An Amazon delivery driver has divided the internet after suggesting repeat customers should either tip her or offer her a ‘snack.’
TikTok user Nikki explained on the video sharing app that workers are often swamped with customer orders – especially during Prime week.
She told her followers she wanted to raise awareness of ‘how hard we work’ as she claimed her deliveries would take longer due to her 40-package overflow that day.
The Texan driver wrote in the caption of her video: ‘Kind gestures are greatly appreciated. Just wanted to share awareness on how hard we work so next time you order online don’t forget to tip your driver.’
Her comments sparked a fierce debate on the app, with some users endorsing the idea while others said she should not be tipped for ‘doing your job.’
Nikki, an experienced Amazon delivery driver, explained in her recent TikTok video that she and others would ‘greatly appreciate’ tips
Nikki claimed in her July 19 video that she delivers Amazon packages to the same houses every day and questioned why those residents spend so much money.
Despite the amount of packages and totes in her van, Nikki said she only needed to make 138 stops that day.
‘Since I have so much s**t in my van, it’s still going to take me just as long if I had 170 stops because I have to look for it,’ Nikki said.
According to Nikki, a tip or ‘some snacks’ could help an Amazon delivery driver get through a long ordering day.
She added that Amazon customers aren’t required to give drivers a tip but that it would be a ‘nice thing’ especially if she delivers to their addresses frequently.
‘I love my job, and I love what I do. I just wanted to enlighten you guys on what we have to deal with,’ Nikki said.
She claimed a man once gave her $20 after she delivered eight 50-pound boxes.
The TikToker also expressed solidarity with workers from other delivery companies such as UPS and FedEx.
Amazon is expected to hit 300 million Prime members by the end of the year, Yahoo Finance reported.
It has previously come under fire for its back-breaking working conditions in its warehouses. Meanwhile a 2021 Insider article reported its drivers can sometimes be left with up to 350 packages to deliver per shift.
The company expects its employees to meet quotas, and a delivery driver could occasionally work 10 hours straight to meet their targeted number, according to Amaro Law Firm.
Most Amazon drivers are paid $18 to $25 an hour but pay can also be different based on location and how long it takes to meet a delivery quota.
Users flocked to her comment section with many claiming to leave out snacks and cold drinks for drivers.
Nikki drives an Amazon delivery truck and van, and she is expected to keep both transportation options in good condition
However, others were incredulous she would ask to be tipped for ‘doing your job.’
‘More people need to leave snack shelves and drinks out for drivers! Those are so rare,’ wrote a TikToker.
Another person wrote: Number one: You took this job; Number two: Take your own snacks, stop by the store before work, stack up on some snacks from Dollar Tree, and bang! Problem solved.’
Another said: ‘Not you asking for a tip for doing your job??’
‘A tip? Are you going to build whatever I buy lol,’ a third added.