Why the delivery guys don’t like ….

[sonicmonkey]

Myself and my partner deliver big items (TV’s, appliances, furniture) to peoples house all day every day. I would just like to point out some of the thing that can make our day go better and yours as well. I’m not trying to rant or to be a jerk, rather I’m trying to inform and educate.

Put the animals and kids away: We don’t want to hurt your pet or kids so please put them in a room or keep them out of the area we’re going to be travelling. For animals they can get under foot, especially small dogs and curios cats. If it comes down to me falling with a 200lb item in my hands or your pet, I’m going to do everything to save myself first, my partner 2nd and your pet last. As for kids I know having big things delivered is exciting to the kids but have them stand by you or put a movie on to occupy them as we move it in. I had a kid run up the stairs between me and my partners legs as we were bring up a 200+lb book case. I looked at my partner and he looked at me and our expressions said that kid was lucky he didn’t knock one of our knees out.

If it doesn’t fit, it’s not our fault. You would be surprised how many people try to blame us for their item not fitting. We hear “well what are you guys going to do about it” or “they should have known at the store”. Well we have never been to your house; one would think that taking things like measurements would be the home owner’s responsibility.

And speaking of fitting, make sure your doorways are wide enough to get the item you want trough it. Far too often people think it’s a fridge it goes in the kitchen; well did you measure the door to the kitchen? How about the hall to the kitchen with the electric register poking out?

Have a clear path, if there’s only one way into the room, make sure we have a way to get there; we’re not a maid service. Also houses change, things grow (that little tree might be a big one now with branches in the way), you do renovations (did you take in to account that the objects in the room might need to come out of it one day, I know of at least 2 people off the top of my head who didn’t)

We’re not at your house to work for the day, we are there to do a specific job and we get paid for that job. If you have something else you would like us to move, don’t ask us to do you a favour. We just met you and were there trying to make a living. If you go to the mechanic to get an oil change and say to him do me a favour while it’s up on the lift rotate the tires. Now will he do it yes, but there will be an extra charge. Since were at your place anyway, we’ll help you if we have time but don’t expect us to do it for free (if it was an easy job for you to do you wouldn’t be asking us). In fact offer us some cash, if it’s not that big of job we’ll most likely not even charge you for it.

Do we tell you how to do your job? Then don’t tell us how to do ours. I have moved more appliances in one day than you have in your life time. Let me do my job, if there is a concern about an area of the house that we need to know about by all means tell us, but don’t tell us how we should dolly, lift or dissemble an appliance.

The pizza guy brought you a 1.5lb pizza, I just lugged a 300lb fridge in your house and he gets the tip? Gratuity is always appreciated but if you don’t like giving out cash or don’t have any on you that’s ok, how about a cookie? Or if it’s a hot day offer a pop or even a nice cold glass of water, we’re more likely to remember you if you do (yes we do remember that stuff) and if you did need help with something we would be more than happy to help you out.

These are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting stuff delivered to you.:biggrin:

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Ha! My first job was being a delivery person for a business products company. We delivered to schools, businesses, churches and homes.

My only words of advice to those on the receiving end of goods, especially heavy ones; please stay the hell out of the way. I'm not sure what the deal is with people placing themselves directly in the path of your trajectory as you're trying to move an often very heavy piece of furniture.

Also, please know where in the hell you'd like something before I bust my butt moving it somewhere and you decide that you'd like it somewhere else after I've put it in place. Storage safes aren't exactly light :001_rolle

Tips?! I never received a tip. The only "tip" I ever got was when a file cabinet "tipped" off the hand-truck as I was going up some stairs. It took me with it. Tore both my quads :mad3:

[pablo_h]

I'm a contracted Sharp appliance repair agent, so I know how annoying things can be.
I don't deliver fridges, but if someone has bought the huge Sharp 4 door fridge, I often have to meet the delivery guy at the customers house to dismantle it in order for it to fit through the door ways.
Easy for me if I meet the delivery guy, strip it down, leave it for them to move into the house then I reassemble.

Sucks though when they just drop the fridge off at the gate and I have to do everything. I'm solo and only have a small crappy trolley.

I don't get tips, but I charge $160 just to remove doors, feet and the control panel, then re-assemble it when it's got into the kitchen, so I'm not complaining too much. :D

[Kratos]

Devilry? I thought this was going to be about dark crafts of some sort.
It's amazing how much of what you just said equates to simple common sense. Of course, that seems like devilry to many people these days. "You mean the huge, heavy object could FALL? How? I suppose next you'll tell me it's dangerous to text while driving."
People. I don't see how some of them survive.

[Azza]

Thanks for this, just some common sense stuff and tips. It's amazing how ignorant people can be sometimes in this busy world.



The pizza guy brought you a 1.5lb pizza, I just lugged a 300lb fridge in your house and he gets the tip?

Never thought of this that way. :lol:

- Aaron

[mach88]

Thanks for this, just some common sense stuff and tips. It's amazing how ignorant people can be sometimes in this busy world.



Never thought of this that way. :lol:

- Aaron

+1 you make a good point!!

[Confuzius]

Living on the 3rd floor of an apartment building with no elevator I try to be generous with the tips, I'll gladly part with my cash to have you haul my new couch upstairs.

So far no one has taken us up on the beverage offers, I'm thinking the guys from the furniture store that offers free delivery are on a pretty tight schedule.

[SavantStrike]

Devilry? I thought this was going to be about dark crafts of some sort.
It's amazing how much of what you just said equates to simple common sense. Of course, that seems like devilry to many people these days. "You mean the huge, heavy object could FALL? How? I suppose next you'll tell me it's dangerous to text while driving."
People. I don't see how some of them survive.

That's why some dont :001_rolle.

[chainfire]

Unfortunately, pizza joints don't charge anything more for delivery than they do for pickup, so I guess that's why it's easier to tip them - it's kinda the delivery fee. On the other hand, most large items charge delivery fees (some quite high) and it makes it feel like the delivery guys have already been 'tipped'.

[mankini]

I used to work in the service industry so I understand what is being said.

Having been there, I always offer refreshments both on arrival and when the job is finished. Obviously if the job does not go smoothly or damage has occurred I will not be tipping.


... On the other hand, most large items charge delivery fees (some quite high) and it makes it feel like the delivery guys have already been 'tipped'.

Maybe it would be good to understand how the delivery folks are being paid. I have paid either a built in delivery fee (free delivery) or a seperate line item charge for big ticket items.

Can some body clarify this?

[Austin]

I always tip even if I paid for delivery. The company keeps the money not the delivery fellows. I have even paid the gents to dispose of old appliances that were not part of the agreement.

[biomesh]

At a minimum I always offer someone who has been working at my house a drink. Just common courtesy.

[rabidpotatochip]

At first I also thought this was something to do with the occult, then I thought he was going to say the delivery guys hate us because of all the stuff we get in the mail. Despite both those assumptions, this thread went in another direction. Good times.


Delivery guys love me, my house has no stairs and wide hallways. :biggrin:

[Wishoot]

I'll stay out of your way as long as you don't scratch my wood floors.

[Kratos]

Wide hallways are great. These days, many pizza company's are charging for delivery as well, at least around here. I still tip them. Never had a large appliance delivered. I'd be more inclined to assist than get in the way.

[sonicmonkey]

Having been there, I always offer refreshments both on arrival and when the job is finished. Obviously if the job does not go smoothly or damage has occurred I will not be tipping.



Maybe it would be good to understand how the delivery folks are being paid. I have paid either a built in delivery fee (free delivery) or a seperate line item charge for big ticket items.

Can some body clarify this?

Most companies contract out delivery a separate company now a days or owner ops, but a few do still have their own delivery services.

I can only speak for myself on how things break down as far as pay goes. If we make a set rate no matter what(if the delivery is free, the place you bought if from is paying) if it's big fridge or microwave they are both $70 to deliver. Do I like microwaves, heck ya but you take the good with the bad (bad being 25/27cf fridges). If you have more than one item say stove, miro and fridge, it's $70 for the first one then $10 each one there after. Now $70 is a fair price, but since we work for a company they take 40% of that for billing, receiving and storing the items. Since we get paid by the job making the job, we want go a quickly and smoothly as possible.

Another point I would like to make, we are going to do our very best not to do any damage to your place. If we feel that there's a chance we will do some damage (do to a strange turn or an awkward lift) we will let you know and you'll have to be ok with that before we try. We're professionals but no one perfect 100% of the time.

One other thing don't be rude, as soon as your rude our ears turn off and if you need anything extra from us, you not going to get it. I have had people walk out to the truck and just start yelling at me. One woman yelled at me about how she was supposed to get here delivery three days ago. I had just gotten the paper work that morning (her delivery gotten sent to the wrong part of the store and they called her to tell her when it was coming. I normally make the phone calls from my house to arrange times). I tried explaining what happed but she was having none of it, so I told her I was not going to be doing her delivery and to please let go of the truck so I may leave. Well she didn't like that to much and started to freak even more, so I had to call the police to come resolve the situation. If something happens and your mad let us know, but let us know the right way. Don't yell, freak out or swear, say hey guys these things are bugging me about this delivery or ask why things went the way they did calmly.

[rabidpotatochip]

Just out of curiosity, did you have a rough workday recently?

I would probably start a similar thread in that situation. :biggrin:

[Rughi]

At first I thought we were going to get some epic advice, Springs1 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=46509&highlight=springs1) style.

Signed up this month? Check.
Long, detailed post? Check
Seeks to educate the greater populace on proper etiquette? Check

If the points by the op made weren't so...reasonable...we would've had a contendah.

[sonicmonkey]

Just out of curiosity, did you have a rough workday recently?

I would probably start a similar thread in that situation. :biggrin:

Ya I had a ruff one, these are a few things that keep creeping up constantly. I worked at a bar for several years so I have a thick skin and have learnt to control myself in stressful situations. I just take a deep breath and keep telling myself there not mad at me, I'm just the first face they see they can vent at. :wink:

[rabidpotatochip]

Ya I had a ruff one, these are a few things that keep creeping up constantly. I worked at a bar for several years so I have a thick skin and have learnt to control myself in stressful situations. I just take a deep breath and keep telling myself there not mad at me, I'm just the first face they see they can vent at. :wink:

Well, I live in Winnipeg so I promise it wasn't me making your life difficult. :biggrin:

[SavantStrike]

Ya I had a ruff one, these are a few things that keep creeping up constantly. I worked at a bar for several years so I have a thick skin and have learnt to control myself in stressful situations. I just take a deep breath and keep telling myself there not mad at me, I'm just the first face they see they can vent at. :wink:

See I never understood that. People will rag on the delivery guy because he delivered it, but it's not usually his fault that the customer bought the wrong item, or the manufacturer screwed up...

[erudolph]

Myself and my partner deliver big items...
These are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting stuff delivered to you.:biggrin:

Thanks, Sonicmonkey.... really enjoyed your post.

[Stubblefield]

At first I thought we were going to get some epic advice, Springs1 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=46509&highlight=springs1) style.
Whoa. Now there is a trainwreck of epic proportions.

Good post, Sonic.

[rabidpotatochip]

Whoa. Now there is a trainwreck of epic proportions.

Good post, Sonic.

I can't believe so many people haven't read that thread.

It should be added to the welcome message for new members. :tongue:

[The Real McCoy]

Very nice post- I agree with the author and appreciate him taking the time to inform us of these matters.

[Alaskan Eagle]

Nicely done, I have never thought to tip the devilvery guys, or gals. That will no longer happen. Thanks for opening my eyes.

[New2DEShaving_Montreal]

This letter should be delivered to anyone expecting a delivery ahead of time and a copy of it should be passed along before people even make a purchase that requires delivery. Great read from your perspectives.


Myself and my partner deliver big items (TV’s, appliances, furniture) to peoples house all day every day. I would just like to point out some of the thing that can make our day go better and yours as well. I’m not trying to rant or to be a jerk, rather I’m trying to inform and educate.

Put the animals and kids away: We don’t want to hurt your pet or kids so please put them in a room or keep them out of the area we’re going to be travelling. For animals they can get under foot, especially small dogs and curios cats. If it comes down to me falling with a 200lb item in my hands or your pet, I’m going to do everything to save myself first, my partner 2nd and your pet last. As for kids I know having big things delivered is exciting to the kids but have them stand by you or put a movie on to occupy them as we move it in. I had a kid run up the stairs between me and my partners legs as we were bring up a 200+lb book case. I looked at my partner and he looked at me and our expressions said that kid was lucky he didn’t knock one of our knees out.

If it doesn’t fit, it’s not our fault. You would be surprised how many people try to blame us for their item not fitting. We hear “well what are you guys going to do about it” or “they should have known at the store”. Well we have never been to your house; one would think that taking things like measurements would be the home owner’s responsibility.

And speaking of fitting, make sure your doorways are wide enough to get the item you want trough it. Far too often people think it’s a fridge it goes in the kitchen; well did you measure the door to the kitchen? How about the hall to the kitchen with the electric register poking out?

Have a clear path, if there’s only one way into the room, make sure we have a way to get there; we’re not a maid service. Also houses change, things grow (that little tree might be a big one now with branches in the way), you do renovations (did you take in to account that the objects in the room might need to come out of it one day, I know of at least 2 people off the top of my head who didn’t)

We’re not at your house to work for the day, we are there to do a specific job and we get paid for that job. If you have something else you would like us to move, don’t ask us to do you a favour. We just met you and were there trying to make a living. If you go to the mechanic to get an oil change and say to him do me a favour while it’s up on the lift rotate the tires. Now will he do it yes, but there will be an extra charge. Since were at your place anyway, we’ll help you if we have time but don’t expect us to do it for free (if it was an easy job for you to do you wouldn’t be asking us). In fact offer us some cash, if it’s not that big of job we’ll most likely not even charge you for it.

Do we tell you how to do your job? Then don’t tell us how to do ours. I have moved more appliances in one day than you have in your life time. Let me do my job, if there is a concern about an area of the house that we need to know about by all means tell us, but don’t tell us how we should dolly, lift or dissemble an appliance.

The pizza guy brought you a 1.5lb pizza, I just lugged a 300lb fridge in your house and he gets the tip? Gratuity is always appreciated but if you don’t like giving out cash or don’t have any on you that’s ok, how about a cookie? Or if it’s a hot day offer a pop or even a nice cold glass of water, we’re more likely to remember you if you do (yes we do remember that stuff) and if you did need help with something we would be more than happy to help you out.

These are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting stuff delivered to you.:biggrin:

[Prince]

I just had a new couch and table delivered. Very nice and professional. Got everything in and out quickly. I offered a drink. Didn't even think about a tip.

Thanks for the insight.