How to start your first shift on Glovo?
How to start with Glovo? The first shift can be stressful, but with good preparation, it quickly becomes a simple and repetitive routine. In this guide, you’ll find clear tips based on materials for new couriers: from installing the Glovo Rider app, booking shifts, to the wallet, payments, and rewards system.
Step 1 – Glovo Rider app and logging in
How to get started with Glovo? You can begin working once you are 18 or older. To start, you need a smartphone with internet access and the Glovo Rider app installed, available on the App Store and Google Play. During setup, select Poland as your country and log in with the email credentials you’ll receive after registering with a partner or directly with Glovo. After logging in, you’ll immediately see the key tabs: sessions, rewards, wallet, and courier profile.
Step 2 – vehicle selection and safety
On Glovo, you can work with a bicycle, scooter, or car – choose the vehicle that matches your city and riding style. Bicycles are eco-friendly, scooters allow you to bypass traffic jams more quickly, and a car is good for larger orders. Always remember to wear a helmet (for bicycles/scooters), use reflectors after dark, and only park in designated areas so as not to hinder traffic.
Step 3 – thermal backpack and order organization
A requirement for delivering orders and to start with Glovo is a thermal backpack – without it you cannot start work. Every order must go inside the backpack, keeping hot and cold products separate, placing drinks upright, and pizza horizontally. Always securely close your backpack while riding to protect the food and avoid client complaints.
Step 4 – booking a session before your first shift
Before you start earning money, you must book a session in the app under the “Available Sessions” tab. The calendar opens every Thursday from 4:00 PM, and that’s when you book your hours for the entire next week. You can cancel a session up to 12 hours before it begins without consequences; for shorter notice, it’s better to release the slot for another courier.
Step 5 – ranking system and how not to mess up your start
Glovo uses a ranking system from 1 to 12 that determines how early you see the new shift calendar. Rank 1 gives you priority booking and is updated every week based on your performance. To improve your rank from your very first shift, accept all orders, deliver on time, don’t be late for session starts, and avoid cancelling hours at the last moment.
Step 6 – insurance and formalities
As a courier, you have insurance coverage from the moment you start a session with the Glovo Rider app until one hour after you finish working. Detailed policy terms can be found by scanning the QR code from your onboarding materials or in your logistics partner panel. This way, with responsible riding, you can feel safer on the road.
Step 7 – wallet, cash, and payouts
During your first shift, you’ll quickly notice the “Glovo Wallet” tab, where cash from customer payments accumulates. These funds are meant for paying for orders at points of sale and giving change, not your net pay. All transactions are visible in the app, and exceeding your set balance means you need to make a payment via the Glovo Cash Portal or to your fleet partner.
Step 8 – weekly settlements with partner
The billing period at Glovo is a full week from Monday to Sunday. Settlements are sent by email every Wednesday, and your payment comes from your logistics partner according to your contract. In practice, this means stable, weekly payouts for all orders delivered during that time.
With us a Glovo courier has a 0 PLN administrative fee — you only pay taxes and ZUS (if they apply to your form of cooperation).
Step 9 – picking up an order from a point
On your first shift, after switching to “online” mode, you’ll receive your first order and directions to the pickup point. When you arrive, provide the pickup code displayed in the app (sometimes after the “#” sign), and for McDonald’s, just give the last three digits of the full code. As soon as you receive the food, place it in your backpack, mark it as collected in the app, and head out to the customer.
Step 10 – Delivery, Contact with Customer, and Support
Before setting off, check the exact address and any additional instructions from the customer, such as the building or intercom number. If you see that you might be late, contact the customer through the app to inform them of the estimated delivery time. In case of any issues with completing the order, do not mark it as delivered—use the support chat instead, where you can get help finding a solution.
Step 11 – Pizza, Drinks, and Contactless Delivery
When delivering pizza, always keep the box flat; if necessary, lay your backpack down horizontally to avoid damaging the contents. Secure drinks to prevent any spills—use your backpack’s dividers and keep them upright. Perform a contactless delivery only if the customer specifically requests it; otherwise, do not leave the order unattended at the door.
Step 12 – Rewards, Challenges, and How to Become a TOP Courier
Glovo offers a rewards program where you earn a point for every delivery, and you can track your progress in the “Rewards” tab. The app also has special daily, weekly, and monthly challenges available in the Promotions → Opportunities section, which let you earn extra bonuses. To become a TOP courier, focus on consistency, punctual check-ins for sessions, fast and safe driving, good communication with customers, and a professional approach to the brand you represent.
You’re Ready for Your First Shift
After going through the above steps, you have all the tools you need to start your first shift on Glovo stress-free. Remember that every experienced courier was once a beginner—the most important things are safety, punctuality, and taking care of delivery quality. Thanks to the system of sessions, ranks, and rewards, you can gradually increase your earnings and join thousands of satisfied couriers across Poland.
