There are a lot of factors that can determine if you get a tip and how much. These factors can be objective like quality of your customer service and accuracy of order, or plainly subjective like whether or not the customer likes you upon first impression.
But sometimes you can get great tips just based on the neighborhood you’re delivering to. It goes without saying that a wealthy neighborhood is going to have residents with more disposable income who are more likely to give larger tips.
In my experience driving for both Postmates and Caviar, there are several Portland neighborhoods where you are like to get a great tip. Here are the top 6:
6. East Moreland/Woodstock
This neighborhood is a little gentrified. Folks who live closer to Reed College (an expensive, private, liberal arts College) will generally give you a nice tips. As you move past 52nd Ave., the tips get smaller.
5. Northwest Portland
This district is where you’ll find a mixture of middle class and upper middle class folks living in some of the most expensive homes in Portland. It features the commercial 21st and 23rd Ave. Students from well off families live in this area also as Portland does not have a University district like other urban cities. If they do tip, you can expect a decent payout.
4. Sellwood/Moreland
The majority of restaurants are near Downtown or at the center of Portland. It can take a bit of time to drive to Sellwood from these locations. This neighborhood has the reputation of being quiet and peaceful. The folks in Sellwood are usually further along in their careers or near retirement and do show their appreciation for your long drive.
3. Irvington
This is one of the wealthiest neighborhood in NE Portland. 17.3% of the residents here earn six-figure incomes. It’s part of the Lloyd district, which is entirely newer development and retail. There are a lot of wealthy neighborhoods North and Northeast of Irvington but I never seems to get a good tip from those guys. Maybe you had better luck?
2. King’s Hill/Goose Hollow – Southwest Hills
Immediately south of Northwest Portland is Southwest Hills. 19.8% of the folks in this area code earns six-figure incomes. There are a few regular Caviar users who tip really well. Befriend them when you deliver.
1. King’s Height – Hillside
Immediately west of Northwest Portland is Hillside. Many of the homes in this wealthy area are gated and requires a number code to enter. A guy once paid me $20.40 (including a $10 tip) to pick up a cup of coffee.
This list is based from my own experience as a courier. I’m really interested in hearing other couriers’ experience with tips in the different Portland neighborhoods so please feel free to share in the comments.
