Stories about food delivery personnel are not uncommon on social media.
One Rachel Low, however, has taken to a series of adorable illustrations instead to document her life as a GrabFood delivery rider.
Commissions and incentives
Describing it as the "adventures of a GrabFood girl", Low explains the process of becoming a GrabFood rider and the intricacies of the the delivery app's commissions system.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Low said she started working as a GrabFood rider in January 2020.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
She paid S$72 for the necessary apparel and equipment — two long-sleeved uniform shirts, one large backpack and a smaller "halal bag".
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Low shares that on average, she can make five deliveries in two hours, and earns between S$11.50 to S$14.75 per hour.
Riders receive incentives per order to carry out deliveries in areas with higher demand as well.
Low said she delivers all kinds of food, from fast food to bubble tea to pastries and even wine.
However, her strangest order has been 5kg of ice and some M&Ms from a petrol kiosk.
Long waits and tough decisions
As an influx of orders comes during the peak evening period, some restaurants are unable cope with the demand, leading to long waits for riders and occasionally, public spats between riders and restaurant staff.
Low shared that at time, she could wait up to 45 minutes for a single order.
On such occasions, she has a tough time deciding whether to cancel the order — she could lose her incentives if her cancellation rates increase.
Her next order from another restaurant might take equally long as well.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
However, some customers make the long and tiring wait worth it, Low says.
Rewards and morale boosters come in the form of tips or small gestures like a gift of a packet drink.
Rain or shine
As there are typically more male riders than female, Low gets questions from concerned passers-by asking if her bag is heavy.
Low takes it in her stride though.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
It seems her choice of occupation has garnered some curiosity from others too.
"Pretty lady, why work so hard? Go find a boyfriend can already!"
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Regardless of the weather, Low is confident that she will successfully carry out her delivery rounds.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Despite the tough terrain too.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Bringing joy to customers
With the advent of contactless deliveries, customers have devised numerous ways to receive the food, either by placing boxes or stools outside their doors, or hanging S-hooks on their gates.
Some customers even welcome Low and other riders with appreciative drawings.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Ultimately, it seems Low cherishes the highs and lows of her job, and recognises that riders do not merely deliver food and parcels, but joy and smiles as well.
Photo from Hellorachellow / FB
Awwww.
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Top photo from Hellorachellow / FB