It sounded like a really nice holiday perk: You could tip your hard-working Amazon delivery person simply by using your Alexa device (or the app on your phone) to thank your driver, and they’d receive a $5 tip. receive from the company.
The program launched on Dec. 7 and was likely intended to announce Amazon’s new feature that allowed users to thank their drivers through their Alexa apps. Available to all US carriers who deliver on Amazon’s behalf, it didn’t take long. Amazon only offered the virtual tips in response to the first million thank yous — and that $5 million was apparently used up in a matter of days.
According to Lauren Samaha, Amazon spokesperson, “Over 1 million thank yous have been shared and as long as the promotional period has ended, drivers will continue to be notified of the gratitude received.” Whether the drivers really appreciate the thanks will, I think, depend on how the person feels about their job. But hey! It will not hurt.
It’s easy to do: After you receive an Amazon package, say “Alexa, thank my driver” to your Echo or another Alexa device (or to your phone if you have an Alexa app), and it will thank you driver. You’ll also get a confirmation that says, “From Alexa: Thank you for your rating! We will share your thanks with the driver.”
If you want to leave a bigger thank you, it might be a nice idea when you place your order to ask your driver to ring the bell when the package is delivered – and be ready to hand them a $5 bill when they show up. It might not be as cool as sending a tip through an app, but it might be more certain — given that Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon for stealing tips from delivery drivers through the Amazon Flex service.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.