The restaurant refuses to hand over orders without an insulated bag. The phone runs out of battery three hours into the shift. A customer complains about cold pizza. Qiwi Partner will break down specific equipment, including sizes and prices—not just general advice.
1. Insulated Bag: Size, Capacity, Platform Requirements
Uber Eats explicitly allows restaurants to refuse to fulfill an order without an insulated bag. Wolt and Glovo operate on the same principle in practice. The standard size is approximately 40×40×45 centimeters, with a capacity of 40–50 liters—enough for a large pizza and several orders at once. The platform’s logo isn’t required—what matters is double insulation and a water-resistant outer coating, not the brand on the label. The price of a standard bag is 60–100 zlotys.
2. Power Bank: How Much Capacity Do You Really Need?
GPS, navigation, and chatting with customers and the restaurant—the phone runs on the edge of its battery all day long. A capacity of 10,000 mAh or more covers an entire shift with navigation turned on and the screen at full brightness. Fast charging via USB-C saves you minutes between orders. The price of such a power bank is 40–70 zlotys.
3. Phone holder
A bike handlebar mount or car dashboard mount frees up your hands for driving—holding a phone in your hand while driving is both dangerous and inconvenient. Choose a model with a sturdy mount: the jolting on cobblestones will break cheap plastic ones in a matter of weeks. Price: 20–40 zlotys.
4. Winter Gear
Winter in Poland means several months of regular work in the cold, not just two weeks of freezing temperatures. Waterproof gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingers let you accept orders in the app without taking off your gloves in the cold. A reflective vest is a safety feature for bike couriers during the dark hours of the day, when it gets dark as early as 4 p.m.
5. Rain protection
A waterproof phone case protects the screen while navigating on the go in the rain. A raincoat worn over a jacket dries faster than regular clothes between orders. Shoe covers protect against puddles during long shifts.
6. Bicycle lock
Bicycle theft during delivery is a real problem near shopping centers and restaurants in the centers of large cities. A lightweight U-lock costs less than the rush to find and buy a new bike. The price ranges from 30 to 60 zlotys, depending on the security rating.
7. Taking Care of Your Insulated Bag—Something People Often Forget
Restaurants and the delivery platforms themselves periodically check the condition of the insulated bags, especially if there have been customer complaints. A dirty or damaged bag is grounds for a warning from the partner. Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth after every shift during which you’ve transported hot food with sauces. Once a week, wash the bag thoroughly with detergent and let it dry completely before the next use—moisture inside damages the insulation faster than normal wear and tear.
8. GPS Navigation: Phone or Standalone Device
Most couriers rely on navigation on their smartphones via the platform’s app. But having the GPS and screen running constantly is the main reason why the phone runs out of battery in a few hours, even with a power bank. A bike computer with built-in GPS costs 150–300 zlotys and takes the strain off your phone, doubling its battery life per shift. For those who work full-time every day, this investment pays for itself in a month or two through savings on frequent phone battery replacements.
Where to Buy Affordable Gear
Allegro and Amazon.pl offer the widest selection of insulated bags and power banks at competitive prices, with the option to compare customer reviews before making a purchase. Decathlon is a good choice for cycling gear—gloves, reflective vests, locks—with proven quality and prices in line with the market average. Be careful when buying used gear: a cooler bag with damaged insulation may look fine on the outside, but it won’t perform its primary function.
Basic set: 120–210 zlotys
An insulated bag (60–100 PLN) plus a power bank (40–70 PLN) plus a phone holder (20–40 PLN)—a total of 120–210 PLN. The cost pays for itself within the first few shifts thanks to more consistent orders and fewer cancellations from restaurants due to the lack of an insulated bag.
What You Shouldn't Buy Right Away
Branded versions featuring a specific platform’s logo rarely justify the price difference compared to a generic case of the same size. A 10,000 mAh power bank from a trusted manufacturer is better than a 5,000 mAh premium one—capacity matters more for a full charge than charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal capacity for a power bank for a courier?
Starting at 10,000 mA·h—enough for a full shift of active navigation.
Is a thermal bag required for Uber Eats, Glovo, or Wolt?
That's basically right. Uber Eats explicitly allows restaurants to refuse to fulfill an order without it.
What size insulated bag should I choose?
Approximately 40×40×45 centimeters, with a capacity of 40–50 liters—a standard size that can hold a large pizza.
How much does a basic set of gear cost?
120–210 zlotys for the insulated bag, power bank, and holder combined.
How to Get Started as a Courier
On Choice electric bike for a courier and about the best apps Qiwi Partner wrote a separate post.
Is your gear ready? Become a courier Join Qiwi Partner—and start earning money this week.
