Dasher Diary: Why I Stopped Caring About Your Missing Toast in Amarillo

When I sit at my desk and ponder what delivery in Amarillo stood out to me the most recently for my Dasher Diary, I go through a few emotions. I remember some of the nice ones, with nice customers. My blood begins to boil thinking about the construction I have had to endure on Georgia Street.

I also think about some of my not-so-favorite customers. I would like to think that maybe some are just that clueless. Maybe they don't realize how much gas it costs to fill up the tank so I can deliver your food. Maybe they don't get out much. I don't know.

Read More: Amarillo Dasher Diary: A Positive Delivery Encounter

I recently had a delivery I had to pick up at Dairy Queen. Now, mind you, when I am signed up to deliver food, by time I have no idea whether the customer tips. I just know that I am being paid a certain amount from the time I pick up the food until I drop it off at their house.

Sometimes it is worth it. Sometimes I’m sitting in my car, fuming; I’ve just driven across town to save them the trouble of leaving the house, and they couldn’t even leave a single dollar. It's infuriating sometimes.

The Massive DQ Haul: Managing Spills and Expectations

The order was a pretty big pickup. Even the employee said this is the biggest order they had bagged up. So I was hopeful that if they could order this much food, they would appreciate the driver a little.

I picked up five drinks. Drinks are always a hassle. The more you pick up, the greater the chance is of one spilling. I also picked up four Blizzards. Great, they are ordering dessert and counting on me to keep them cold. Awesome.

I had two massive bags of food; the boxes definitely looked like steak fingers and chicken strips. I loaded everything into the car and headed to the drop-off location, which, of course, was a pretty far drive.

When I got there and started making my first trip to the door with the drinks, the customer came out. He said that he thought about going out to deliver food that day but decided against it because it was so hot.

The "Unwritten Rule" of Delivery Tipping

Great, so he acknowledged that he also did delivery. So that usually is an unwritten rule that they have done this work, and they get it, so they will tip. He didn't want to get out because it was hot, but I was out working, so please appreciate the delivery. I am hoping at least.

When the Customer Is Also a Driver

I went back to my car to grab the second haul of his order, and that is when he mentioned again that it was too hot for him to go out and deliver. Then he delivered the line that hit me like a gut punch: 'I wish I could tip more, but I don’t have the money.

No, you don't because you just spent it all on this big haul from Dairy Queen. But there was still some hope that with the hourly pay and the little tip he said he gave me, it might make that delivery not so bad.

Alas, when I got to the car and confirmed the order, I saw the big fat zero of a tip. Nothing. Not that he wished he could tip more. It was more about how I wished he would have tipped something. He is a delivery driver himself. How do you do that?

Why "Missing Items" Are the Customer's Problem, Not the Driver's

The instant gratification came when I was driving off and heading to another pickup. I received a message telling me that his toast didn't come with his meal. As if I were supposed to fix it. I’ll tell you this: I didn’t lose a second of sleep over that missing toast.

Nope, I will tell you no cares were given at all. I can't open the bag. I have no idea Dairy Queen forgot your toast. That sounds like a you problem.

Cool Off This Summer at Amarillo Pools and Splash Pads

Splash pads and pools are a great way to stay cool this summer.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Bartlett

The Best Toddler Play Areas in Amarillo

There are places in town that are specifically made for the littles. Toddlers rule the world in these play areas around Amarillo.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Bartlett/TSM