Tom, 33, who asked not to share his surname as he still works for the platform, told Plates Express that while most customers are polite, the job isn’t always straightforward — and when he’s hungry, stressed, or disrespected, he sometimes bends the rules.
“I try to be professional. But when you’re stuck in traffic with someone’s chips next to you and you’ve not eaten in hours, it’s tough,” he said.
“I’ve Taken Chips. Plenty of Times.”
Tom admits he’s dipped into customer food more than once — especially when the packaging isn’t sealed or the bag’s already half open.
“I don’t make a habit of it, but yeah, I’ve taken fries. Everyone does, whether they admit it or not. You’re five hours in, tired, hungry, and the food’s just there — it happens.”
“One night I was out late, hadn’t eaten all day. The bag was open, and I took a nugget. Not proud of it — but also not the first.”
“If You’re Rude, I Don’t Rush”
Tom says the way a customer behaves can influence how quickly their food arrives.
“I do my best to be quick, but if someone starts messaging me saying ‘where are you?’ or ‘hurry up’, I slow down. I’m not gonna race across town for someone who’s giving me grief.”
“I get that people are hungry, but I’m juggling traffic, queues, and tight timings. When they’re rude, it just puts me off.”
Other Things He’s Seen on the Job
On doorbell cameras:
“You see all sorts. One guy opened the door in his pants with a snake round his neck. I’ve delivered to people mid-row, mid-nap — even one who forgot they ordered and tried to shut the door on me.”
On restaurant hygiene:
“Most places are fine, but there are a few I try to avoid. Floors greasy, staff not washing hands, food sitting under the heat lamp for way too long. Makes you think twice.”
On tips and appreciation:
“If someone tips or just says thank you, I do try to remember them. I don’t get the same people often, but when I do, I’ll make sure their food stays upright, dry — whatever it takes.
But if they ignore me or slam the door, yeah… I’m not going out of my way next time.”
A spokesperson from Plates Express, who conducted the interview, said:
“We were surprised by how honest Tom was — especially about eating chips straight from the bag. It’s not something you expect to hear
It’s always worth being polite and understanding that drivers aren’t in control of everything. Traffic, restaurant delays, weather — there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.”
