Food Delivery – Operating for your convenience

The introduction of online food delivery

The emergence of food delivery services has paved a new path for the workplace, providing flexibility in an ever-changing society. Over recent years, food delivery has been a service that has flourished due to its convenience for those who don’t have the time, or inclination, to prepare their own food. At the click of a button, food can be delivered to your door within minutes, taking no effort, very little time and for only slightly more money.

Not only has food delivery been revolutionary for consumers, it has also created a new avenue for the workplace, functioning as a flexible alternative to a regular job. Twenty years ago, pizza and Chinese takeaways were largely the only two options for online food delivery a rather minuscule selection in comparison to today’s wide-ranging options.

 Society’s progression has had a large effect on the industry, with it now being worth more than $320 billion, almost tripling in value over the last five years. Despite online food delivery being more expensive than pickup due to handling and delivery fees, according to (Smallman, 2022), the demand remains the highest it’s ever been. Consumers have stated that the effortless and time-effective solution that ordering online brings, appeals to them far more than having to go in-store.

19-year-old from Kirikiriroa, Jack Parker, is experienced with online food delivery and says it has been a crucial service for his busy lifestyle. Parker says “Despite the costs being more expensive, the service is extremely convenient, not having to waste time leaving the house and picking the food up.” As Parker works full-time, his schedule is rather demanding; making online food delivery an appealing option to return to. He emphasises, “The effortless user experience draws customers in. I click two buttons and food is on the way to my door.” Jokingly, he adds, “quite priceless I think.” Parker made a comparison between the companies available here in Hamilton, such as Uber Eats, Deliver Easy or Menu Log, saying, “I tend to use Uber Eats over the other options, due to it being the most popular and providing the most options. If the restaurant is close to you, there are discounted delivery prices which I think is a great aspect.” Parker says “I definitely see food delivery as a beneficial service, particularly for people such as myself, working full-time, who don’t always have the time to make their own meals.”

The future is now – A new way of working

As well as convenience for customers, the growth of online food delivery has led to new-found opportunities for the workplace. The accessibility and flexible workspace cater to those needing a job that fits their schedule and gives them full control of their hours per week. Delivering food for a locally operated company provides these alternatives, with employees often being students, or individuals needing hours that regular shift work doesn’t offer. The drivers can pick and choose their work depending on where the order has been placed, and how much money they would get for that particular delivery. Being able to work independently off your smartphone makes working effortless and is a main reason why this type of work has become so popular.

Finn Myles, a full-time student, worked for Deliver Easy, a food delivery company based in Hamilton. Reflecting on his experience, Myles described it as being beneficial, especially during the lockdowns in New Zealand. Myles says, “the job was really easy-going, I could be my own boss, and being in lockdown meant that it was quite accessible because a lot of places weren’t hiring during the time.” He emphasised how the company was understanding of their worker’s schedules, stating, “the hours were pretty flexible, they wanted a rough idea at the start of the week of your availability, but if I couldn’t work a particular day, I could tell them at late notice and it was fine.”

Myles says “the only negative thing was having to pay for your own petrol, which could be difficult at times to manage being a student with little income.” Myles made it clear how the experience of working in the industry was straightforward and a positive learning outcome for him, by saying, “The experience with the company was pretty smooth, it was easy to get in contact with people from the company if I ever needed anything.”

Due to food delivery being entirely dependent on the consumer and the number of orders placed, some nights are more of a struggle than others. Myles reiterated this, “Some nights just weren’t as busy as I was hoping, and so there were times I was just sitting in my car doing nothing when I could’ve been making more money elsewhere.”

The progression of food delivery has redefined what we know as the traditional workplace, creating new opportunity across the board. The industry in increasingly growing, and provides an alternative work source for those needing flexible hours.