And I made $3.86 in tips.
I was really desperate for cash at the end of this weekend so I called in to see if any of the other drivers were willing to go home early. Luckily for me, Kristie said she would leave at 9. So I worked from 9 to 11, took 2 runs, drove 11 miles, and made almost $4.
I did get to see driver / Rent-A-Center manager Steve. Steve is on his 3rd stint with us as a part time driver and is a great guy. He's a hard worker and he's alot of fun to work with.
Welcome back Steve.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
For my first 3-4 deliveries tonight there was a light rain falling. At my 2nd house, I knocked, and a man opened the door (not the storm door) and growled back into the house "somebody order pizza?"
I stood there (in the rain) for 2 or 3 minutes before a woman finally came and signed (it was a credit card order) for the pizza. Of course the credit slip was pretty wet. They seemed oblivious to me standing out in it.
Totals for the night were 5 hours, just 7 deliveries, 32 miles, and $18 in tips.
I stood there (in the rain) for 2 or 3 minutes before a woman finally came and signed (it was a credit card order) for the pizza. Of course the credit slip was pretty wet. They seemed oblivious to me standing out in it.
Totals for the night were 5 hours, just 7 deliveries, 32 miles, and $18 in tips.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
On The Road Again
My first night driving in 2 weeks started out with a bang, as I got a $10 tip on my first delivery (to a house that always tips generously). It could only go downhill from there, and of course it did, I actually got successively smaller tips on my next 5 deliveries, with my 6th overall delivery netting me just 41 cents.
I did get some decent tips after that but we were not nearly as busy as I would have liked.
I worked 6.5 hours, took 12 deliveries, drove 57 miles, and made $38 in tips.
I did get some decent tips after that but we were not nearly as busy as I would have liked.
I worked 6.5 hours, took 12 deliveries, drove 57 miles, and made $38 in tips.
Friday, September 21, 2007
One Delivery
Well after I got the kids to bed tonight I called in to see if I was needed and they told me I wasn't. Still, I had to deposit a check and gas up the van, and also to deliver a fundraiser to Nick and to write in my October schedule, so I stopped by the old pizza shop.
While I was there I noticed 2 deliveries on the oven, waiting to go out. I checked the dispatch computer and was surprised to find that at 10:30 PM there was just 1 driver. I volunteered to take the farthest out delivery, which was almost on my way home anyhow.
For the 1 delivery of $17.33 I earned $4.67 in tip and another $1.10 for mileage. I never even clocked in, and I paid for the run out of my own pocket before I left so I didn't have to go back either.
Not a bad night.
While I was there I noticed 2 deliveries on the oven, waiting to go out. I checked the dispatch computer and was surprised to find that at 10:30 PM there was just 1 driver. I volunteered to take the farthest out delivery, which was almost on my way home anyhow.
For the 1 delivery of $17.33 I earned $4.67 in tip and another $1.10 for mileage. I never even clocked in, and I paid for the run out of my own pocket before I left so I didn't have to go back either.
Not a bad night.
Checking In
I stopped in last night to drop off some stuff to Desiree, who supported my kids soccer team fundraiser.
While there I checked the schedule and saw that I am on the schedule for tonight (Friday) instead of tomorrow (Saturday). This is the opposite of how I wrote it in the "request off" book.
I told last night's managar Rosalian about it, she's the closing manager tonight so she's the one who will be short a person.
I haven't delivered in almost 2 weeks, I guess I'm lucky to still have a job there at all! But with my family and soccer schedules, this is just a bad time of year. Things will improve in the next few weeks.
While there I checked the schedule and saw that I am on the schedule for tonight (Friday) instead of tomorrow (Saturday). This is the opposite of how I wrote it in the "request off" book.
I told last night's managar Rosalian about it, she's the closing manager tonight so she's the one who will be short a person.
I haven't delivered in almost 2 weeks, I guess I'm lucky to still have a job there at all! But with my family and soccer schedules, this is just a bad time of year. Things will improve in the next few weeks.
Monday, September 17, 2007
How Can My Pizzeria Help Increase My Tips?
I had a comment posted a couple posts back by chrikaren with this very question.
Unfortunately I don't think there is much that can increase the average tip per delivery. Most people always tip, but a few never tip. And most people that do tip, always tip the same amount.
The one thing that I think affects my tips the most is how we answer the phones. I try to answer as many phone calls as I can when I am in the store between deliveries. I sincerely believe that most people have decided how much they will tip by the time they get off the phone, right after hearing their total price.
So if I can be super courteous and helpful on the phone, and sound excited to take their order, I think it helps. Sometimes I can even joke around ... if the customer keeps asking people in the background what they want, I'll laugh and say "You're really stuck in the middle here, huh!" And usually they laugh too.
Another thing is quality. Sometimes customers may tip less (or order from somewhere else) if we mess up their order. If they ask for no green peppers on their deluxe pizza, make sure that's how it is made. If they want their wings well done, be sure to put them through the oven a little extra.
Finally, as a driver, I have some effect on my tips. I'm clean and neat and cheerful at the door. I'm as prompt as I can be, and I will sometimes pick up a newspaper laying on the step. I'll say hi to the kids, smile at the dog, help them hold the door, all of those things help a little.
One thing I can't change is my looks. We had a driver named Amy, an attractive young girl, and she was the one person I worked with that almost always made more tips than me. She's over at Marco's now, and I'm sure she still gets tipped well.
Unfortunately I don't think there is much that can increase the average tip per delivery. Most people always tip, but a few never tip. And most people that do tip, always tip the same amount.
The one thing that I think affects my tips the most is how we answer the phones. I try to answer as many phone calls as I can when I am in the store between deliveries. I sincerely believe that most people have decided how much they will tip by the time they get off the phone, right after hearing their total price.
So if I can be super courteous and helpful on the phone, and sound excited to take their order, I think it helps. Sometimes I can even joke around ... if the customer keeps asking people in the background what they want, I'll laugh and say "You're really stuck in the middle here, huh!" And usually they laugh too.
Another thing is quality. Sometimes customers may tip less (or order from somewhere else) if we mess up their order. If they ask for no green peppers on their deluxe pizza, make sure that's how it is made. If they want their wings well done, be sure to put them through the oven a little extra.
Finally, as a driver, I have some effect on my tips. I'm clean and neat and cheerful at the door. I'm as prompt as I can be, and I will sometimes pick up a newspaper laying on the step. I'll say hi to the kids, smile at the dog, help them hold the door, all of those things help a little.
One thing I can't change is my looks. We had a driver named Amy, an attractive young girl, and she was the one person I worked with that almost always made more tips than me. She's over at Marco's now, and I'm sure she still gets tipped well.
Monday, September 10, 2007
September Carnival Of Pizza
Welcome to the September 7, 2007 edition of carnival of pizza. Yes I realize that today is September 10. I'd rather be late with the carnival than late with your dinner!
This month is another carnival with just a handful of posts. That should make it easier for my devoted readers to check them all out! Thanks to the bloggers who submitted their posts, and please don't be shy.
Neither of these posts are 100% about pizza, but (as usual) the writers were able to justify it enough that I decided to include them.
Fall in the midwest means football. Friday nights may be a little slower between 7-10 as many people are at the high school games, but when people settle down on Saturday and Sunday to watch their favorite college and NFL teams, phones will be ringing at pizzerias everywhere.
Of course, football is just a small part of college life. Studying is always important, and Sagar Satapathy presents 20 Foods that will Increase your Studying Effectiveness posted at Online University Lowdown.
Next, Michael Chu presents 50% Discount on Pizza posted at Make Money Online with Knighty Night's Talk, saying, "If you like pizza you get them 50% off at Pizza Hut, Dominos, Papa Johns, etc. You also get to make some extra money to if you want."
I've browsed Michael's site for a bit and I think he's referring people to sign up for an online coupon service. And since some of the coupons might be for pizza, he thinks I should include him in my carnival. And guess what, I did!
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of pizza using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
This month is another carnival with just a handful of posts. That should make it easier for my devoted readers to check them all out! Thanks to the bloggers who submitted their posts, and please don't be shy.
Neither of these posts are 100% about pizza, but (as usual) the writers were able to justify it enough that I decided to include them.
Fall in the midwest means football. Friday nights may be a little slower between 7-10 as many people are at the high school games, but when people settle down on Saturday and Sunday to watch their favorite college and NFL teams, phones will be ringing at pizzerias everywhere.
Of course, football is just a small part of college life. Studying is always important, and Sagar Satapathy presents 20 Foods that will Increase your Studying Effectiveness posted at Online University Lowdown.
Next, Michael Chu presents 50% Discount on Pizza posted at Make Money Online with Knighty Night's Talk, saying, "If you like pizza you get them 50% off at Pizza Hut, Dominos, Papa Johns, etc. You also get to make some extra money to if you want."
I've browsed Michael's site for a bit and I think he's referring people to sign up for an online coupon service. And since some of the coupons might be for pizza, he thinks I should include him in my carnival. And guess what, I did!
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of pizza using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Carnival Delayed
This month's Carnival Of Pizza will be published on Sunday night. I apologize for the delay.
I drove tonight, I worked 6 hours and took 16 deliveries, drove 64 miles and made $38 in tips.
Manager Ady is now our General Manager. It seems like every time we get a new GM, they like to move things (mostly shelves) around in the store. Ady's main change was giving us a 'break room', a small table in the back corner of the back hallway. Everybody is supposed to keep their drinks back there, and there's a tray of candy (tootsie rolls and sweet tarts).
My only stiff of the night was a delivery to the local hospital. It was very frustrating, as I had to park, walk across the street, through the hospital, to the elevators, and up to the 10th floor. That's alot of work for 57 cents!
I drove tonight, I worked 6 hours and took 16 deliveries, drove 64 miles and made $38 in tips.
Manager Ady is now our General Manager. It seems like every time we get a new GM, they like to move things (mostly shelves) around in the store. Ady's main change was giving us a 'break room', a small table in the back corner of the back hallway. Everybody is supposed to keep their drinks back there, and there's a tray of candy (tootsie rolls and sweet tarts).
My only stiff of the night was a delivery to the local hospital. It was very frustrating, as I had to park, walk across the street, through the hospital, to the elevators, and up to the 10th floor. That's alot of work for 57 cents!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
How Not To Treat A Customer
On Sunday, while vacationing with my family near Port Clinton, we decided to get pizza for lunch. I knew there was a franchise of the pizzeria where I work there, so my wife called my home-franchise and got their number.
My wife then called to place an order. This was around 11:30 AM. Our first surprise was that this franchise has different specials than ours, but that was no big deal. I get an employee discount of 50%, up to $10 maximum discount, so we just ordered 3 pizzas and some garlic bread with cheese.
The order was for pick-up as we were driving to my in-laws.
My wife indicated when placing the order that I was an employee and should get the discount. They asked if I had a pay-stub and she said no I do not, but that they could call my home-store and they would definitely vouch for me. I'm not sure what was said next but apparently they didn't want to make the long-distance call because my wife then offered to let them use our cell phone to call.
About 15 minutes later I walked in the door. This is definitely a nicer restaurant, built for more dine-in business. There was a hostess stand.
I walked up and asked if I was in the right place for a pick-up order.
"Yes, but we don't have any orders."
"Well, I just called about 15 minutes ago, maybe it's not ready yet."
"No, we don't have any orders at all."
I opened my phone to show the last number dialed. "Is this your number?"
"Yes"
"This call was for 3 minutes and 51 seconds, just 15 minutes ago."
"But we don't have any orders. Our only order of the day so far was a delivery."
"But I'm showing you the phone record that I called."
"Maybe you called our Oak Harbor store," she suggested.
"But this is your number on my phone. Not Oak Harbor."
"Right but we don't have any orders."
By this time my wife had came into the store also, I told her that they didn't have an order for us.
"I just called," she said.
The management of this restaurant made no effort at all to try to resolve the situation. They had no dine-in customers that I could see, and they admitted they had only had 1 delivery so far.
They didn't offer to take my order, they just tried to convince me that I hadn't called.
I said to my wife, "It's fine, we'll go to McDonalds"
She said "Is there someone we can call?"
"We can call Shelly," I said. Shelly is our district manager. I thought she was the district manager there too, and I know she spent many days there opening that store.
"Shelly's not our district manager, Ken is," the woman called out as we were walking out.
...
Fast forward to today, I called my home store to get Shelly's number. Our new GM Ady answered, and told me she knew what it was about.
Apparently someone from the Port Clinton store had called her. They told her that they didn't make my order. They told her that they did a $7000 day and were too busy to call and see if I was an actual employee.
Why did they do this to try to cover their tracks, when they told me that they didn't have an order for me?
My wife then called to place an order. This was around 11:30 AM. Our first surprise was that this franchise has different specials than ours, but that was no big deal. I get an employee discount of 50%, up to $10 maximum discount, so we just ordered 3 pizzas and some garlic bread with cheese.
The order was for pick-up as we were driving to my in-laws.
My wife indicated when placing the order that I was an employee and should get the discount. They asked if I had a pay-stub and she said no I do not, but that they could call my home-store and they would definitely vouch for me. I'm not sure what was said next but apparently they didn't want to make the long-distance call because my wife then offered to let them use our cell phone to call.
About 15 minutes later I walked in the door. This is definitely a nicer restaurant, built for more dine-in business. There was a hostess stand.
I walked up and asked if I was in the right place for a pick-up order.
"Yes, but we don't have any orders."
"Well, I just called about 15 minutes ago, maybe it's not ready yet."
"No, we don't have any orders at all."
I opened my phone to show the last number dialed. "Is this your number?"
"Yes"
"This call was for 3 minutes and 51 seconds, just 15 minutes ago."
"But we don't have any orders. Our only order of the day so far was a delivery."
"But I'm showing you the phone record that I called."
"Maybe you called our Oak Harbor store," she suggested.
"But this is your number on my phone. Not Oak Harbor."
"Right but we don't have any orders."
By this time my wife had came into the store also, I told her that they didn't have an order for us.
"I just called," she said.
The management of this restaurant made no effort at all to try to resolve the situation. They had no dine-in customers that I could see, and they admitted they had only had 1 delivery so far.
They didn't offer to take my order, they just tried to convince me that I hadn't called.
I said to my wife, "It's fine, we'll go to McDonalds"
She said "Is there someone we can call?"
"We can call Shelly," I said. Shelly is our district manager. I thought she was the district manager there too, and I know she spent many days there opening that store.
"Shelly's not our district manager, Ken is," the woman called out as we were walking out.
...
Fast forward to today, I called my home store to get Shelly's number. Our new GM Ady answered, and told me she knew what it was about.
Apparently someone from the Port Clinton store had called her. They told her that they didn't make my order. They told her that they did a $7000 day and were too busy to call and see if I was an actual employee.
Why did they do this to try to cover their tracks, when they told me that they didn't have an order for me?
Monday, September 3, 2007
Labor Day
I had a hunch I should have gone home after my first delivery tonight, and I was probably right.
My first customer was a $41.55 credit card order. He met me on the porch and exclaimed that he was glad we were open. He then expressed his gratitude with a $5.00 tip.
After that, from 6-10 PM, I took 7 deliveries and made $13 in tips.
Total for the night was 8 deliveries, 29 miles, $18 in tips, and 4.5 hours.
My first customer was a $41.55 credit card order. He met me on the porch and exclaimed that he was glad we were open. He then expressed his gratitude with a $5.00 tip.
After that, from 6-10 PM, I took 7 deliveries and made $13 in tips.
Total for the night was 8 deliveries, 29 miles, $18 in tips, and 4.5 hours.
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