The popularity of online food ordering and delivery has skyrocketed in recent years, creating a 22 billion dollar business in the US. How could customers NOT appreciate the convenience of food arriving wherever they are?

This value-added service is made possible through the hard work of local delivery drivers.

And just as when dining at a restaurant, there are proper guidelines customers should follow when using a delivery service.

We compiled a list of seven dos and don'ts to help customers know the appropriate etiquette during food deliveries.

The Guide to Ordering Food for Delivery

1. Understand what tipping means.

It's a common misconception that online service fees or delivery fees account for a driver’s gratuity. In fact, no portion of these fees actually goes to the driver. Instead, delivery drivers rely on tips from customers, which make up a large portion of their income.

While delivery drivers do earn a minimum wage, it is well below the standard rate of other jobs. The federal minimum wage for tipped employees is just $2.13 an hour. However, some states, such as Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, have passed legislation to increase the tipped employee minimum wage.

Delivery is an added level of convenience for customers. Meal delivery drivers run your errands so that you can remain cozy at home or finish up a big project at work.

Return the favor by tipping and tipping generously!

Adding a gratuity to an online order is easy when using a Menufy-built site, but most drivers prefer cash. So if you choose to tip in cash, add a special note to the order that lets them know!

2. Double-check your info.

Before clicking the checkout button, be sure to check the contact information on your order. This suggestion may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many delivery mishaps are caused by customer error. 

Yes, you should confirm the delivery address. But more importantly, make sure the contact number is correct! 

Make life easier for your delivery driver by providing the best phone number to reach you.

3. Pay attention to your phone.

It's not enough to provide a good contact number. Customers should also keep their phones nearby with Do Not Disturb turned off.

Most delivery services rely on app messaging or phone calls to alert customers of a successful drop-off. 

Customers can show respect and appreciation to the driver by responding to calls or texts and promptly answering the door.

Our phones are attached to us 24/7, so why stop now? Especially when a delivery driver is trying to get hold of you!

4. Be clear with delivery instructions.

While most delivery drivers are familiar with the neighborhoods in their usual delivery zone, the more information about the delivery location you can give your driver, the better.

Where should they park? What floor are you on? Do they need to call you? Are you the one receiving the order?

Be respectful of the driver's time by not throwing unexpected hurdles in their way, such as a gate code, an elevator, or a concierge.

If the route to your house or workplace is anything other than straightforward, be sure to over-explain the best way to reach you. Being clear not only helps the driver, but it will also help your meal arrive faster!

5. Don't blame the driver.

When you are anxiously awaiting a food delivery, it can be frustrating when your order isn't correct, especially if you have a food allergy or an alternative diet. 

However, a wise person once warned against blaming the messenger for delivering a message.

So no matter how hangry you are, refrain from taking your irritations out on the delivery driver. They had no part in preparing your meal. They just picked up the order and delivered it to your doorstep.

Instead, direct your feedback to the restaurant or to customer support representatives working for the delivery app or online ordering company. 

6. What are you wearing?

The best part of ordering food for delivery is not having to change out of your house clothes. But greeting the delivery driver in sweatpants is one thing; answering the door wearing just a towel is another!

While you may be comfortable in your own skin, consider how the driver might feel. If you know your order is about to arrive, it's easy to throw on a shirt and pants in preparation. 

The fact that we have to include this on a list of etiquette suggestions for receiving food orders means it happens more than it should.

7. Get a handle on your pets.

Delivery drivers appreciate seeing your cute fur babies, but they don't necessarily want to fend off an overly enthusiastic pet.

If your cat, dog, or hamster has a reputation for making a break for it, be sure to corral them before you open the door. The same goes for pets that may be too vocal or aggressive.

And customers with children should discourage them from greeting the delivery driver without supervision. 

Unexpected interactions with pets or children can be stressful for a driver and can even delay their next delivery. 

The Takeaway

We all love the convenience of enjoying our favorite dish from our favorite restaurant without leaving the comfort of our homes.

We should show that same love to the people who brave the outside world so we can stay on our couches!

The common theme of our etiquette guide to food delivery is simply to be respectful and appreciative of delivery drivers. 

Following our suggestions is as easy as ordering food online and having it delivered right to your doorstep.

Put our list into practice and order delivery from a restaurant in your neighborhood!

Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Manager
Melissa is the Marketing Manager for Menufy by HungerRush. She began working with restaurant managers and executive chefs over a decade ago, coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.