An Uber Eats customer in Newcastle was left dismayed after a delivery driver dumped her grocery order on the concrete sidewalk, resulting in damaged items and missing products.
Ashlea Rhode, a mother, checked her Ring doorbell footage after noticing the condition of the groceries she received. The recording showed the driver approaching her home, emptying the contents of a Coles bag onto the pavement, and then leaving with the empty bag. A photograph confirming delivery was sent to Ms. Rhode through the Uber Eats app.
"It's actually diabolical the fact he took and submitted the picture of his handiwork," Ms. Rhode told Yahoo News, expressing her frustration. She relies on delivery services for convenience as a new mother.
Her $103 order included several damaged items and some that were missing altogether. Ms. Rhode contacted Uber Eats and received a refund of $28.98.
Ms. Rhode questioned the driver's decision to leave the groceries on the ground and take the bag, suggesting he could have knocked on her door to find an alternative solution. She noted that while she was upset by the incident, she did not wish to criticize the driver publicly, describing it as a "silly mistake."
She stated that the service did not warrant a tip. Ms. Rhode mentioned that she understands delivery drivers are often underpaid and that she occasionally tips for exceptional service.
In response, an Uber Eats spokesperson said the company was aware of the incident and was investigating. The spokesperson added that delivery personnel are expected to handle orders with care and adhere to the company's Community Guidelines.