I've been a pizza deliverer for a national pizza chain for just over a year. Delivering in a New England state lends to driving in all kinds of weather. This happened about two weeks ago when we had a really bad snow storm. For the most part, people were really understanding when it took more than 45 minutes to deliver their pizza. And almost everyone give a reasonable ($3.00+) tip. On one of my last deliveries that long night, "Dave" was upset when I arrived at his house with his very hot pizza. Not that it took 45 minutes, but the fact that he didn't have enough money for a decent tip. I still got a dollar for my effort. Anyway, "Dave" went on about how he was sorry that he didn't get a chance to run to the ATM just around the corner from his house (which there is) and that he didn't expect me as soon as he did. "Dave" went on about knowing that I work most weekends and that he would meet me at work that Saturday to give me a decent tip. Now I know all the delivery people out there are saying (because I was saying it myself and so were my fellow co-workers) "I'll believe it when I see it!" because this was not the first time I've heard a customer say they'll give me a big tip next time.
Well, Saturday night came around and I pull up to work. As I'm exiting my car I hear my name being called. As I look around, I see "Dave" on the other side of the lot waving his arms and calling my name. He had been waiting there for about 5 minutes. He told me that there was an additional $4.00 waiting for me inside that he left with my manager. I must have looked somewhat surprised to him because he told me, "Really, there's four dollars in there. I left it with "Jack." He was surprised, too." At that point, all I could do was to shake this man's hand and thank him profusely.
He asked me if I ever had a customer like him. I replied with a chuckle, "You're the first and only customer (of mine) who has ever made good on their promise for a better tip." After that, I told every driver in the store that whenever they get "Dave's" address, make sure he gets an extra, "Thank you," and that the pizza is still piping hot.
