“Jollibee’s Christmas Reindeer Hunt Sparks Backlash as Customers Force Delivery Riders to Wait for Hours, Igniting Fierce Online Debate”

Recently, the trend of purchasing Jollibee combos to hunt for limited-edition Christmas reindeer gifts has gone viral across social media platforms. Long queues of customers and crowded delivery drivers have become a common sight at many Jollibee outlets. The overwhelming demand, coupled with the allure of exclusive gifts, has led to a surge in orders, forcing many delivery drivers to wait for extended periods to pick up their assignments.

Amidst this frenzy, a social media post sparked a heated debate. The poster argued that customers placing delivery orders during peak times inadvertently force drivers to wait longer, time that could otherwise be spent completing additional orders to boost their earnings. Notably, the poster suggested that ordering solely for the gift without tipping the driver is particularly unfair.

The post instantly polarized the online community.

Many argued that long waits are inherent to the delivery driver’s job, especially during peak seasons, holidays, or promotional events. They contended that customers ordering as usual are not at fault, as tipping is voluntary, not mandatory.

Others expressed sympathy for drivers enduring long waits in harsh weather but stopped short of blaming customers.

Notably, a seasoned delivery driver commented, “It’s just part of the job. I’ve been doing this for nearly 9 years, and it’s normal.” He shared that such peak periods are expected, and most drivers are accustomed to extended waits during special occasions.

In another perspective, some customers who ordered the reindeer combo shared that they voluntarily tipped drivers for their patience during long waits. They believed that while tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a way to show appreciation for the drivers’ efforts, a sentiment echoed by many.

Some netizens also questioned Jollibee’s strategy. They argued that the brand could have anticipated the surge in orders due to the limited gift and adjusted the promotion—for instance, offering gifts only to in-store purchases—to ease the burden on delivery drivers.

Currently, in many areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, searches for the Jollibee reindeer combo on delivery apps yield results like “not found,” “sold out,” or “unavailable.”

The debate continues to rage on social media. What’s your take: Are customers at fault, or is this just an inevitable “mini-wave” of the holiday gift-hunting season?