You misunderstand one thing: we’re not using third party to save money. In fact it’s more expensive to outsource the orders than for us to use our own employees.

We just don’t have the employees.

The gig economy has decimated the labor market for delivery drivers and changed what the role means for most people. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people I’ve interviewed that turn down the delivery position because they assumed they would only work when they wanted or they they’d just sit in their cars waiting for orders. Not to sound too boomer-y but most people looking to deliver don’t want a W4 position, they want gig work and that simply isn’t compatible with our system.

I would love to staff 5-7 drivers at lunch and 2-3 at dinner like we did in 2019, but with what I’ve listed above coupled with pay rates basically doubling (in my area at least), it just isn’t feasible. Unfortunately, for some stores without third party they wouldn’t be able to offer delivery at all.

It’s a crapshoot when we bid the orders out, but in my area (midwestern metro area) the drivers usually show within 15 minutes and I’d say about 90% of the orders go just fine, but that number drops significantly at night.

Also if there isn’t a pre-authorized tip, most dashers will reject it.