Through the Eyes of a Delivery Goddess |
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When I took over my current Tribune Review route, the previous carrier was not only nice enough to give me a list of the customers in order, but also marked beside certain addresses requests from different customers, like, "Handicapped - needs on porch". One customer had about ten stars beside his name with the label "JERK - DON'T MISS THIS GUY, HE'S A JERK". I tried to be careful. We have adhiesive backed dots that reflect headlights at night - many, many carriers use them to mark their customers - usually different dots for a 7day customer and Sunday Only customer. I made sure I put dots on his mailbox so I wouldn't miss him. He, of course, took down the dots, but, I've done fairly well remembering him, anyway. One evening, he ordred a pizza. I was the lucky transporter of his food. I knocked on the door - when he opened it, he stared at me with his arms outstretched. Now, each delivery driver has their own system - ask for money first, or give up the food first - however it works out to be easier for you to handle the food and money without dropping either. For me, It was always easier for me to take the money and hold it in the hand under the hot bag containing the food so that they have both hands open to accept their food. Then, once both of my hands are free, I can dig out their change. By then, they've usually handed off the pizza to a crowd of screaming little people, and their hands are free to take the change - and return a tip, if they so choose. So, I boldly said, "That will be $19.90, please". He said, "Not if I don't like your pizzas" and grabbed the hot bag from me. Now, normally, I tell folks that the pizza is $19.90, but if you want to keep the bag, it's $75. I didn't say that this time; I wanted to make sure I had it in my hand before I said anything - the drivers DO get charged for the bag if they go back to the shop without it. He took the pizzas IN the bag to, I'm assuming, the kitchen. I overheard him discussing with his wife... "Is that what you ordered? That's not enough pepperoni. No, it's not. Are you sure? You ordered all of this stuff on the other one? Did they skimp any, because I'll refuse to pay two or three dollars if we got cheated." He finally emerged with the bag in hand (Thank GOD), and the exact change. He said not ONE word and slammed the door. I stood there for a few seconds, then just turned and walked away. I've heard of other drivers having the nerve to knock on the door, while holding out their hands and say, "Did you forget something?" Now that is NOT something I'd ever do - but it crossed my mind that night just because of his attitude. Do people really feel better about themselves when they act like that? |