Food Stall Allows Delivery Drivers To Return Ghosted Orders, Earns Praise

Food stall accepts ghosted orders return to help delivery drivers

Online shopping and food ordering is the new trend right now. That means delivery drivers are slowly becoming essential workers in our modern society. They work hard day and night so that we can afford the luxury of getting everything we want from the comfort of our bedroom.

But still, there are some who take their service for granted. These individuals order food on a whim, but then change their mind and refuse to accept the delivered package, leaving the drivers with food they don’t need.

Luckily, a food stall in Saigon is doing their parts to offset this and ease delivery drivers’ burdens. They’ve displayed a sign telling drivers that they can return ghosted orders for a refund.

The drivers can return ghosted orders to get a refund

Image credit: Vietnamnet

In the past few days, many delivery drivers passing by Bình Trưng Đông Ward, Thủ Đức City, Saigon have been delighted to spot a cute little sign displayed in front of a local food stall.

It reads, “drivers who get bombed can bring the order back here. We’ll return your money.”

For context, “bombing” – or “ghosting” – happens when someone orders food from an online app, but then disappears when the delivery driver comes. This leaves the driver with food that they don’t need, but have already paid for.

Image credit: Thanh Niên

Anyone who’s worked in the delivery industry probably understands the frustration too well, which is what makes the shop owner’s considerate gesture even more heartwarming.

“I understand the hardship these drivers face, especially during this pandemic, so I do what I can to help,” Mdm. Hồng Hà, the shop’s owner, told Thanh Niên.

Mdm. Hồng Hà, the shop owner
Image credit: Vietnamnet

Thankfully, since she put up the sign, no driver has had to take her up on her offer. Still, many shower her with compliments and gratitude for her kindness.

“In my 5 years doing this job, I’ve never met any shop like this. The owner is so lovely,” a driver said.

Delivery drivers in Saigon struggle amidst COVID-19

Image credit: Vietnamnet

As Saigon is being heavily hit by COVID-19, it is not a fun time to be a delivery driver in the city right now. Due to the nature of their job, these men and women have to come into contact with many people, which means they face high risks of infection.

The weather hasn’t been kind to them either. Most often, they have to work outdoor under intense heatwaves dotted by heavy rain.

Add getting bombed into the bunch – which is a very common issue in Vietnam – and we can see why many drivers are struggling.

Luckily, there are still thoughtful people out there who make their days a little bit brighter.

Say no to bombing to support delivery drivers

For us, ordering food online is just a few swipes on the phone. But for delivery drivers, the process involves crossing several kilometers between locations to fetch what we need. For each trip, they only earn meager amounts of VND10,000-VND20,000 (~USD0.43-USD0.86).

So the least we can do to show respect to their effort is to be there when the package comes.

Let’s all join hands in saying no to bombing to create a healthier working environment for drivers.

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Cover image adapted from Thanh Niên

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