Delivery jobs are a common choice among those looking for an additional source of income. It’s a convenient opportunity, as it allows you to set your own schedule and easily fit it into your daily life. Moreover, if you already spend your free time biking or simply enjoy driving, you can use this opportunity to make some extra money.
However, though it might look pretty straightforward at first, there are some things you need to know before you begin your deliveries. You can go the extra mile to ensure you make the most of this gig.
One of the best and most important ways to maximize your income is to focus on customer experience; it will make you a lot more likely to receive generous tips. Apart from this, you can sign up for different delivery services to find the app suitable for your preferences. It’s also a good idea to plan your routes and get to know the city better to avoid getting lost.
Continue reading the article below to learn more about how to become a better delivery driver and maximize your earning potential.
Sign Up for Multiple Apps
Finding an app that offers the best pay won’t be enough. You should also consider its reach as well as how convenient it is to use. However, if you are looking to make some extra cash with deliveries, you might want to sign up for more than just one app, such as DoorDash, UberEats, or you might want to learn how does Grubhub work.
Although there are some apps that have a wide reach and abundance of opportunities, you will also have to deal with a lot more competition. On the other hand, if you choose to work with a smaller app, you might be able to get more deliveries.
While using multiple apps might seem like an unnecessary hassle, it will help you determine the most profitable way of work. It’s also a great way to diversify your income stream.
Never Be Late
Being late is the last thing you want to do as a delivery driver. It will not only negatively impact your overall earnings but also cause an inconvenience to the customer. Of course, things happen, and it might be that you will be running late because of an emergency; in this case, it’s best to simply call the customer and let them know.
However, if you are late simply because you were not paying attention to the time or because of your recklessness, it will not go well with your customer. Not only will they be upset and perhaps refuse to pay you, but they might also leave a negative review on the app’s page.
Plan Your Routes
The more you know about the city in which you are working, the better your chances will be of delivering the food on time. It’s best if you plan your routes in advance using a Route 4 Me driver routing software as this will allow you to calculate the time it will take you to deliver a certain order.
Moreover, it will also help you avoid getting lost or making detours. After all, there is nothing worse than taking a wrong turn and having to go back.
If you are traveling to a location that is not familiar to you, it’s best to use GPS navigation. However, you should also be prepared to ask for directions if you feel lost. After all, it’s always easier to ask for directions than to waste time looking for the right place.
Be Accessible to Customers
In case the customer needs to contact you, you should be available and ready to answer their questions. This is one of the reasons why answering calls is a must when working with delivery apps.
Moreover, you should also be prepared to answer texts and respond to messages in a timely manner. If you are working during peak hours, you might have to deal with a lot of orders, so it’s best to have a system that will allow you to stay on top of things.
That’s why it’s crucial to always have your phone charged and connected to the internet.
Drive (or Bike) Responsibly
When delivering food to customers, you will be on the road, which means that your safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, you should always be on the lookout for other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Also, make sure that you are not using any devices while you are behind the wheel. This is an important safety measure not only for you but for those around you as well. Moreover, if you are a delivery driver who uses a bicycle, always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing.
Staying careful and safe will also keep you from fines and tickets, which is vital, as many delivery apps don’t accept drivers with such a history.
Know What Influences Your Earnings
As with any other job, it’s important to know what can influence your pay. The main factors are the distance and the weight of the package. Furthermore, some apps offer bonuses for deliveries during a certain time of day or in a specific area.
If you want to make sure you get a decent income from your deliveries, it’s important to be aware of these factors. Not only will it help you plan your routes and get more deliveries, but it might also encourage you to work extra hard and deliver faster.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to make some extra money, you should definitely consider becoming a delivery driver. This type of job offers a lot of flexibility and allows you to work at your own pace. However, in order to maximize your earnings, you will have to focus on service quality. This means that you should be friendly, responsive, and always on time. Never forget to stay safe and pay attention to the road when you are behind the wheel.
There are many delivery apps available out there, and if you want to make the most of your earnings, you should consider using as many of them as possible. However, even if you work with one app, it’s good to know what can influence your pay so that you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
