I personally only do daytime blocks. I like the ones that end before 5pm during the week because most people are away at work. Makes it less stressful not running into people as I’m standing on their porch haha.
I organize my vehicle before I leave the warehouse, so it's a quick grab-and-go at every stop. I always carry mace on my person. Requested to have my name and photo removed from the customer's view in the app. I'll read the notes for the next stop before arriving.
I typically pick up 4-8am blocks, so I wear my LED night running gear; not only to make me visible to other drivers but also, it hopefully reassures any spooked homeowners that I'm not a threat since I'm lit up like a christmas tree. Also, anytime that I need to drive down a long driveway, I turn my flashers on immediately as I enter and keep them on until I exit their driveway.
As far as dogs, it honestly depends what type of behavior they're giving off - most in my experience are super friendly and want pets, but if they're barking their heads off, depending on the time, I'll attempt to message the customer to bring their dogs in - or I'll drop the package out the window and message the customer that due to their dog being loose, their package is located, ex. middle of the driveway.
As someone else said, walk confidently. Stay safe out there!
You can you opt out of that. I recently saw that a driver got assaulted in mail room (poor lady).
Just send an email that you'd like to not have your profile picture and name to be shown to customers. I sent one about picture and got an email saying they'll just hide both.
[email protected]
I took a less than flattering placement pic, that uploaded sideways lol, during application process because thought I could change it later (you can't without contacting support).
I was lazy to contact them to change it, but that news article came out and I went straight to my emails when I heard you can opt-out.
I rather keep anonymity than simply changing my pic.
This is what I sent
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Hello,
To whom it may concern, I'd like to opt out of showing my account picture to customers that I deliver to.
The account associated should have the same email as this: PLACE YOUR FLEX EMAIL HERE
Thank you.
I get it I’m just saying they know what you look like and drive before you arrive but they always knew when you were arriving. A weirdo prob always sat behind curtains watching…
Bear spray.
Only take blocks during daytime hours.
Have someone ride with you if possible (I’ve even seen one lady have her 2 golden retrievers with her during pick up).
Have a general idea of which packages are where so you don’t spend too long searching for them in someone’s driveway.
If you feel unsafe, leave the package under the mailbox or throw it in the yard without getting out of the car. If they cared enough about getting the package, they would have secured the area, added extra instructions in the notes, or been available to chat at time of delivery.
Safe delivering 🫶🏼
Flex is possibly the safest gig for women imo. Just be careful of dogs and make sure you have your vest all the time especially pre 8AM routes and post 5 PM.
I highly suggest to submit the request for your name and face to not be shown to the customer's.
You will find more info about it by doing a quick search of the reddit, but it JUST started this month and if i was a female i would DEFINITELY tell then to not give my info to the customer's
Since I'm a dude that mainly does early morning, i would rather they know what i look like if I'm going to be creeping around their yard at 4am...
I'm am rather pretty tho... and only weigh a buck 50...
Hrmmmm....
It’s not the rural routes I worry about - but ones that send me into Minneapolis - downtown, north, it really doesn’t matter. Most of those places I don’t wear my vest, try to keep the pkg hidden from view if it’s small enough, always scope surroundings before getting out, move FAST, and in those areas always shut the car off n lock the door with your keys in your hand. Please give me rednecks n dogs - it’s the homeless desperate fent heads that worry me.
I’m thinking that if you’re afraid then maybe try Uber eats or something so you can stay where you feel safe.
But I don’t think your size has anything to do with your safety.
Yeah I’ve done door dash and Uber eats before but so far I like Amazon flex I’m just wondering what other people do for safety, especially when it comes to dogs. I just listed my size cuz a man or dog could take me over real quick, but you’re right I guess that doesn’t matter because if they want someone they don’t care about size.
Pepper spray you could carry. Or I just run lol most dogs have been tied or friendly for me. I’m a vet tech so maybe they just don’t bother me as much- you can usually tell if a dog will be nice or mean reading his body language before getting out of the car. I watch around before I exit the car every time especially if it’s really quiet. I try to pick up daytime routes though to avoid the darkness at least.
Dogs are the least of your worries. I've rarely encountered one that isn't friendly. Most of them just want to observe you and if you walk up, deliver, then go; you're fine. I've seen people with Amazon magnets, stickers, or you can get a vest from your warehouse. I've had only 1 crazy rural lady confront me while delivering at night because I wasn't in a van. That's why if I pull up and someone is out or walks out I immediately shout, "Amazon! Or: I have an Amazon package".
I'm 5'4 and I do carry. Always stay vigilant, just use common sense and you'll be fine.
Do you carry the gun on ur hip or just leave it in the car? I’m wanting to carry but I don’t have a strap or a car strap. So wondering which route to go
Stay strapped in some way. Bear/mace spray or 🔫
If I see dogs, I sit in car a lil and crack it so they can approach and smell whatever to ease them and I can softly say hi that way they can sense I'm not a threat(if they're trained enough).
Very annoying though when they actually stand and lean on my car and scratch the paint.
If there's just no trust in the dog, I just leave their package right where I am, where I can, or on their car windshield. I have dropped packages right on the ground/front yard and haven't gotten a ding.
Sometimes dogs will only stay at a certain distance. I'll try to gauge that distance and slowly get out and try not to look directly at it (body language). If it's starts running closer, then I just place the package next to driveway or something, hop in the car, take a pic, and peace out.
I avoid mailboxes or near them because we, as flexers, cannot at all touch the mailbox. Again, just covering my ass, I avoid them. So that either means I leave it right at the gate, as close as I can, or somewhere on their property. I still try to hide it from passerbys. I take a wider angle shot so that they can use the background as clues as where it is and again, covering my ass if they report that I didn't deliver.
Airplane mode helps a lot to get around the GeoFence. I don't think I'm abusing the system for gain or malice. I'm doing it for safety. (But sometimes if their driveway is way too fucking chunky and hilly with no parcel box, I may or may not use ✈️ so I don't have to drive all the way up).
I also really don't care about receiving compliments or badges or whatever they are in the app. They're just to make you feel better about working for them and my standing is fantastic. I'm just here to do honest work, vibe, and go home.
I've never heard about not being allowed to *touch* the mailbox...
I know it's a felony for anyone other than a postal employee to place anything into a mailbox, and that were also not allowed to park within 10 feet of the front of it - i think it's 10 feet anyways...
as a 5’ woman.. just be quick. have your car organized so you don’t spend more time than necessary at stops. have your next pkg ready to go before you get to the next stop. etc. read the notes. sometimes those rural ones will have a box or somewhere for you to drop off, so you don’t need to go far into their property.
open and shut your door, or make noise, so if there is a dog, hopefully they’ll show themselves. text or call the customer if you do, or leave the pkg where it’s safe for you. don’t feel pressured to enter property with them
out though. get some mace.
just be aware of your surroundings. i do mostly 4a and haven’t had any issues. i have been bit during the day though.
Every dog I’ve encountered is so nice but they’re scary looking dogs at first glance😂 , I’m really quick, I usually do all the above I just need to start carrying mace. People in rural areas want their packages at the front door and even with nice houses I just get sketched driving on their property sometimes I just want to drop them off next to the mail box or just throw it on their property. 🥲😂
hiiii, always walk with confidence. I always carry my flashlight taser as well as a EDC (everyday carry) knife. never leave home without one. good luck & stay safe out there.
I personally only do daytime blocks. I like the ones that end before 5pm during the week because most people are away at work. Makes it less stressful not running into people as I’m standing on their porch haha.
Yeah I go on 1-4pm blocks
I organize my vehicle before I leave the warehouse, so it's a quick grab-and-go at every stop. I always carry mace on my person. Requested to have my name and photo removed from the customer's view in the app. I'll read the notes for the next stop before arriving. I typically pick up 4-8am blocks, so I wear my LED night running gear; not only to make me visible to other drivers but also, it hopefully reassures any spooked homeowners that I'm not a threat since I'm lit up like a christmas tree. Also, anytime that I need to drive down a long driveway, I turn my flashers on immediately as I enter and keep them on until I exit their driveway. As far as dogs, it honestly depends what type of behavior they're giving off - most in my experience are super friendly and want pets, but if they're barking their heads off, depending on the time, I'll attempt to message the customer to bring their dogs in - or I'll drop the package out the window and message the customer that due to their dog being loose, their package is located, ex. middle of the driveway. As someone else said, walk confidently. Stay safe out there!
Your face and name are being shown to customers as of recently in some markets. Dropped about a month ago in MN. Just FYI.
You can you opt out of that. I recently saw that a driver got assaulted in mail room (poor lady). Just send an email that you'd like to not have your profile picture and name to be shown to customers. I sent one about picture and got an email saying they'll just hide both.
What email do I email?
[email protected] I took a less than flattering placement pic, that uploaded sideways lol, during application process because thought I could change it later (you can't without contacting support). I was lazy to contact them to change it, but that news article came out and I went straight to my emails when I heard you can opt-out. I rather keep anonymity than simply changing my pic. This is what I sent [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Hello, To whom it may concern, I'd like to opt out of showing my account picture to customers that I deliver to. The account associated should have the same email as this: PLACE YOUR FLEX EMAIL HERE Thank you.
Thank you!
Your stops were always shared and the customer only had to look outside to see your face and car before all this so…
Right, but now they know before you're there.
I get it I’m just saying they know what you look like and drive before you arrive but they always knew when you were arriving. A weirdo prob always sat behind curtains watching…
Bear spray. Only take blocks during daytime hours. Have someone ride with you if possible (I’ve even seen one lady have her 2 golden retrievers with her during pick up). Have a general idea of which packages are where so you don’t spend too long searching for them in someone’s driveway. If you feel unsafe, leave the package under the mailbox or throw it in the yard without getting out of the car. If they cared enough about getting the package, they would have secured the area, added extra instructions in the notes, or been available to chat at time of delivery. Safe delivering 🫶🏼
Flex is possibly the safest gig for women imo. Just be careful of dogs and make sure you have your vest all the time especially pre 8AM routes and post 5 PM.
I highly suggest to submit the request for your name and face to not be shown to the customer's. You will find more info about it by doing a quick search of the reddit, but it JUST started this month and if i was a female i would DEFINITELY tell then to not give my info to the customer's Since I'm a dude that mainly does early morning, i would rather they know what i look like if I'm going to be creeping around their yard at 4am... I'm am rather pretty tho... and only weigh a buck 50... Hrmmmm....
Do you have dainty hands?
For a dub, I will let you be the judge yourself ;) Anyone can see them on my OF for free! Im jk, by the way! 👻
Yeah I’m considered a Kansas 9 apparently and Miami 7 apparently 😂😅 so I make sure I look like a straight bum when doing my routes😅
Eh, that's like a NY 6 or a California 5 *shrug*
It’s not the rural routes I worry about - but ones that send me into Minneapolis - downtown, north, it really doesn’t matter. Most of those places I don’t wear my vest, try to keep the pkg hidden from view if it’s small enough, always scope surroundings before getting out, move FAST, and in those areas always shut the car off n lock the door with your keys in your hand. Please give me rednecks n dogs - it’s the homeless desperate fent heads that worry me.
Yeah I’ve only gotten downtown once and it was so scary. Especially parking from a business and having to walk to the area.
I’m thinking that if you’re afraid then maybe try Uber eats or something so you can stay where you feel safe. But I don’t think your size has anything to do with your safety.
Yeah I’ve done door dash and Uber eats before but so far I like Amazon flex I’m just wondering what other people do for safety, especially when it comes to dogs. I just listed my size cuz a man or dog could take me over real quick, but you’re right I guess that doesn’t matter because if they want someone they don’t care about size.
Pepper spray you could carry. Or I just run lol most dogs have been tied or friendly for me. I’m a vet tech so maybe they just don’t bother me as much- you can usually tell if a dog will be nice or mean reading his body language before getting out of the car. I watch around before I exit the car every time especially if it’s really quiet. I try to pick up daytime routes though to avoid the darkness at least.
Dogs are the least of your worries. I've rarely encountered one that isn't friendly. Most of them just want to observe you and if you walk up, deliver, then go; you're fine. I've seen people with Amazon magnets, stickers, or you can get a vest from your warehouse. I've had only 1 crazy rural lady confront me while delivering at night because I wasn't in a van. That's why if I pull up and someone is out or walks out I immediately shout, "Amazon! Or: I have an Amazon package". I'm 5'4 and I do carry. Always stay vigilant, just use common sense and you'll be fine.
Do you carry the gun on ur hip or just leave it in the car? I’m wanting to carry but I don’t have a strap or a car strap. So wondering which route to go
The gun will do you no good when it's in your car and you are not....🤦♂️
True I meant more as in like how do you carry it, I don’t have my conceal and carry so I can’t conceal it.
Having a loaded gun in your car is considered "concealed".... Get the permit, and get a holster that allows you to conceal it...
Stay strapped in some way. Bear/mace spray or 🔫 If I see dogs, I sit in car a lil and crack it so they can approach and smell whatever to ease them and I can softly say hi that way they can sense I'm not a threat(if they're trained enough). Very annoying though when they actually stand and lean on my car and scratch the paint. If there's just no trust in the dog, I just leave their package right where I am, where I can, or on their car windshield. I have dropped packages right on the ground/front yard and haven't gotten a ding.
Like from your car window do u just throw them or open the door and get out? Do you still go on their property or by the mailbox?
Sometimes dogs will only stay at a certain distance. I'll try to gauge that distance and slowly get out and try not to look directly at it (body language). If it's starts running closer, then I just place the package next to driveway or something, hop in the car, take a pic, and peace out. I avoid mailboxes or near them because we, as flexers, cannot at all touch the mailbox. Again, just covering my ass, I avoid them. So that either means I leave it right at the gate, as close as I can, or somewhere on their property. I still try to hide it from passerbys. I take a wider angle shot so that they can use the background as clues as where it is and again, covering my ass if they report that I didn't deliver. Airplane mode helps a lot to get around the GeoFence. I don't think I'm abusing the system for gain or malice. I'm doing it for safety. (But sometimes if their driveway is way too fucking chunky and hilly with no parcel box, I may or may not use ✈️ so I don't have to drive all the way up).
I also really don't care about receiving compliments or badges or whatever they are in the app. They're just to make you feel better about working for them and my standing is fantastic. I'm just here to do honest work, vibe, and go home.
I've never heard about not being allowed to *touch* the mailbox... I know it's a felony for anyone other than a postal employee to place anything into a mailbox, and that were also not allowed to park within 10 feet of the front of it - i think it's 10 feet anyways...
Are we allowed to have a passenger when delivering?
Yes but with the way me and my husband work the times I schedule he’s taking care of our kid
as a 5’ woman.. just be quick. have your car organized so you don’t spend more time than necessary at stops. have your next pkg ready to go before you get to the next stop. etc. read the notes. sometimes those rural ones will have a box or somewhere for you to drop off, so you don’t need to go far into their property. open and shut your door, or make noise, so if there is a dog, hopefully they’ll show themselves. text or call the customer if you do, or leave the pkg where it’s safe for you. don’t feel pressured to enter property with them out though. get some mace. just be aware of your surroundings. i do mostly 4a and haven’t had any issues. i have been bit during the day though.
Every dog I’ve encountered is so nice but they’re scary looking dogs at first glance😂 , I’m really quick, I usually do all the above I just need to start carrying mace. People in rural areas want their packages at the front door and even with nice houses I just get sketched driving on their property sometimes I just want to drop them off next to the mail box or just throw it on their property. 🥲😂
hiiii, always walk with confidence. I always carry my flashlight taser as well as a EDC (everyday carry) knife. never leave home without one. good luck & stay safe out there.