As a courier, you know the difference that tips can make to your earnings. But, while customers have to pay delivery fees, tips are optional. The challenge is to convince them not just to tip a nominal amount but a generous one.

If you’re someone who feels awkward about asking for tips, the good news is, you shouldn’t. Some customers won’t tip no matter what you do. But, with a little effort, you might be able to convince most to leave more than a customary sum. This guide provides simple suggestions on how to make more tip money as a courier.

How To Make More Tips As A Courier

As a courier, you probably deliver takeout from restaurants or groceries from supermarkets. That’s part of the job. To get better tips, you don’t just need to meet customer expectations. You need to exceed them. The key is to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and think about what would prompt them to leave a large tip.

Have Thick Skin

A lot of factors decide how much a customer will tip you. While some are in your control, others are not. If you’ve done everything you could, and the customer refuses to recognize it, move on. Don’t allow it to define who you are or how you interact with others. Letting bad encounters roll off your back is important because it ensures that the next customer’s experience (and your next tip) is not affected.

Get the Order Right

Customers should get the items they ordered. Don’t be surprised if you get a scowl instead of a tip if the wrong goods are delivered. Check the order at the pickup point and ensure that special instructions are taken care of. If you’re making multiple deliveries, label the items to ensure they don’t get mixed up. Check and follow the customer’s delivery instructions to the letter.

Treat The Goods Well

Handle the items with care and avoid tampering with food. To prevent spills, ensure that containers are sealed. Pack the food into insulated bags to keep it fresh. Stack the items flat with heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. To prevent spoilage, segregate hot and cold items. Warm coke and cold pizza will not delight your customers. Secure the food in the vehicle before delivery starts. Food that looks like it’s been through an ordeal (burgers falling apart) isn’t appealing. Improperly handled or unsecured groceries can end up being unusable (think cracked eggs and squashed tomatoes).

Provide Key Communication

When you pick the food up at the restaurant, inform the customer that you’re on your way. Keep them informed about delays so they’re not left wondering when the food will reach them. Communicate what they need to know.

Maintain A Clean Appearance

Would you like your food delivered by someone who smells like they haven’t showered in a while? Neither will your customers. While we are told not to judge a book by its cover, we inevitably do. Appearing clean and well-kempt creates the right first impression. You don’t need to look like you’re going to a formal event. You can look professional, even in casual attire.

Side note, wearing red also helps.

Always Carry Extras

Who doesn’t like freebies? When you’re picking up food, grab utensils, napkins, condiments, and sauces from the restaurant and keep them handy. If the customer hasn’t specified what salad dressing they want, get some choices that you think will go well with the order or check with the restaurant staff. Customers will appreciate the effort. All it takes is some thoughtfulness on your part with no cost to you or the customer.

Extend Common Courtesy

Greet your customer with a smile. Call them by their name and read the order out to assure them that they’re getting what they want. This introductory moment would also be a great time to offer all those extras that you’ve carried for them. Wish them well when you’ve completed your delivery. These might not seem like much. But considering the limited amount of time you have to build a rapport with your customer, it makes a big difference especially, if you plan on earning more tips from this customer on future deliveries.

Make Small Talk

Engage in a pleasant conversation with the customer. Keep it short, light, and polite. Choose a topic based on the situation and the customer. Sports can be a great conversation starter. It’s hard not to spot a sports fan when a game is going on. Food is another thing you can talk about. You could suggest another great option from the restaurant if you’ve tried it. Or a different accompaniment for their current order. Modulate your tone and language depending on who you’re catering to.

Go Above And Beyond

Offer to help the customer carry the items indoors even if they don’t specifically request it. Grocery bags can be heavy, and a little help can earn a lot of gratitude (and tips) in return.

If the customer’s not answering when you ring the doorbell or knock on the door, inform them that you’ve arrived by text or call. Wait for at least 10 minutes before contacting support to let them know that you’re not able to reach the customer.

Deliver At The “Right” Times

Customers hate venturing out during big games and bad weather. These occasions are the best times to deliver food. You’ll see a spike in demand for home deliveries. Big orders generally mean big tips, and you’ll have many when sports fans get together to watch a match. And in both these situations, customers will be grateful to save a trip outdoors.

Mind The Pets

Owners love their pets. So if you’re an animal person, playing with the customer’s pets and complimenting them can pay rich dividends.

Conclusion

Like all things, earning more tip money is an art and takes practice. This guide provides you with a starting point. Cultivating these small habits can reap big rewards in the long run. While there are no guarantees, a little emphasis on customer service never hurts anyone.