The Reality Of Cash Tips In The Delivery Gig Economy

Since the price of gas has gone up so much in Amarillo, there are some things that the delivery apps are doing to make it worth your while to deliver. They were at one point giving a gas incentive to help offset the cost. It wasn't a whole lot, but it was something.

Some services offer completion bonuses, while others try to balance the load by bundling orders, which helps keep us moving. This way, you are getting double the orders. They aren't doubling the base pay, and you’re only doubling your tip potential if both customers actually decide to add one.

Usually, they give you a double order because the drop-off locations are close. Sometimes this happens because you are picking up from the same restaurant. Sometimes they double them up because one customer tips and the other doesn't.

I don't mind doing double orders because I deliver by time. I get paid from when I accept until I drop off. That way, if I have two orders, it takes longer, and I get paid a little more.

The Challenge of Double Orders

Recently, I had a double delivery, and the drop-off locations were pretty close to each other. I picked up the first order and then placed the food in my insulated bag. The second pickup was from Whataburger. They are notorious for having a long wait time.

I let the first customer know that I was waiting on a second order, but that his food was safe and waiting in my car in a delivery bag. He seemed fine with it. He also let me know that he would tip in cash when I got there because he didn't think the suggested tips were enough.

The "I'll Tip in Cash" Dilemma

I appreciated the message, but I’ve learned not to count my chickens before they hatch; I don't let myself get excited until that cash is actually in my hand. I have been told many times I would get a cash tip, and never did.

I went to his house first because he was waiting the longest. I apologized for the wait, and then he handed me $20. He understood that some things were out of my control, like the long wait. He asked me which delivery service I was delivering for.

He then said if his food was cold, he would call the delivery service. My guess was he ordered from the restaurant, and they chose the delivery service. I ensured him the food was in a bag the whole time, and it still felt warm when I took it out.

I never heard from DoorDash after that delivery, so the customer must have been happy. I am just happy that he did tip cash as he said, and that he knew the long delivery time was on the service and not on me.

It’s a great feeling when the stars finally align and things just work out.