I work for Steak-out, which is basically steaks, chicken, seafood, and cheeseburgers for delivery. Now, that that is out of the way, here is my story:
I live in Mississippi where everyone knows it doesn't get terribly cold, but three nights ago it was forecasted to get in the teens. Big deal and I loved it, thinking we'd be busy, and yes, we were busy. And I know all the horror stories about people not tipping but this was a first for me and I am a veteran in the business for over 6 years. I had this triple run going in 3 different directions. (We were short-handed.)
Order #1 was $51.97, consisting of two bags going to a retirement home to the nurses. This delivery was 20 minutes from the store, not counting wait time for the nurses to get their pennies together. The order was there on time. In fact, a little early. We have a five-minute wait time because we deliver to a lot of businesses who take their sweet time. This delivery had eleven tickets, all separated for individual pay. Like pizza places, we only carry a bank of $15-$20 for making change. So what happens? Everyone has 20's with the largest order being $8. Now, you do the math. When I announced that I could only break one 20, they went into an uproar and said that I had to give them the food free. I laughed in their face. I then suggested they combine their money and pay me and split it among themselves.
After some heated discussion, they finally handed me three $20 bills. I promptly gave them $8.00 back and begin loading everything up to take to my truck when I was stopped and asked for the $.03 cents back, to which I replied that I did not have it. I thought I was gonna get my @## kicked by these women. The head nurse came out to see what was going on and heard from all them as I was "slamming" the .03 cents on the table and walked off. As I was loading my truck, the head nurse came outside and apologized and handed me two quarters and said, "Here is your 'tip.'" I politely but sarcastically said ,"No thanks ma'am. If that is all you can give me on a $50+ order then obviously you need it worse than me." I left. And no, I didn't receive a call back.
Order #2 was a $44.90 order which arrived right on time to a million-dollar mansion. As I approached the door with two bags and six teas, I heard a growl behind me. I was like, "Oh great. Can this night get any worse?" I kept walking slowly but with long steps. I got to the door and there was a note. "Driver, can you please come to the garage. This door is messed up." By now, I was cussing. I turned slowly trying not to make any sudden movements as the rotweiler looked hungry. He was still growling but hadn't launched, yet. Thank God.
I walked to the garage and, mind you, there were two hummers there. I knocked, the Dog barked, I waited.......................................... Finally, someone opened the door and asked me for the total, which I gave and rolled my eyes as they closed the door. They came back and handed me a credit card. I cannot do the transaction because the number must be run over the phone for approval and to get a slip. They responded, "Are you saying my card is denied?" I tried to explain it to them. They walked off in a huff, pissed, dog still growling. I was beyond impatient. Remember the five-minute wait time? I looked at my watch and left.
They came to my truck and demanded to know where I am going and I explained about the five-minute wait time. They snatched the food from my hand and then called the store and said I threw it at them. These people had the money and were told by management to pay me and management knew they were lying. I got a 10 cent tip.
Order #3. Twenty minutes from where I was and already 30 minutes old to a mobile home park with a small $19.98 order. I got there kissing major butt and I apologized for the order being late. They were understanding and told me all they had was a $50 bill. I told them I wasn't sure if I could break it. They said, "Well, just give me $10 back. I know you must be tired and cold tonight and the store has already informed us that your last delivery was a 'nightmare run.'" Hence, a $20 tip from someone struggling to pay their bills.
Moral: do not judge people by where they live or how they live. It will only get you into trouble and give you a bad attitude that customers can pick up on.
