Are wondering how to become a fast food delivery driver? Have you noticed how popular fast food delivery has become recently? The total household expenditure for the UK in 2021 is projected at £11.2 billion.
There is no doubt this is a rapidly expanding, lucrative industry. Perhaps you are considering fast food delivery as a career or would like to know the basics before deciding. As specialist providers of private car insurance, we offer our customers a choice. Firstly, you can add fast food delivery onto a standard car insurance policy. Secondly, you can take out courier insurance that includes fast food delivery as standard.
How much do fast food delivery drivers earn?
How much you can earn as a fast food delivery driver depends entirely on several factors. These include:
- Number of hours worked per week
- The company you work for
- Percentage of tips earned
Firstly, a Deliveroo driver could earn on average £11.53 per hour, which is 42% above the national average. Secondly, an Uber Eats driver could make £15 per hour depending on whether deliveries take place at peak times or not.*
It is common for restaurants to pay their delivery drivers minimum wage with an extra payment awarded per delivery. This amount can vary depending on your employer. Be sure to check the company policy details before taking on delivery work for them.
Tips could make up a generous portion of your income as a fast food delivery driver. Most employers allow you to keep 100% of your tips. As above, be sure to carefully check the company policy on this before choosing your employer. You will have to pay income tax and possibly national insurance contributions on tips earned. For further guidance consult the GOV.UK website.
Getting started as a fast food delivery driver
Given the increase in popularity, a career in fast food delivery could be a very worthwhile option. Below is a list of delivery driver essentials you will need to consider if you want to become a fast food delivery driver:
Fast food delivery vehicle
Most fast food employers want their drivers to use their own vehicles. If this is an option for you then it removes the need to rent a vehicle improving your earning potential. The vehicle must be fit for road use and have all the required tax and MOT certifications. Whenever you buy a vehicle you need to pay your road tax. Any tax that was left on the vehicle from a previous owner cannot be carried over to a new owner. It is also worth checking when the MOT is due and if your vehicle has any advisories from the last MOT. These could be costly and include new tyres and brake discs/pads. You can check your vehicle’s MOT status by reviewing the GOV.UK website.
Using your vehicle for deliveries for extended periods will increase the wear and tear on your car. Firstly, try to maintain your vehicle as best you can. This can include checking the oil, and tyre pressure and getting it regularly serviced. If in doubt hire a professional mechanic to address any performance issues you may have. Secondly, you will also see an increase in vehicle mileage whilst working as a delivery driver. However, this can potentially influence the vehicle’s resale value.
Mobile phone
As a delivery driver, your mobile phone is your portal to paid work. This applies to working for a large company like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, or a small independent restaurant. You can see full guidance on claiming your mobile phone as a business expense on the GOV.UK website. If possible secure a contract that provides you with sufficient, if not unlimited, calls and data. This way you can be sure you will receive up to date alerts for work and be able to react swiftly.
Insulated food delivery bags
Insulated food bags maintain the temperature of the contents by controlling moisture. This stops food from being delivered with soggy packages and contents. They are useful for carrying foods and drinks in your vehicle and allow you to deliver an order quickly without fuss. While some businesses may not offer you a delivery bag directly, they may work with a company that can. Food delivery bags can also be purchased online. Prices vary depending on the size of the bag you want.
Fast food delivery driver Insurance
Your regular car insurance policy will not cover you if you are going to become a fast food delivery driver. Drivers in this industry must often deliver goods to strict deadlines, at peak times, and make multiple drop-offs. These factors combined mean your vehicle is statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. Regular car insurance will not be sufficient to cover liabilities incurred whilst using it for fast food delivery. Therefore, an insurance policy that covers fast food delivery is essential.
What skills are required for fast food delivery driver success?
A full UK driving licence is fundamental. As an effective fast food delivery driver you will also need to provide the following:
Customer service
As a delivery person, you represent the business you deliver for. Quality customer service encourages repeat business. When dealing with a customer always try to:
- Be friendly and smile
- Maintain eye contact when speaking to the customer
- Leave a lasting impression such as being polite, respectful of their property and saying thank you
These three easy steps will help you to leave a great impression and could increase your chances of getting a tip!
Timekeeping
As a fast food delivery driver, you will want to work efficiently. This will allow you to get more done in the time you have available. Every customer who orders food online or by phone wants their order delivered as soon as possible. Practice good time management to maximise your potential earnings. This is useful when picking up multiple orders from different locations and travelling to numerous drop-offs.
English and maths skills
Whist most ordering is prepaid you may find yourself having to handle cash and provide change. Your employer should tell you if this is the case. Always ensure you have enough change available and can confirm the name and address of the customer if necessary.
Securing fast food delivery jobs
Whether you decide to work for a large company or a small, independently owned restaurant is up to you. It might be more cost-effective to work for a local independent business. Rates of pay may be more rewarding elsewhere. These points are worth considering when researching potential employers.
There are many ways in which you can source fast food delivery work. From approaching local businesses to registering online with one of the UK’s fast food delivery driver platforms. Depending on where you are there are plenty of fast food delivery driver jobs available.
Below is a sample of the companies you could consider registering with to secure your first fast food delivery job. We have also listed some of the benefits these companies offer their delivery drivers.
Uber Eats – Partner protection insurance, official Uber Eats Kit Store, health and wellbeing for you and your family with Gympass
Deliveroo – Free hot drinks, discounts on vehicle accessories, discounts on money management tools
Just Eat – Paid every week, no commission on delivery fees, offers a full range of gear for sale
One Delivery – State-of-the-art dispatch app, earn up to £13.00 per hour, provided with heat bags and a uniform
City Sprint – Over 15,000 UK jobs daily, weekly payments into your bank account, quick application and easy sign-up
Where can I buy fast food delivery driver insurance?
With experience in the insurance industry since 1982, Acorn Insurance offers bespoke cover for those wanting to use their own car for delivering food. We help drivers that might be classed as a ‘higher risk’ find specialise fast food delivery insurance. To join the growing ranks of those who want to use their own car for this purpose, get a courier car delivery insurance quote now!
*All figures correct at time of writing 08/04/2021
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