As a picky shopper myself, I know how much appearances matter when it comes to food delivery. When I open my door to receive my Grubhub order, the first thing I notice is the driver‘s attire. Is it neat and professional? Branded or generic? Practical or sloppy? These snap judgments may seem superficial, but they absolutely color my overall impression of the delivery experience.
So when I set out to examine Grubhub‘s policies around driver dress codes and starter kits, it was with a keen eye for how these choices impact customer perceptions and brand loyalty. What I discovered is that while Grubhub‘s approach empowers drivers with freedom and flexibility, it also leaves a lot of room for variation and inconsistency in the customer experience.
The Official Word On Workwear
Let‘s start with the basics. According to Grubhub‘s delivery driver FAQ page, "There is no dress code for Grubhub delivery partners. You may wear the Grubhub branded clothing that you receive when you start delivering, but it is not required."
This permissive policy stems from the fact that Grubhub classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. By law, the company cannot impose strict uniform requirements on self-employed individuals. Doing so could jeopardize the drivers‘ contractor status and open Grubhub up to legal issues.
So in a nutshell, Grubhub drivers are free to wear pretty much whatever they want on the job, within reason of course. The company provides branded clothing items to new drivers as part of a starter kit, but donning them is entirely voluntary.
The Grubhub Starter Kit
Speaking of starter kits, let‘s unpack what drivers can expect to receive when they first sign on with Grubhub. While the exact contents may vary slightly by market or over time, a standard kit includes:
- 2-3 Grubhub branded t-shirts
- 1 Grubhub branded hat
- 1 insulated delivery bag with Grubhub logo
- Grubhub stickers/decals for car (optional)
- A "delivery in progress" sign for car window
- Activation instructions for Grubhub driver card
At first glance, this offering seems pretty basic. The shirts and hats feature the Grubhub logo prominently, allowing drivers to serve as mobile billboards for the brand if they so choose. The insulated bag is crucial for keeping orders at the proper temperature during transit, although some drivers report that the Grubhub-provided bag is on the small side and not adequate for larger orders.
Notably absent from the kit are any pants, jackets, or other clothing items. Drivers are on their own when it comes to completing their delivery look. This gap in the starter kit underscores the independent contractor model and Grubhub‘s hands-off approach to driver appearance.
The Case For Uniformity
While Grubhub‘s relaxed dress code certainly gives drivers a sense of autonomy, it‘s worth considering the potential benefits of a more standardized approach to delivery driver attire.
Imagine this: You‘re a hungry Grubhub customer waiting for your meal to arrive. You peek out the window and see a car pulling up with a glowing Grubhub sign on the dashboard. The driver steps out wearing a crisp red Grubhub t-shirt and matching hat. There‘s no mistaking who they are or why they‘re there.
This level of brand consistency and recognition can go a long way in fostering trust and loyalty among customers. In fact, a 2019 study by US Foods found that 66% of customers consider delivery driver appearance to be important. What‘s more, 32% said they would think twice about ordering from a delivery service again if the driver‘s appearance was unprofessional.
These numbers suggest that Grubhub is missing an opportunity to control more of the customer experience by not requiring or at least strongly encouraging drivers to wear branded clothing. A uniform look helps to assure customers that yes, you are a verified delivery driver and not some random person showing up at their door unexpectedly.
Standardized attire can also benefit drivers by allowing them to be easily recognized and "waved through" at restaurants when picking up orders. No more awkward conversations or confused looks from the host stand. A Grubhub shirt serves almost as an informal badge, signaling that you are there on official delivery business.
The Case For Comfort
On the flip side, many Grubhub drivers relish the freedom to choose their own workwear. Delivery driving is a physically demanding job that involves a lot of time sitting in the car, shuffling in and out of restaurants, and hoofing it up flights of stairs. Comfort is key.
The Grubhub shirts and hats, while nice for branding purposes, are not always the most practical or comfortable choice for long days behind the wheel. Many drivers prefer moisture-wicking athletic wear or breathable fabrics to stay cool and dry amid the hustle.
There‘s also the matter of personal style. As independent business owners, some Grubhub drivers simply prefer to present themselves in their own way rather than conforming to a corporate-mandated look. Being able to express one‘s individuality can be a real perk of the independent contractor life.
Another factor to consider is that many Grubhub drivers work for multiple delivery apps simultaneously. According to a survey by Gridwise, 35% of food delivery drivers are signed up with at least two services. Wearing Grubhub gear while on a DoorDash run (or vice versa) could lead to some awkward exchanges with restaurants or customers.
For drivers toggling between apps, generic "delivery driver" attire or streetwear probably makes more sense than head-to-toe Grubhub swag. That said, popping on a Grubhub hat or mask before dashing into the restaurant for a pickup costs nothing and lends an air of legitimacy.
Striking The Right Balance
Clearly, there are pros and cons to both the uniform and non-uniform approaches to Grubhub driver attire. The key is for each individual driver to find the right balance that works for their personal style, comfort, and professional goals.
If projecting a strongly branded image is important to you, then by all means, rock that Grubhub gear with pride. If you‘re more about the athleisure life, find yourself some high-quality moisture-wicking tees and call it a day. The beauty of Grubhub is that you really can‘t go wrong either way.
That said, there are a few universally applicable tips that every Grubhub driver should keep in mind when getting dressed for delivery success:
-
Prioritize comfort and range of motion. You‘ll be doing a lot of sitting, standing, walking, and reaching, so choose clothing that allows you to move freely without restriction. Breathable fabrics are your friend.
-
Dress for the weather. Check the forecast before each shift and plan accordingly. Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Don‘t forget sun protection for those peak summer shifts!
-
Opt for subdued colors and patterns. You want to look neat and professional, not like you‘re on your way to a rave. Bright colors are fine for visibility purposes, but avoid anything too loud or flashy.
-
Maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance. This should go without saying, but showering, wearing deodorant, and attending to personal hygiene are non-negotiable aspects of any public-facing job. You‘re handling people‘s food, after all.
-
Invest in a high-quality insulated bag (or three). The Grubhub-provided bag is a good starter option, but many drivers find that they need larger or more specialized bags to accommodate diverse orders. A well-insulated bag is the most important tool in your delivery arsenal.
By following these guidelines, Grubhub drivers can look and feel their best on the job, while also making a positive impression on restaurants and customers.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Grubhub‘s approach to driver dress codes prioritizes freedom and flexibility over uniformity and control. The company provides branded gear to those who want it, but wearing it is not a requirement of the job.
As a picky customer myself, I believe this policy is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, I appreciate the spirit of entrepreneurship and individualism that it embodies. Grubhub is essentially trusting its drivers to use their best judgment and represent the brand in their own authentic way. There‘s something refreshing about that level of confidence in the driver‘s abilities.
On the other hand, I do think Grubhub is leaving some valuable branding opportunities on the table. Providing a more complete starter uniform (including branded pants or shorts, for example) and encouraging its usage could create a more cohesive and recognizable look for the fleet. As the data shows, customers do take driver appearance into account when assessing their delivery experience.
My advice? If you‘re a Grubhub driver, wear the branded gear when it makes sense and aligns with your personal style. Pop on the hat and shirt before heading into a pickup, just to lend an extra air of authority. But don‘t feel obligated to turn yourself into a walking Grubhub billboard 24/7.
At the same time, recognize that your appearance and demeanor while on delivery are reflections of the Grubhub brand, even sans official uniform. Aim for a neat, clean, and approachable look. Prioritize prompt, professional service. Make the customer feel valued and attended to. That‘s what will keep them coming back to Grubhub again and again, regardless of what logo you have on your shirt.
