We’re really excited that you’re thinking about becoming a contractor with AO. We want to make it as easy as possible so here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
1. Who are you?
We are AO – an online electrical retailer. We sell, deliver, and install white goods and electricals to customers throughout the UK. That could be anything from American-style fridge freezers to mobile phones… and everything in between!
2. I’m a self-employed driver – what can AO offer me?
With AO, you’ll get:
- A fully fuelled vehicle with no rental costs
- Fully paid training
- On-site parking
- A uniform
- Development opportunities as an AO contractor
3. I haven’t been self-employed before – is there any help available to get me started?
Don’t worry, it’s never been easier to become self-employed. The .gov website is a great source of help and advice, and there are plenty of smartphone apps available where you can add receipts and invoices to help work out tax and NI.
4. Why do I need a mate?
Some of the appliances can be pretty heavy, so an extra pair of hands is definitely needed. Your mate just needs to be someone over the age of 18, but before they climb in the driver’s seat, they’ll need to be 21 or over and hold a full UK manual driving license.
5. How do I let you know when I am free to work?
Simply submit your availability for the next week through our dedicated app. Once you’ve done that, the depot will allocate you a run for the days you’d like to work. We operate 7 days a week, 362 days a year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take advantage of AO’s great earning potential.
6. How will I be paid?
Payment is worked out through the availability app and the routes you have been allocated. Each week, you’ll receive an invoice before payment comes through the following Monday. Invoices are based on an hourly rate as a two-man crew and are paid into the lead driver’s account.
7. How is my route planned?
We have a dedicated internal team of routers that use customers’ orders to work out your route each day. You’ll get the chance to preview your planned route before heading out of the depot and it’s worth mentioning that sometimes, there will be re-loads included. Each route will feature between 24 and 35 deliveries.
8. What do you class as ‘heavy lifting’?
AO sells a range of different appliances, from range cookers to toasters, and depending on what appliances you have for that day, the average weight will be between 60-80kg.
9. What is the difference between a ‘transhipped’ and ‘self-load’ site?
For tranship sites, the van is fully loaded. So all you need to do is check the van before your run starts.
In the case of self-load sites, you’ll be responsible for the van checks and loading the appliances into the van at the start of the day. This will be done with your crew member and support from the depot – but don’t worry, this time is planned into your route.