Best Practices for Independent Delivery Networks

Reddit Substitute --->>> THE LIST
Between June 12-15 there is a worldwide Reddit boycott concerning API access. We love a good protest but we just can't go that long without bullshitting of some kind. So we made up imitations for 50 or so of our favorite subreddit topics. CHECK IT OUT!

Expectations as Customers

   Customers - general opinions here 
   What's a fair price for food delivery? 
   Ordering through restaurant app vs ordering through delivery app 
   Houses vs Apartments vs Offices $$$$$ 
   How much does smoking bother you? 
   When and how do you use (ride share)? What's a fair price? How about STOPS? 
   Would you use 2x week shopping or on-demand or none? 
   How often do you expect to bring (luggage/groceries) on your ride? 
   How often do you expect to need assistance with a mobility device (wheelchair/walker)? 
   Do you expect that a driver would have a (baby/booster) seat?

Expectations as Drivers

   Drivers - general opinions here 
   What's your price point for a 20-minute job? 
   What equipment do you expect to carry? (car seat, hot bag, etc) 
   How many hours or days do you like to work per week? 
   Do you work when the weather is bad, or stay home? 
   Do you have commercial auto insurance? (opinions not a sales pitch) 
   Do you have contingency for repairs, emergencies, and injuries?

Expectations as Retail Partners

   Retail Partners - general opinions here 
   Are you already too busy or do you want more orders? 
   Does your store use a delivery app? 
   Would you rather customers order through your app or the delivery service? 
   Would you list your specials on a delivery app - with a link to YOUR app? 
   With delivery app orders is it an inconvenience to confirm each order? (stores and restaurants) 
   Restaurants - Do you think thermal bags help keep food (hot/cold/fresh)? 
   How long do you expect food to stay (hot/cold/fresh) BEFORE the food is picked up? 
   Do you expect to check names/phones to hand out orders? 
   Do you often expect (big/heavy/awkward) orders? 
   If you run a BAR or HOTEL - Do you expect to see many people in need of rides? (weekly avg)

Evaluating the Overall Market and Current Options
Gig delivery is forecast to affect $320b by 2029. Are people satisfied with their current options?

Empowering Local Neighborhoods
One person's idea for a better system turned into a project to share with others.

Test Areas for New Networks (Autumn 2023)
Prototype areas to test out the new app and organizational template.

About the DeliveryCats Cooperatives Project
FAQ and news about the project.

PART 1 - The App (open-source platform)
Independent Delivery Cooperatives "Best Practices"

   Required Specs for Community Platform 
   Software Options 
   Hardware/Servers 
   Maintenance/Updates 
   Major Version Upgrades 
   ** FOSS Project **

First Read the Room

   Who Will Discourage the Idea? 
   Who is Pushing the Idea? 
   Urban Modifications 
   Rural Modifications

Is it Sustainable?

   First Look at Numbers 
   Defining the Area and Scope 
   Committing to Ethics and Excellence

Start Up of a Cooperative

   Avoid Traps Before Falling In 
   Setting Up the Business 
   Setting up the Office 
   Setting up the Policy Book 
   Talking to Stores, Restaurants 
   Finding Customers 
   Finding Drivers

Management of a Cooperative

   Administrative Tasks 
   Routine Management Tasks

Strategic Issues of a Cooperative

   Liability Management 
   Keeping Everyone Happy (Simultaneously) 
   Pricing 
   Profitability 
   Economies of Scale 
   Marketing 
   Advertising 
   Adjustments 
   Exit plan

Deal Breakers / Deal Makers

   Red Flags for Organizers 
   Green Flags for Organizers

Extra Endeavors

   Promotions/Gear2 
   Group Insurance2 
   Revenue Streams2

Final Thoughts on IDC Best Practices

   Sage Advice 
   Critics and Constructive Criticism 
   Non-toxic Positivity

** Logistics Best Practices **

   Trust and Quality 
   Managing Expectations 
   Segments 
   General Logistics 
   Hot-Food-Specifically 
   Passengers-Specifically 
   Shopping-Specifically 
   Couriers-Specifically 
   Errands-Specifically 
   Other Labor/Service (careful) 
   Membership Account 
   Profiles 
   Trading Post 
   Bartering / Special Requests 
   Status Updates 
   Ordering 
   Picking up 
   Shopping 
   Transport 
   Delivering 
   Verification 
   Age-Sensitive Verification 
   Conclude Transaction 
   Problems / Support

DCC Project Steps

   Discussion Forums / Membership Drive 
   Prototype Test Areas (Autumn 2023) 
   Deliverables v1.0 (2024) 
   Ongoing Support