Shoppers slam Woolworths delivery driver over ‘grubby act’: ‘That driver should not be allowed’

In an age where convenience is king and online shopping has become a staple for many Australian households, the expectation of receiving goods in pristine condition remains a fundamental consumer right.

However, a recent incident involving a third-party Woolworths delivery driver has left customers across the nation fuming and questioning the reliability of such services.



The incident, which was captured on a customer's CCTV, shows the delivery driver in a less-than-flattering light as they are seen throwing grocery bags onto a customer's front porch in the pouring rain.

The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, has sparked a heated debate.


Screenshot 2024-11-20 at 8.55.26 AM.png
Aussie shoppers were outraged after a Woolworths delivery driver did this ‘grubby’ act. Credit: u/CreateYourUsername / Reddit


The outraged customer took to social media to share the footage and express their dissatisfaction.

Accompanying the video, the caption read: 'This grub bruised our fruit and busted a 2L milk. I didn't get his first throw on camera, but it was a big one, based on the bang I heard from three rooms away.'

The customer highlighted that the delivery driver was a 'personal shopper' working for a third-party company, which they claimed often resulted in unreliable service.

'Something like this seems to happen every time we use a partner driver,' they lamented.



The video has since prompted hundreds of viewers to share their own horror stories about third-party delivery services.

One viewer commented, 'That driver should not be allowed to deliver if he thinks it's even remotely OK to throw someone's shopping onto the floor like that.'

Another tried to reassure, 'Woolworths use both DoorDash and Uber Eats to deliver some of their orders—I promise not all of us are this disrespectful.'

Meanwhile, other customers defended Woolworths and suggested to shop directly next time.

'Woolies haven't hired anyone. That's a third party who's picked your order up from a store,' one wrote.

'To avoid this, pick a three-hour window that doesn't say “partner driver”. Anyone who is not a partner driver is hired by Woolies, and Woolies can give direct feedback to truck drivers.'



In response to the uproar, a Woolworths spokesperson expressed the incident was ‘disappointing’ and encouraged the customer to get in touch with their local store to resolve the issue.

‘We are very disappointed to see this customer's online order delivered like this,' they said.

'We would encourage this customer to contact us directly with their order details so we can refund any damaged products.'

'If customers are ever unhappy with their experience, we'd encourage them to contact our customer hub or speak with their local store team.'

You can watch the video below:


Credit: u/CreateYourUsername / Reddit

Key Takeaways

  • A third-party Woolworths delivery driver was criticised for carelessly throwing a customer's groceries onto their front porch, as captured on CCTV.
  • The customer expressed their frustration on social media and highlighted how this was not an isolated incident with third-party delivery services.
  • Viewers of the footage shared similar negative experiences with third-party delivery drivers, prompting discussions about the reliability of these services.
  • A Woolworths spokesperson responded by expressing disappointment over the incident and encouraged the affected customer to get in touch for a refund on damaged products.
Have you had a similar experience with online grocery deliveries? How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
 
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In response to the uproar, a Woolworths spokesperson expressed the incident was ‘disappointing’ and encouraged the customer to get in touch with their local store to resolve the issue.

While the driver's actions were deplorable, why didn't the online shopper do this in the first place instead of going to "social media". What remedial action is "social media" going to achieve? NONE!

What a total goose!
 
Why did the customer not report it to woolworths straight away.

Why are people straight away posting on line rather than approach the source, who can then penalise the 3rd party.

I often do coles rapid delivery. Spend $50 get free delivery. Which is then delivered by a third party eg Uber.
I have at times noticed missing items and contact coles straight away.

Three weeks ago when I went to collect my groceries I found all my items plus three bags extra totalling around $100 extra items.
I contacted coles and they replied 'keep the items' the customer will contact us and be refunded.
By the ingredients in the bag I think the lady was having guest for dinner.
Her name was on the bag and I tried looking her up but to no avail.

I felt bad for her as refunds take a couple of days and what if she had no other money .

I searched white pages and social media but nothing. I called coles again to get her address so we could deliver but they said they couldn't due to confidentiality.

Best solution would have been for them to arrange someone to pick it up and deliver or arrange a new order to be delivered asap
 
Why did the customer not report it to woolworths straight away.

Why are people straight away posting on line rather than approach the source, who can then penalise the 3rd party.

I often do coles rapid delivery. Spend $50 get free delivery. Which is then delivered by a third party eg Uber.
I have at times noticed missing items and contact coles straight away.

Three weeks ago when I went to collect my groceries I found all my items plus three bags extra totalling around $100 extra items.
I contacted coles and they replied 'keep the items' the customer will contact us and be refunded.
By the ingredients in the bag I think the lady was having guest for dinner.
Her name was on the bag and I tried looking her up but to no avail.

I felt bad for her as refunds take a couple of days and what if she had no other money .

I searched white pages and social media but nothing. I called coles again to get her address so we could deliver but they said they couldn't due to confidentiality.

Best solution would have been for them to arrange someone to pick it up and deliver or arrange a new order to be delivered asap
People don't think. Companies are getting lazy. They could have sent someone to pick up the 3 extra bags and delivered them to the lady. No-one has any brains anymore.
 
A while ago I witnessed the woollies driver dropped a bag of groceries and what looked like apples/peaches rolled under his truck and some in the gutter. He used his boot to kick them into a pile before putting them back in the bag. The house he was delivering to has a no standing sign and that's why he was outside my place. Won't trust deliveries where food is involved.
 
Our Woolworths drivers are exceptional. They are polite and efficient, always dressed well for the job, and personal and friendly. They will bring all the bags inside for me and take great care in what they do. They always photograph the delivery, I suppose, to protect themselves if there is an issue. Any missing items are obviously not their fault, so it only takes a few minutes to talk with "Olive," Woolworth's online chat person, to obtain a credit.
I have noticed, however, that if I use a "Partner" delivery, it is a different situation. They are often unpleasant and could possibly have used a shower before their shift started. They often drive taxi cars, and their command of the English language is restricted. The groceries including frozen goods are carried in the boot, unlike the Woolworths trucks that are fully refrigerated with a freezer compartment. Sorry, but I just do not like them.
 
I can't even get home deliveries any more. Over time I've had IGA (I love my staff) refuse to deliver because they demand you have a mobile phone to "send you an SMS". I have no use for a mobile phone as I'm too deaf and use a land line. I've dealt with this store for over 20 years. Obviously head office is run by dickheads. I also contacted Coles. On 2 occasions I was abused by a male Supervisor, once to tell them the delivery man had dumped my shopping outside my door where I couldn't get to it. The delivery driver grudgingly came back and put some of my stuff on the bench but then I realised some was missing. I discovered 4 bags of cold stuff still outside including icecream, meat, cheese and eggs. Another time my order was dumped outside, no knock. It was discovered NEXT MORNING. You can imagine what the cold stuff was like.
 
Two sides to every story. It was pouring rain, didn't want groceries getting wet. Customer could have left gate open under the circumstances. In fact, could have bought the groceries in store.
Customer could have bought in store but didn't. The point to this story is how the delivery driver threw the bags down. It's not that hard to put them down properly. The delivery driver should be made to pay for any damages as far as I am concerned.
 
Our Woolworths drivers are exceptional. They are polite and efficient, always dressed well for the job, and personal and friendly. They will bring all the bags inside for me and take great care in what they do. They always photograph the delivery, I suppose, to protect themselves if there is an issue. Any missing items are obviously not their fault, so it only takes a few minutes to talk with "Olive," Woolworth's online chat person, to obtain a credit.
I have noticed, however, that if I use a "Partner" delivery, it is a different situation. They are often unpleasant and could possibly have used a shower before their shift started. They often drive taxi cars, and their command of the English language is restricted. The groceries including frozen goods are carried in the boot, unlike the Woolworths trucks that are fully refrigerated with a freezer compartment. Sorry, but I just do not like them.
I'm with you, iv'e never had a bad delivery experience, they are always polite and let us know they are here.
As for our personal shopper, they are outstanding, sometimes putting in an extra chocolate bar or cake, and their substitutions are usually spot on. I can't complain about that!
 
While I understand the frustration, it's now the norm to shame businesses instead of giving them the chance to fix it. Stuff like this happens in business but it's how they handle the complaint that is important.
It's such a shame people are so quickly willing to bring down a business down, but they have offered to rectify ( and would have done if contacted first) the situation and surely that's important. Please remember they can't fix what they don't know.
 
There is little care given by a lot of delivery drivers. Always stories about their lack of professionalism. I believe payment for deliveries isn't very much and nothing if they can't deliver.
Solutions include pay them more but you will be charged or if possible do your own shopping or use click and collect.
Aus post.... try to have your parcel delivered to a parcel collect box
It can be difficult
 
I can't even get home deliveries any more. Over time I've had IGA (I love my staff) refuse to deliver because they demand you have a mobile phone to "send you an SMS". I have no use for a mobile phone as I'm too deaf and use a land line. I've dealt with this store for over 20 years. Obviously head office is run by dickheads. I also contacted Coles. On 2 occasions I was abused by a male Supervisor, once to tell them the delivery man had dumped my shopping outside my door where I couldn't get to it. The delivery driver grudgingly came back and put some of my stuff on the bench but then I realised some was missing. I discovered 4 bags of cold stuff still outside including icecream, meat, cheese and eggs. Another time my order was dumped outside, no knock. It was discovered NEXT MORNING. You can imagine what the cold stuff was like.
IGA deliveries are done by the Supermarket that is given the order. You need to discuss this with the Store Manager. H.O. has no power at all re: deliveries. Re: Coles did they ring your doorbell?? Maybe you need a louder one?? I have a really loud one, maybe that is an option for you.
 
IGA deliveries are done by the Supermarket that is given the order. You need to discuss this with the Store Manager. H.O. has no power at all re: deliveries. Re: Coles did they ring your doorbell?? Maybe you need a louder one?? I have a really loud one, maybe that is an option for you.
you sure got that wrong... IGA orders ARE NOT DONE LOCALLY. I've actually spoken to 2 lovely people FROM HEAD OFFICE....Lyle and Jenny. I tried once again to place an order this morning and got the same message re SMS. This does NOT come from Bundaberg. Let you in on a secret... it was ME who asked the local Manager to set up home deliveries and it took HO almost 12 months to get it working.
As for a doorbell...firstly I don't have one BUT because of my legs I sit on my lounge 4 (four steps from the door.) I live in a small unit.. a "really loud " bell would be useless.
 
you sure got that wrong... IGA orders ARE NOT DONE LOCALLY. I've actually spoken to 2 lovely people FROM HEAD OFFICE....Lyle and Jenny. I tried once again to place an order this morning and got the same message re SMS. This does NOT come from Bundaberg. Let you in on a secret... it was ME who asked the local Manager to set up home deliveries and it took HO almost 12 months to get it working.
As for a doorbell...firstly I don't have one BUT because of my legs I sit on my lounge 4 (four steps from the door.) I live in a small unit.. a "really loud " bell would be useless.
Our IGA in Frankston does their own deliveries between 8.00a.m. And 1.00p.m.and their just around the corner from me. It’s great to be able to use them and woollies.😊
 
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Reactions: HelenFB and deni67
Why did the customer not report it to woolworths straight away.

Why are people straight away posting on line rather than approach the source, who can then penalise the 3rd party.

I often do coles rapid delivery. Spend $50 get free delivery. Which is then delivered by a third party eg Uber.
I have at times noticed missing items and contact coles straight away.

Three weeks ago when I went to collect my groceries I found all my items plus three bags extra totalling around $100 extra items.
I contacted coles and they replied 'keep the items' the customer will contact us and be refunded.
By the ingredients in the bag I think the lady was having guest for dinner.
Her name was on the bag and I tried looking her up but to no avail.

I felt bad for her as refunds take a couple of days and what if she had no other money .

I searched white pages and social media but nothing. I called coles again to get her address so we could deliver but they said they couldn't due to confidentiality.

Best solution would have been for them to arrange someone to pick it up and deliver or arrange a new order to be delivered asap
That is called "common sense" which is not at all common these days!
 

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