– Why not consider Yandex and not Delivery for this kind of service?
– The author was dissatisfied that beyond the mandatory uniform for service couriers, there was no option to receive tips directly on the spot. The question then arises: what additional earning methods exist?
For instance, in their business model it was agreed that if a building lacked an elevator or it malfunctioned, the courier would not proceed beyond the fifth floor, and an extra fee of 50 rubles applied for each floor beyond the sixth. At night, when the person worked, many preferred not to descend further. As a result, eight out of ten deliveries ended with the courier receiving an extra charge.
There were also opportunities to earn more by adding items from the restaurant, such as ordering something extra from the pizzeria.
On the road, a relative might call and say, “Hey, grab me a beer.” The added value could reach 500 rubles. There were requests for cigarettes, an iPhone charger, flowers, and even a condom. The courier rarely accepted anything less than 500 rubles for such tasks.
Experience suggested that earnings from delivery “from the restaurant” were typically higher. Colleagues noted that both Yandex and Delivery were increasingly regulated, with too many checks on couriers—an annoying process. At the same time, couriers carried heavy loads, sometimes a twenty-pound box, and still wore themselves out. Large orders were common, such as delivering 80 pizzas to a corporate party before New Year’s. The main challenge here lay in loading and unloading, not carrying everything on the back.
Is a modest salary for food deliveries a myth?
– The author considered it largely a legend. Most couriers earned at least 4–5 thousand rubles for a night, and some reached about 7 thousand rubles when the workload was heavy and tips flowed. Night shifts ran from 18:00 to 06:00, with earnings typically based on distance traveled. Tea was a constant small perk. The largest tip received was 1000 rubles, with typical tips ranging from 200 to 300 rubles.
During night shifts, the tips tended to be smaller, just a few tips at most. Still, even 4–5 thousand rubles could be sufficient for the courier.
Over a year, this line of part-time work helped the author pay off a half-million ruble loan.
What was the most frustrating aspect of being a courier?
– The main frustration involved colleague relationships. Many of the workers came from Tajikistan or Uzbekistan and were hired “for low pay.” Language barriers were common, making it difficult to communicate. When conflicts did occur, some would respond aggressively, which was exhausting for others.
Fines were another pain point. Couriers could be penalized for speaking a language other than Russian or for leaning on the table while taking orders—reasons cited to protect customers from bacteria. Though some acknowledged the logic, the fines often felt excessive and inconsistent. Still, the practice persisted, and those who spoke little Russian or caused trouble could be paid even less, which made the job unattractive for many.
Do couriers ever eat the food they deliver?
– Yes, it sometimes happened. The restaurant did its best to protect customers by applying protective stickers to packages, but couriers would often leave the stickers in the car and reuse them later. In some cases, if a portion seemed smaller than expected, the customer might complain, and managers would review kitchen footage to determine the culprit. If the courier was found responsible, they could be dismissed. Customers are advised to request the restaurant to review the order if the portion does not seem right and to report any discrepancies to help prevent dishonest behavior by couriers.
– Are there cameras in the kitchen to prevent tampering?
– The author isn’t sure who would intentionally contaminate an order. Food preparation is generally monitored by staff, especially in reputable establishments. Yet, there are reports of unsanitary kitchens, bugs, and product inconsistencies in some places. The level of cleanliness often depends on choosing well-known brands and reputable chains, which generally maintain higher standards.
There have been incidents of couriers mishandling food, such as dropping a bowl of wings and trying to resell it after cleaning up the mess. The kitchen staff typically notices and corrects the issue, sometimes leading to a dismissal of the courier involved. Customers are advised to be vigilant and report suspicious behavior to protect others from unscrupulous delivery personnel.
– Is there a way to obtain free food from restaurants?
– Dishonesty is never advisable. Some couriers attempted tricks like fabricating defects or mishandling food to receive a replacement. Most restaurants will replace items in cases of genuine issues, but persistent attempts at deception can lead to serious consequences, including being blacklisted. In some cases, careless individuals who abuse restaurant policies or cancel orders after the food is prepared may also face consequences. It is generally wise to avoid such behavior and rely on legitimate delivery arrangements with reputable establishments.
Yes, there are restaurants worth knowing. Some are favored by drivers who value reliability and good working conditions. However, those who abuse restaurant policies—whether by exploiting free food or pulling scams—risk losing access to these benefits. Likewise, those who cancel deliveries or place unrealistic orders risk being blacklisted.