Online food ordering and delivery platforms connect hungry customers with meals from their favourite restaurants, all the while offering you the opportunity to explore a new side hustle as a fast food delivery driver.
Takeaways are in high demand, and someone needs to get that hot food delivered to a customer’s door. Part of the gig economy, delivery drivers working for popular apps like Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats can create their own schedules, working flexibly when it suits them.
Many drivers pick up evening and weekend shifts as their side hustle around a 9-5. If you’ve been considering picking up some shifts as a fast food courier, read on for their top traits.
1. Personable
Whether you thrive in a social environment or simply have a natural charm, you can use your pleasantries and communication skills to excel in a job that involves interacting with other people. It’s likely that your personable attributes will land you more tips when you drop off Uber Eats deliveries, too.
2. Customer service
Anyone working in the restaurant industry will tell you that dealing with ‘hangry’ customers (who are only feeling angry because they are hungry) can be demanding at times. If you are able to maintain an attentive and upbeat attitude that reflects positively on your work ethos and your employer, you’d ace the customer service element of delivering hot food.
3. Observant
You’ll encounter hazards or unexpected issues occasionally whilst working as an Uber Eats delivery driver, whether you’re picking up food from a restaurant, driving to your drop-off point or handing over a warm meal at a customer’s door. If you pay close attention to your surroundings, you have the observation skills to make your deliveries safely in all circumstances.
4. Excellent driver
Navigating through traffic and finding the best routes can be a challenge, especially in urban areas or during periods of peak traffic. If you are confident you can handle your city’s rush hour and maintain excellent driving skills despite all kinds of weather, at any time of day and no matter what the conditions are like, you’d make a great takeaway delivery driver.
5. Organised
Even though you aren’t packing the food, you are the first line of contact if a customer’s order is not correct, so if you’re the type to double check with the restaurant before you leave, you’ll sidestep any mishaps before they happen. What’s more, if you are organised enough to keep your vehicle well maintained so there’s little chance of breaking down, and keep it fresh for when you transport food, you’re already positioning yourself perfectly for deliveries.
6. Time management
Fast food couriers need to complete deliveries on time, and this poses two challenges. First, the obvious requirement of getting the takeaway to the customer whilst the food is still warm. Second, being able to stay calm, avoid speeding and maintain a safe level of driving whilst you’re battling the clock. Those who can effectively plan their time and manage pressure would thrive.
7. Problem-solver
Takeaway drivers do the majority of their shifts alone and will need to feel confident working independently. You might come across unexpected scenarios where you need to think on your feet, react quickly and find solutions. The role suits natural problem solvers and people who can adapt well to changing situation.
8. Self-motivated
It’s not just about driving, it’s about being driven. Working for a food delivery app means you’ll usually be self-employed and choosing your own hours, so you need that inner motivation to pick up the shifts. Great Uber Eats drivers have a get-up-and-go attitude and recognise that you will get out what you put in.
Ready to kick-start your new side hustle as an Uber Eats delivery driver? Hold on, there are a few additional points you need to cover first.
New driver checklist:
Delivery vehicle
Make sure you have the correct vehicle. The rules change depending on the country you live in, but usually include cars, bikes and scooters. For the US, you need a 2-door or 4-door but it can’t be a rental car, or a scooter under 50cc, and either vehicle should be 20 years old or newer.
Fast food delivery insurance
You need to take out takeaway delivery driver insurance, which is a special type of commercial car insurance. Proof that you are covered is essential if you want to deliver for Uber Eats.
Driver’s license
It goes without saying, but you need a valid license to operate as an Uber Eats courier if you’ll be driving a car or riding a motorbike, moped or scooter.
Driving experience
The amount of experience you need differs depending on the country you live in. It also depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Insurance is often cheaper if you’re more experienced and you’ll feel more comfortable if you have at least a few years of driving under your belt.
