and are influenced by performance. In short, they are earned, not owed. Stay safe out there.