Delivery Executives Brave Rains, While Customers Stay Safe Indoors

Hyderabad: Maugela Manikanta delivered about 28 orders in the past 48 hours, a number that’s a lot higher when compared to a regular day.

"Usually, it's about 12-15 orders but when it rains, orders and requests almost double because people don’t prefer to even walk to the neighbourhood grocery shop," said the delivery executive of an instant-delivery application. While he says he doesn't mind the number, given it helps earn his living, it's the thanklessness that hurts him.

Moin Abid, another bike-taxi/porter rider with a shipment company said that unlike post offices and other government services, he could neither ask nor expect an off when it rains.

"Add to that, clients and the bosses are upset and abusive if they're not delivered within the stipulated time. I heard that our competitors keep the customer posted during adverse weather conditions and other emergencies but our company does not take such initiatives," said Abid, who is a postgraduate.

Mithun (name changed) said that his company offers incentives during rains. "We feel both motivated and desperate. We're always hopeful of a good tip since our own boss doesn't pay us well. In the last two days, I've never received a thank you, leave alone anything else," he sighed before adding that he was overjoyed when he heard his colleague was offered a hot beverage by a family after making a delivery and hoped to see more of such good-natured people. "Being courteous or not is their prerogative but decency and dignity is my right," another bike taxi rider said after narrating how he was compelled to go to the 14th floor to deliver a parcel though it wasn't part of his job.

"I wouldn't mind going out of my way, but I wish they had requested me instead of threatening to make false complaints if I did not oblige," he said.

In what comes across as a wonderful tribute to their integrity is that almost all executives who spoke to Deccan Chronicle said they are 'happy and proud' to strive and ensure people are safe indoors at such times. All that they ask in return is oral appreciation, which they said was more rewarding than any tip.