Are Fresnans cheap? UberEats drivers say they’re getting stiffed after delivering

Do you tip, or not? That’s the question bugging some UberEATS drivers in Fresno, who are feeling a little shortchanged by customers unwilling to cough up a few extra bucks for their delivery.

“I don’t think we are asking for too much,” said UberEats driver Robert Atkinson. “We are basically a waiter, delivering your food. Offer me a water or a few dollars, that would help. It’s not like I am outside your house honking the horn, waiting for you to come get your food.”

UberEATS launched in Fresno about two weeks ago to lots of excitement from customers and restaurants hoping to boost sales. Although it’s not the only food delivery service in town, it’s the one being talked about the most these days. That’s why the reality of delivering food in Fresno is hitting some drivers hard.

Atkinson, an Uber driver for about a year, has made four UberEATS deliveries recently and only one of his customers gave him a tip. It was $2.

“I delivered McDonald’s to someone and all I got was a thank you,” he said. “Come on, Fresno.”

But Fresno isn’t the only city with non-tippers. Internet forums have been lit up with Uber driver’s tales of non-tipping passengers. One driver on the West Coast said he got tipped in tacos while another driver in Colorado said he got a Yeti insulated coffee cup.

One driver in New Jersey said he occasionally uses Grubhub, a rival delivery service, and always tips well. “If someone is bringing me food to my door I’m very grateful. On a $30 order I always tip at least $7 and every delivery person who’s come to my door is always very thankful. If you are using Uber Eats and don’t tip at least $2 you deserve missing fries.”

Drivers says customers are confused about the tipping, thinking it’s included in the delivery fee. It’s not.

Uber says on its website that tips are voluntary and are not expected or required. But that doesn’t always sit well with the UberEATS drivers.

“I am not just sitting at McDonald’s waiting for people’s order, I have to drive there to pick it up and then deliver it to you at your door,” said an UberEATS driver in Fresno who goes by the name Julie. “You tip the pizza guy and the person delivering your Chinese food – why not us?”

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Are Fresnans cheap? UberEats drivers say they’re getting stiffed after delivering."