Uber Eats delivery drivers, colloquially known as "riders," have recently sparked curiosity with their use of slang terms like "whale" and "tuna," indicating high-paying delivery jobs. The terms have taken root among riders, especially during busy periods, and have become part of common dialogue.
Sato Daiki, one of the riders, elucidated, "We, the delivery drivers, call high-paying jobs 'whale' and 'tuna'. Tuna jobs are around 3,000 yen, and whale jobs are over 5,000 yen." The differentiation between these two types of delivery requests points to not only the monetary allocation but also the increasing demand for riders during peak demand periods. For example, it's been reported by some riders like Ria, who noted they can earn between 5,000 yen to 8,000 yen per day, especially during high-demand situations.
The beginnings of this slang emerged around late 2024, during the festive period when customer orders dramatically spiked. According to Daiki, "If all riders continue to reject certain orders, Uber must raise the payout price to get someone to take on the delivery." This phenomenon creates a competitive environment where many riders find themselves vying for these lucrative jobs.
While this slang may suggest lucrative opportunities for riders, it is also being viewed against the backdrop of growing challenges. Restaurant owner Kobayashi Kota commented, "It has become noticeable; it’s taking longer to match orders with riders. Sometimes orders take 20 to 30 minutes longer than before." Such delays can impact customer satisfaction, leading to unfulfilled expectations around meal delivery.
The increased delivery fees are partly due to the reported shortage of available riders, particularly highlighted during periods of inclement weather or other factors leading to diminished rider availability. Daiki mentioned, "We’ve seen many riders exit the system post-COVID due to lowered earnings, and now there’s a scarcity of available riders, leading to inflated delivery pricing to attract those who remain."
This situation has not only affected riders but also the restaurants participating in the delivery service. Daiki has warned fellow riders about the potential pitfalls of accepting these high-paying gigs. "These jobs are often tied to dissatisfied customers and delayed deliveries. Accepting them frequently could perpetuate negative perceptions of Uber Eats’ services, which could then backfire on us all,” he cautioned.
Throughout this dynamic, some riders have even taken to sharing their secrets for catching more "whales" and "tunas" through paid advice channels. But Daiki believes this trend of high-paying jobs stemming from desperation may not be sustainable. He stated, "I love working for Uber Eats, but we need to maintain quality, otherwise we risk losing orders completely.”
Uber Eats has acknowledged the inflated delivery demand during peak periods but claims to have returned to stable operations. A representative stated, "We confirmed major delays and cancellations during the holiday season but have since resolved our supply issues and are now able to offer stable service again."
This careful balancing act between supply and demand raises important discussions about the future of gig employment and service quality within the food delivery sector. While the slang brings to light the unique experiences of riders, it also invites scrutiny of the broader system interacting to establish the delivery ecosystem we currently see.
With the slang terms gaining popularity and financial rewards on the rise, the narrative surrounding Uber Eats riders continues to evolve, showcasing the intricacies and challenges of modern gig work.