I deliver for postmates sometimes, between LA and Santa Maria, as I travel frequently between these two cities.
I fell a few days ago, and injured my knee. I've been able to walk without putting much weight on it using a crutch.
However, I guess I've over done it today, because it's gotten progressively worse, the swelling has increased and even though it burns, my leg is also going numb.
Obviously, I need to stop procrastinating and go to an ER, but.... I have this delivery first, cause who wants a soggy sandwich?
So, picking up an order, I park right outside the doors. In the parking lot. Easily accessible.
I went ahead and called inside and asked if they would kindly have someone bring the order out to me, since it was pre-paid. And I explained that I don't normally request places to do that, and went on to briefly explain my dilemma.
She said she'd be right out but to give her a few minutes. She was super nice and trying to be helpful.
She came out and explained that her boss said no, and that I would need to come inside.
I'm pretty sure at this point that I've snapped a tendon and my kneecap is dislocated, I said.
... But sure I will get out and hobble to inside so that your boss can see the excruciating pain that I will probably pass out from now.
Just because she wants to make sure everyone stays productive? Or? I really don't get her rationale.
Even though. Coming out to say no - you need to come in - has taken 5 times the amount of productive time better spent doing something else- like handing me the order and then carrying on with whatever is next.
But no. It will also take me 15 min just to get out of my car I'm sure...
The car next to me had just arrived and had overheard the whole exchange.
As I was trying to get out of my car and struggling to get my feet on the ground and getting my crutch ready for me to attempt to stand..
The gentleman in the car stated that's ridiculous. I'll go in and grab it for you..
They almost wouldn't let him get it, but he told them we knew eachother and he was helping me..
And then he said he didn't feel like eating there now just based on principal.
The thing is... I have 2 options in my situation. Think outside the box to complete the order and get it to the customer timely.
Or cancel the order where it will continue to sit and get soggy by the time the customer receives it.
Logically speaking, that last options doesn't make any sense for either of us, business, driver, or the customer.
I'm sure there are lots of lazy people out there. But really - how often does that happen? Where a driver is just lazy and calls the order out?
My guess is that it doesn't really happen that often. I've never seen a driver do that, nor have I ever heard of anyone doing that.
I'm just trying to complete the delivery- so that everyone is a happy camper. Everyone except the manager who is oddly suspicious of me, to the point that she would rather risk making a customer upset, than help a delivery driver out, that is having a medical urgency, that doesn't have sick time or who can afford to take time off, and is going to have to anyway after this delivery is over. She would rather watch me struggle and in pain - rather than just do the right thing and give a supportive hand.
Even when it's not a matter of her employees being spread to thin for a special request.
I would actually be understanding of that.
But that wasn't it.
Because she sent the employee out to relay a message to me, she should have came out to say herself.
Delegating tasks is one thing- but that is inappropriate to put your employee in the middle like that.
But just so you are aware, your employee was excellent and thoughtful, despite that poor judgement call.. read more