Smart Delivery Solutions Just Got a Lot Easier
Everyday Hacks: The Clever Bestie’s Guide to Making Delivery Day Easier
Personal Hook
I’ll never forget the time I had a massive TV delivered to my doorstep and the driver had no idea which house it was for because our address numbers were all wonky. I mean, who expects that kind of excitement on delivery day?
The Realization
So, as someone who’s been delivering just about everything under the sun (yes, even your aunt’s infamous Jell-O mold), I’ve learned that a few simple tips can make all the difference in getting our orders to you on time and with a smile. It’s not rocket science, folks – just some basic consideration for us delivery heroes out there!
The Hack
So, here are some easy address tips to help delivery drivers bring your orders to the correct address and in a timely manner:
- For houses: Make sure the house number is easily visible, preferably not the same color as the house and visible at night. And please, for the love of all things good, don’t make us guess whether it’s an odd or even house – just note it down!
- If you’re having something heavy delivered (furniture, concrete, TVs, etc.), move your vehicle from the driveway if it blocks the path. We don’t want to step on the grass/plants and it’s more difficult to walk.
- If you have a fence that is closed in the front, we’d rather not go inside the gate even without a “Beware of Dog” sign present. Just update your profile on all your ordering sites (Amazon, Uber, DoorDash, etc.) with notes stating can come in the gate and no dog.
- Many gigs require us to take a pic of your house number – we’re not being creepy, I promise!
- If the address is odd, note your accounts on how to get there. And please have the front well lit for deliveries at night – it’s a scary world out there, but just as important is not falling over something in the dark.
- For apartments/condos/townhouses: Apartment complexes have different numbering/lettering systems so we have to figure it out when arriving usually. Any guidance in your account notes are always appreciated. Something like “3rd building down, building 5, back side, 2nd floor” would be super helpful.
- If you want us to leave it in the leasing office, make sure it’s ok with them so we don’t unnecessarily carry it to them and they deny it. And let us know where the package room is and how to access it – your mailman may know, but we might not!
- For downtown living: Noting the delivery parking location and (if applicable) how to access the freight elevator is always nice also.
- Gated community houses/apartments with gates: Please make sure your name is either properly put in your gate call box or notes on your account what to look for. And many deliverer apps only show us the last or first name one-digit initial, so we sometimes have to guess – maybe update again notes on your account of you think that may be an issue.
- If you have an order that says signature required, please answer your phone if you want us to use the call box. Make sure the destination number is correct in the call box.
- And finally, while some drivers are probably ok with it, many of us are not ok with just piggybacking behind other cars to get in – there are signs telling us not to do it and I personally don’t feel comfortable doing that. You paid to be in a gated community, so preserve that safety feature.
Funny Fail Moment
I once had to deliver a package to an apartment complex where the building numbers were all wonky and didn’t match the numbers on the mailboxes. Let’s just say it was an adventure trying to figure out which apartment it belonged to!
Reflection
By following these simple tips, you’ll be making our lives easier (and less stressful) as delivery drivers. And who knows – you might even get your orders a bit faster! It’s all about being considerate and respectful of each other’s time.
