Delivery drivers remember who makes their job harder — and it is usually the person who thinks they are being ‘helpful.
Food delivery has made life easier, but it has also made some customers a nightmare to deal with.
While most orders are simple and straightforward, a handful of requests can instantly make drivers groan before they even start their car.
Drivers talk, too — and they can spot a “difficult” order before they even hit “accept.”
These requests are not always rude on purpose, but they often slow things down, create confusion, or push the limits of what delivery drivers can reasonably handle.
Here are nine food requests that land customers straight on a delivery driver’s difficult list.
1. “Can you grab me extra sauce?”
It sounds harmless, but it is one of the most hated add-ons.
Most restaurants will not give extra sauces without charging, and drivers are not supposed to buy extras with their own money.
Asking them to “just grab a few” puts them in an awkward spot.
If they refuse, you think they are lazy.
If they say yes, they are likely paying out of pocket or risking a delay.
2. “Call me when you get here — don’t knock or ring the bell”
This one seems simple, but it almost never goes smoothly.
Drivers are juggling multiple deliveries, and every app already has built-in notifications.
Special instructions like this often get missed or misinterpreted.
Plus, having to call or text instead of knocking slows down their route.
It is fine to make the request, but do not get angry if it slips through the cracks.
3. “Make sure the food is really hot when you get here”
Drivers cannot control how hot the food stays during the trip.
They are not cooking it, and they cannot reheat it.
Most use insulated bags, but traffic, distance, or restaurant delays will still cool things down.
Telling them to “make sure” it is hot feels like blame for something they cannot fix.
It is the equivalent of asking your mail carrier to warm up your Amazon package.
4. “Can you check that they didn’t forget anything?”
It sounds like a smart request, but most restaurants seal their bags for security reasons.
Drivers are not allowed to open them.
If they break the seal, they can get reported or even deactivated.
You can politely ask them to double-check with staff before leaving, but they cannot inspect your food.
It is better to contact the restaurant or the app if something is missing.
5. “Can you bring it up to the 12th floor?”
Unless you are paying for a premium service, drivers are not required to go beyond the front door or lobby.
Every trip upstairs takes extra time, and some buildings have security restrictions that make it worse.
If you live in an apartment, try to meet them halfway — literally.
It saves time, avoids confusion, and earns instant respect from drivers.
6. “Can you wait while I check my order?”
Drivers work on tight schedules.
Every extra minute waiting eats into their ability to take more deliveries.
When you make them stand at your door while you inspect your fries, it slows down their next order.
If something is wrong, use the app to report it.
Drivers have no control over what the restaurant packs.
7. “Text me when you are nearby so I can give you directions”
Every app has GPS.
Drivers already follow precise routes from the restaurant to your address.
When customers try to take control and give extra directions, it usually causes confusion or delays.
Unless your house is genuinely impossible to find, the best thing you can do is trust the app.
And if it is hard to find, just leave clear written instructions instead of asking for calls or texts.
8. “Can you stop somewhere and grab a drink on the way?”
This turns a normal delivery into a side errand.
Drivers cannot add stops or make unauthorized purchases.
It sounds like a small favor, but it violates app policies and delays every other order on their route.
They are not personal assistants, and saying no does not make them rude — it keeps them from getting deactivated.
9. “Please handle my food carefully”
It sounds innocent, but it implies you think they would not do that otherwise.
Drivers already handle dozens of meals carefully because it affects their ratings.
Adding a comment like this comes across as distrustful.
It is like telling a surgeon, “Try not to mess up.”
They get the message, but it still stings.
The bigger picture
Most delivery drivers just want to do their job efficiently and respectfully.
When customers pile on unrealistic requests, it makes a simple delivery more stressful than it needs to be.
The best way to stay off the difficult list is simple.
Be polite, keep your requests realistic, and always tip fairly.
Because for drivers, the best customers are the ones who make their night a little easier.
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