Test delivery #1
via Uber Connect

Tell them you're sending an Uber Connect courier in 30 minutes. Confirm what you want, confirm payment method, get their exact pickup name (so courier knows what to ask for).

If they don't have an insulated bag — say you'll bring one next time. For test #1 their regular paper/plastic bag with ice packs is fine.

This is the trust signal. Don't wait until pickup — pay them now. Their phone number is the Zelle ID 99% of the time.

• Open Zelle (or your bank app) → Send Money → Enter their shop phone number
• Amount: $45 (or whatever you agreed)
• Memo: "House of Halal test #1 — lamb chops"
• Screenshot the confirmation. Send it via SMS to their shop number.

If Zelle fails — try Cash App or Venmo. Last resort: cash on pickup, but it weakens trust.

Uber Connect is the package delivery feature inside the regular Uber consumer app. No business account required. Available in Chicago since 2021.

• Open Uber → tap the menu icon (top left, three lines)
• Scroll down → tap "Connect" or "Package" (icon looks like a box)
• If you don't see it — tap "Services" → "Connect". Sometimes hidden under a "More" section.

Every field matters. Mistakes here cost you $10+ in re-routing.

• Pickup address: exact butcher address from visits.html
• Dropoff: your home address (or wherever you're testing the unboxing)
• Package size: Small (under 30 lbs, fits in a shopping bag)
• Contents: "Refrigerated halal meat in insulated bag"
• Recipient name: Your name (you're receiving)

In the Notes for courier field (very important):

Cost preview: around $12-18 for 5-mile delivery in Chicago. Surge during dinner hours (5-7 PM) — book before 5 PM if you can.

Pre-tip $5 (~30% on a $15 ride). Yes, more than restaurant standard. Reason: this is a test, you want the courier to take it seriously, treat the package well, and not drop you for a higher-paying ride. Cheap insurance.

Confirm. Wait. You'll see the driver name + car within 60 seconds usually.

This is the partner trust signal #2. Shows you're organized, gives them a heads-up so they can package, and confirms the courier's ID so they don't hand the meat to a random walk-in.

Watch the map. Courier should arrive, pause for 3-5 min at the shop (pickup), then start moving toward you.

If the courier pauses for more than 10 min at the shop — call them in-app (Uber masks the number). Likely the shop is confused. Walk them through who to ask for.

Time how long pickup takes. If it's over 5 min — that's a data point to share with the butcher: "Brother, next time can we have it on the counter ready? Courier sat 8 min today."

Open the bag before the courier leaves. Check:

• Temperature — meat should still feel cold to touch (under 40°F). If room-temp = problem.
• Packaging integrity — sealed bag, no leaks, paper not soaked
• Visual quality — color, smell, looks like what you ordered
• Quantity — match the order exactly
• Ice pack — still cold? Or melted?

Take photos. Multiple angles. You'll need these for the debrief and as proof for the partner.

This is the part most founders skip. Cook the meat the same way a real customer would. Don't take shortcuts.

Honestly evaluate:

• Taste vs. when you've bought from them in person
• Cut quality — clean, even, hand-cut feel?
• Marbling, freshness, smell during cooking
• Would you order this for your family without thinking?

You'll forget the small details by morning. The five fields below are what every future order needs to track. Fill them now.