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A food delivery job can be incredibly demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re considering starting out as a food delivery rider or driver, this article can provide valuable insights. It’s written by a full-time food delivery driver, which means you’ll gain access to firsthand knowledge and experience. Before making your final decision to pursue a career in food delivery, we highly recommend reading our article on the challenges faced by underpaid workers in this ruthless industry The Dark Side of Food Delivery: The Challenges Faced by Underpaid Workers in a Ruthless Industry

Takeaway Companies

Requirements:

To become a delivery rider or driver, you’ll need to fulfill certain requirements, which vary slightly from company to company. Typically, you’ll start by filling out a registration form ( find the links in companies table) on the company’s portal. Before doing so, you’ll need to decide which vehicle you’ll use for deliveries, whether it’s a bicycle, scooter, car, or another type of transportation. The basic requirements are following:

• You need to have vehicle. etc cycle.
• Proper gear etc delivery bag.
• Right to work.
• Over age of 18.
• Mobile Phone

Motorbike an option to consider

Consider a motorbike for your delivery job. It’s easier to navigate through traffic and leaves you feeling less tired. Many delivery companies prefer motorbikes due to their versatility. You can rent, finance, or buy a used motorbike. Having a motorbike can make your delivery job more efficient..

Process

Once you’ve registered with the company, they will review your application when they need more drivers in your relevant area. During the review process, they will validate your documents, such as your passport, and conduct a DBS check to verify your criminal background.

You will need to go to a designated location, such as a post office, to have your documents verified. After a successful DBS check, your account will be queued for activation, which will occur when the company requires more drivers in your area.

You will receive an email or SMS confirmation, along with a link to download the app, once your account has been activated.

Food Delivery Job Pros and Cons:

Pros

• No Time Limit: Take it as pro or con but in this industry you can work as long as you are not tired. Apps are not gonna tell you stop the work which make you more earning.
• You are your own boss: Its partially right, Its up to you when, where and how long you want to work
• It’s not boring: being a rider/driver because you get to meet different people during pickups and dropoffs, which makes the job much less dull. You can listen to music while working and in your free time, you can have a chat with other riders and enjoy the free drinks offered at some pickups
• Best for Part-time: If you already work full-time somewhere, you can work 2-3 hours in the evening to earn an extra 20-30 pounds. On the weekends, you can earn an extra 50-80 Pounds.
• Instant Payment: Companies like Deliveroo allow you to withdraw your earnings any time, whilst most other companies pay their employees on a weekly basis.
• Tips: You may receive tips from satisfied customers, which can add to your earnings.
• Physical activity: Depending on the type of vehicle you use, food delivery jobs can provide a good amount of physical activity, which can be beneficial for your health.

Cons

• Very Demanding Job: The job is very demanding as punctuality is crucial for timely delivery. Being frequently late can result in termination of your account
• You are the investor: gig companies make money off of your investment. You have to pay for everything related to your vehicle, from insurance to oil changes, and you don’t receive any compensation in this regard
• Exposed to extreme weather: You will be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as snow, rain, extreme cold, slippery icy roads, extreme heat in summer, and direct sunlight. These are factors that you will experience on a daily basis, so it’s important to be prepared for them.
• Frequent Harasment: You may experience frequent harassment on the road while working long shifts. Being on the road for 10 hours out of a 12-hour shift means encountering many different people with varying behaviors. Some people may honk at you for overtaking them, even when they are stopped.
• Long working Hours: can be both a good and a bad thing. On one hand, working longer hours allows you to earn more money. On the other hand, it can also keep you on the road for extended periods, leading to exhaustion
• Delays on pickup: are common as takeaways often prioritize in-store customers, which can cause delays for delivery drivers.
• Delays on dropoff: can be caused by customers who don’t listen for the doorbell or don’t answer their phones. Additionally, incorrect addresses can also cause delays
• Accidents are frequent: in this line of work. Being on the road for 10 hours a day and 6 days a week means you will spend 60 hours on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It’s important to be mentally prepared and know what to do in case of an accident. This can help you remain calm and potentially save your own life or the lives of others.
• Account terminations: are common in this line of work. Most companies see you as a digital account rather than a person, despite their claims to the contrary. It’s essential to have accounts on multiple platforms to minimize the impact of such terminations.