A Woolworths customer got a nasty surprise when she checked her home security footage. Instead of seeing her groceries gently placed on her doorstep, she watched in disbelief as a delivery driver carelessly tossed her shopping bags, damaging items inside.
Caught on Camera: Groceries Thrown Like Garbage
The homeowner shared the shocking video on Reddit this week. The clip shows a third-party delivery driver hurling bags of groceries onto her front porch without a second thought. After the reckless drop-off, the worker quickly snaps a photo to prove the order was “successfully” delivered before hastily leaving the property.
“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,” she noted.
Damaged Goods and Frustrated Customers
The careless delivery didn’t come without consequences. “This driver bruised our fruit and broke a two-litre milk carton,” the customer lamented. Frustrated, she added, “Something like this seems to happen every time we use a partner driver.”
She even quipped in her post, “Woolworths hiring ex-baggage handlers, clearly,” highlighting her disappointment with the service.
Woolworths Responds to the Incident
A spokesperson for Woolworths addressed the situation, telling news.com.au, “We are very disappointed to see this customer’s online order delivered in this manner. We have since contacted the customer and provided a refund for the damaged products.”
They encouraged any dissatisfied customers to reach out, stating, “If customers are ever unhappy with their experience, we encourage them to contact our Customer Hub.”
Online Outrage: Aussies React
The Reddit post quickly gained traction, with hundreds of Aussies expressing their outrage over the driver’s behavior.
“That driver should not be allowed to deliver if he thinks it’s acceptable to throw someone’s shopping onto the floor like that,” one user commented.
Others questioned the driver’s actions, wondering what he gained from such haste. “He saved a whole five seconds by throwing them instead of placing them down normally,” someone pointed out. Another added, “There’s zero reason for this to be delivered like this.”
Debate Over Third-Party Delivery Services
The incident sparked a wider discussion about Woolworths’ use of third-party delivery drivers. Some customers shared their dissatisfaction with the practice.
“When some random person shows up looking filthy, no shoes, and a car full of garbage, I think… I pay for Woolworths delivery, I expect Woolworths—not some third-party who doesn’t care,” one commenter shared.
Sympathy for the Driver?
Not everyone was quick to blame the driver. Some felt that the tough working conditions and low pay might have contributed to his actions.
“Honestly, the guy probably got paid six bucks to deliver that order. Pay shtty rates, get shtty service,” one person argued.
Another chimed in, “Hey, it’s raining, and the guy probably had a long day, earning less than minimum wage. Cut him some slack or go buy your groceries yourself. This is such a first-world problem.”
Standing Firm: No Excuse for Poor Service
Others disagreed, insisting that there’s no excuse for such negligence.
“No, if you’re going to do a job, do it properly. Even the bare minimum should be expected. This is just negligence,” one user fired back.
The original poster agreed, stating, “That’s excusable if you’re four years old, not an adult. We all have bad days, but I’m not giving him a pass for this.”
The Bigger Picture: How Are Deliveries Handled?
This incident sheds light on the broader issue of how online orders are delivered. Woolworths often works with third-party companies, like Uber Eats, to hire delivery drivers known as “personal shoppers.” These drivers deliver items directly from local stores and typically do not wear Woolworths uniforms.
According to Woolworths’ website, items are supposed to be “picked, packed, and delivered to your door with care” by their “friendly” drivers or Partner Delivery drivers in a matter of minutes.
Final Thoughts: What Can Be Done?
While the convenience of online shopping and delivery is undeniable, incidents like this raise concerns about the reliability and professionalism of third-party delivery services. Customers expect their goods to arrive safely and handled with care—standards that should be upheld regardless of who is making the delivery.
For now, Woolworths advises customers to reach out if they’re unhappy with their experience, ensuring that issues can be addressed promptly.