Delivery van drivers feel sad and worthless – if customers don’t thank them
Delivery van drivers say they have been left feeling worthless (18%) and sad (22%) – if a customer doesn't say thank you, research has found.
A typical van driver can drop off up to 30 parcels a day – and nine in 10 say a thank you, a compliment, or being made a cup of tea or coffee, can really make a positive difference to their day.
The survey of 500 delivery workers found that other nice things customers have done for them include learning their name, if it's someone they deliver to often, and making them a bacon sandwich, or even a fry-up.
And with the festive season well and truly upon us, 80% of those polled say it would help them get in the Christmas spirit – if one of their customers gave them a seasonal tip or treat.
It also emerged that 85% of drivers believe their customers do appreciate them and the work they do – although 80% feel they are the UK's unsung heroes.
And almost three-quarters (73%) say a negative interaction can ruin their day – with 18% having refused delivery to someone, because they were so rude.
The research was commissioned by van delivery experts, Zego, whose CEO, Sten Saar, said: “In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the hard work of van delivery drivers, who ensure our packages reach us safely and on time.
“Being nice to them is more than just politeness, it's recognising the essential role they play in connecting us to the things we need.
“These drivers face challenging conditions and tight schedules, making a simple act of kindness a great way to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.”
The study also found that 90% of the drivers polled go out of their way for those who have been really kind to them in the past.
Some of the ways they do this include by waiting longer than normal after ringing the bell for them to answer (57%), and helping them to carry something awkward or heavy upstairs (55%).
Meanwhile, 45% said customers often apologise if their dog is aggressive towards them when they are delivering a parcel.
It also emerged 88% of those polled, via OnePoll.com, go out of their way for other delivery drivers they get orders from, simply because they know how it feels.
Sten Saar, CEO at Zego, added: “Treating van delivery drivers with respect goes beyond the transaction – it's about acknowledging their humanity.
“They're not just drivers, they're individuals – so a small gesture, like a smile or a thank you, can turn a routine delivery into a meaningful interaction, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone involved.”
THE NICEST THINGS CUSTOMERS HAVE DONE FOR VAN DRIVERS:
- Given them a tip at Christmas
- Said a really genuine, heartfelt thank you
- Learned their name, if it's a driver that delivers to them often
- Given them a personalised thank-you note
- Complimented them
- Made them a cup of tea or coffee
- Let the driver use their toilet
- Opened a door for them
- Helped them carry something heavy or awkward
- Given them a box of chocolates
- Given them a Christmas present
- Let the driver pet their dog
- Let the driver park on their driveway
- Handed them a bacon sandwich
- Complimented their driving
- Given them a biscuit
- Offered them lunch
- Let the driver take a selfie when taking a picture of the delivery
- Given them an autograph, if the customer is a celebrity
- Helped them push the van if it got stuck in mud or snow
- Stood up for them if a grumpy neighbour complained about their parking
- Invited them in for dinner
- Made them a fry-up
- Given them screen wash for their van
- Given them a full roast dinner
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