Despite driving an hour to deliver an order, he received less than $2 as a tip. Smithson Michael posted a cry for help, «I wish people knew what it was like to deliver food.»
When we receive a food order, we rarely think about what goes into the whole process. We’re not just referring to the people who cook but also to the obstacles that food delivery drivers have to go through on a daily basis.
There is now a wide range of food apps out there, and with that, thousands and thousands of workers roaming the streets to get people’s orders to them.
Pixabay
Because of this, and to generate awareness about this issue, food delivery driver Smithson Michael posted a heartfelt video about the tip he’d received for carrying an order more than an hour away.
On his TikTok account, the man told how he was struggling to survive as an Uber Eats delivery driver, asking customers to tip decently.
TikTok @deliveryguy100
«I just spent an hour driving for $1.19 tip. I mean, would it hurt y’all to tip us, throw us $5?» said Michael through tears.
TikTok @deliveryguy100
In addition to the meager tip, Michael said the app had given him $2, saying:
«What’s that? That’s not even enough to cover gas. How am I supposed to survive like that?’«
— Michael Smithson said on TikTok—.
As he recounted in the video, Michael is living homeless and is four months behind on his car payments, which is his only tool for work.
«Everything fell apart on me. I haven’t been able to sustain myself, provide for myself. And these are essential services. I just wish people knew what it was like. I wish people understood what it was like to drive for these services,» he said in conclusion.
TikTok @deliveryguy100
The post soon went viral, and many comments were sympathetic to Michael. Others also attacked delivery app companies, saying they charge exorbitant fees for deliveries.
This delivery man isn’t the only person living in this kind of situation since many others have also stated to have gone through something similar where the rewards for their work aren’t enough for their efforts.