We are all aware of restaurant dining etiquettes. In a restaurant, the waiter brings us our meal, has a sparkly conversation with us and can even help us choose the best items from the menu. We thank our waiters and tip them generously before leaving the restaurant.
But what about those people who deliver our food at our doorstep? How should we engage with them? Are there any etiquette rules to follow? Continue reading to find the answers.
Food delivery apps like Zomato, Swiggy, UberEats and several others have skyrocketed in popularity in the last few months, due to the pandemic. They have become an essential part of our lives that when Zomato filed for an IPO, the company reported record equity sales. Unsurprisingly with month after month of lockdowns, food delivery services and food delivery personnel came to our rescue. While they may not wait at your table while you enjoy a meal, you can depend on them to deliver your favourite chaat or even a party cake, come rain or storm.
So, what etiquette rules apply when food is brought to your door? Read on to find out how you can appreciate your food delivery angels by never committing these faux pas.
Food Delivery Etiquettes
1. Always keep your phone handy
When you place a food order online, there are bound to be situations where the delivery personnel will have to get in touch with you. They may call you to ask for a landmark or check with you for a substitution in your order. Don’t keep the delivery person waiting by taking forever to answer your calls or reply to their text messages. So, turn on the notifications and keep your phone handy to answer their questions in case they call/text you.
2. Get to the Door as Quick as Possible
Quickly open the door and receive the food as soon as the delivery personnel arrive at your doorstep. Don’t keep them waiting forever while you throw on your pajamas. Remember they have to move on to other deliveries, so it’s not good manners to keep them waiting for long. Alternatively, you can always choose the option of leaving the food at your door or with your security guard.
3. Don’t let your Pets Scare Them
We understand that your pets are your babies, but not everyone loves pets. No one wants to have a door open to see a huge dog biting their ankle or a cat running away between their legs. So, make sure to keep your pets away from the door, before you open it.
4. Don’t shoot the messenger
We have all seen plenty of viral videos of altercations between food delivery personnel and the customer. Yes, we get that getting your order wrong is frustrating. After all, no one wants to receive a wrong/incomplete order especially when they are hungry. But don’t let your hungriness turn into hangry-ness. Keep in mind that the delivery guy did not prepare your meal. They are just bringing you your food.
So, if you find something wrong with your order take it up with the restaurant or complain via the customer service channel of the delivery app.
5. Give Clear Instructions
Make it as easy as possible for the delivery driver to reach your home. Give super clear and precise instructions. Sometimes the current pin location on maps can be confusing as it doesn’t mention the entrance to use or the door code. If the delivery personnel are going to be searching for your home for a long time, then it is a lose-lose for both you and the driver. Your food is getting cold, while they miss out on orders. So, make sure to keep the delivery address as clear as possible.
6. Be Generous with your Tips
Tips are a huge part of the food delivery workers’ salary. Keep in mind that the delivery fee, service fee and other miscellaneous charges by the app do not get to the pocket of the delivery personnel. Yes, all these fees add up and food delivered to your door is expensive. But, keep in mind, that someone does your chores for you. They are racing across town to pick your favourite sandwich or dessert. So, tipping them goes a long way in helping them.
If you are not comfortable tipping via the app, do it in cash as you can be guaranteed that the money goes directly to the delivery personnel without the app taking any cuts.
7. A Bit of Courteousness Goes a Long Way in Making Someone’s Day
Yes, we agree that you are eager to unwrap your favourite meal. But, basic courtesy like a smile and saying thank you while receiving your order can make a huge difference in the delivery personnel’s day. If it’s a hot day, ask them if they would like a glass of water. Simple things like this do not cost you much but add to your list of good deeds and make the world a better place for everyone.
There is no rule that you should follow these rules compulsorily. But being courteous and polite goes a long way in making you a better person and the world a happy place. So, make sure to keep these food delivery etiquette rules in mind, the next time you tap on your phone to order your favourite cake online or get a gourmet meal delivered to your doorstep.
