Towel suggestions and hot tea and even a tip for winning poker winnings • What really goes on the food messengers during the storm days?

• Photo: "Give a bite"

The Israeli winter is not known for the multitude of rainy days, but when it arrives - it arrives big and must not be taken lightly, all the more so in the wake of recent weeks of flooding and flooding in almost all parts of the country.

For couriers (the messengers in this case, but it concerns everyone) this time of year is not easy. On the one hand, the desire to stay home with the tea in front of the heating and Netflix and not fight the harsh weather while riding a scooter, bicycle or motorcycle, and on the other hand, there is the livelihood, the money that will never be repeated on a missed workday, and of course, the demand remains. People are still hungry and want to order food.

If we put the weather aside for a moment, being a messenger of food is a very challenging job. First, the demands of customers and employers are high, whether it is a private business or a shipping company, meeting goals, many frontal encounters with people who sometimes also end up with disappointment and coercion.

In this weather, the need for messengers is increasing, but many still choose to stay home and give up the workday for obvious reasons of avoiding safety or avoiding a flood and storm on roads or bike paths, which are also dangerous.
Usually in wintry weather, the decision to go to work turns out to be very rewarding for the apostles, but sometimes, even the high and tempting tips are not always enough to make them leave home and work.

Couriers in the rain // Photo: Yehuda Ben Yatach

"The number of orders per hour during stormy days is about 15% higher than normal days," says Ohad Perry, the director of the Let Bite delivery system. "These days there is a catch, on the one hand there is a demand for more couriers, and on the other, the absenteeism rate on such a day can reach as much as 30%."

"There are couriers who, on a rainy day, announce that they are canceling their arrival," says Noa Hayat, area manager at Pizza Hut. "But because we are aware of the situation, we organize accordingly, and head more shifts than usual to shift when stormy and rainy weather is expected. In addition, there are also more shipments than usual in rainy weather, because people prefer to stay home and order their pizza instead of going out.

"When we see that the weather is going to be wintry, we make sure to remind all couriers of the winter driving precautions - low speed, distance saving, stopping on the sidelines when needed and the like. In addition, every courier has proper and warm travel gear such as warm clothing, suit. Storm and gloves. If things get worse and the weather doesn't even allow for riding, we just rent cars. "
Spier suits and socks

Attitude toward service providers in Israel regarding tips in particular is a complex issue and usually creates an endless debate. However, in extreme cases such as severe weather or "extra work" from the messenger, the strict and strict also tend to be flexible and give the messenger a tip. However, many do not yet know how to deal with the couriers in these situations, so we have collected some restaurant messengers and shipping apps and asked them all the difficult questions.

How to prepare for storm work?

Adir Bashari, "Give a Bite": "We are equipped with quality equipment that includes storm suits, warm coats and even soups that are distributed to the courier team on busy days." Alon David, "Jepnica": "I prepare myself with high shoes, a suit, an extra set of socks and sometimes even shoes, depending on the forecast. Gattkes and a thermal vest are mandatory. On turbulent days the messengers await a pampering position of tea and coffee and hot soups Plunge time and warm your body. "

What safety measures do you take?

David: "Before every shift I check the scooter, that all the lights work, proper brakes, signals, high lights and brakes. Most of the ride will be at a slower pace than usual. This is understandable here for everyone, both managers and customers."

Bashari: "At The Bite there is a directive for all couriers to stop by when the weather is stormy. I travel slower and more strictly on safe riding. We receive safety briefings before every departure."

Uncle. "On stormy days hot soup awaits us"

Are the tips really higher?

David: "There are those who do not give both rain and sun, and there are those who give. Most people who give tips are usually pampered with the tip on stormy days. At the end of the day, there is an increase compared to a summer day."

Chen Fairman, "SUSU & SONS": "Usually yes, but even these days there are customers who give nothing."

Nir Cohen's Pizza Hut: "Many customers greet us sympathetically and sometimes even apologize for having to go out in this weather and also give a higher tip than usual."

Cohen. "Some customers accept us with an apology"

What are the reactions of customers who order on such a day?

Amir Naftali, "Give a Bite": "Wide smile and much appreciation, broadcasters that I 'saved' them when I brought the delicious meal of their choice."
Fireman: "There are customers who are normal behaviors and say hello and bye, and some who say well done to you that you work on such a day, drive carefully, take care of yourself."

Customers thank you in special ways?

Fireman: "Some suggest going in, drying and drinking something hot, and some telling you to leave the shipment on the door and not contacting you at all."

David: "I found out I was a customer and when she saw me dripping water she said to me 'I am sorry I brought you in this weather', I was offered to come in to use their towel, and some offered something hot to drink."

The most bizarre story you've encountered?

Naftali: "Last week I got wet for delivery and at home there were some guys playing poker. They decided, as a token of appreciation for the fast delivery, that the next hand to play poker would be for me and because of that I made a tip of NIS 500."

Fireman: "Once I went to the shipment, I knocked on the door, said hello and inquired with the person that he had placed the order. The customer paid for the shipment left me a tip and greeted me. It turns out that the person who took the order from me didn't place it and just got a shipment and worked on me. "