Pros
Based on the other reviews, it must really matter which franchise you work for. Here in MS, things are great. As a delivery driver, I know I am responsible for my own car expenses. As of March, 2014, in our area delivery fees to the customer are now based on driving distance to their home from the restaurant they choose, plus 99% of customers tip the driver. As a driver, I get 70% of the delivery fee plus all the tips the customer allots. Sometimes a credit card customer leaves a tip on the card but still tips me in cash at the door. I am making excellent money for a part-time job and love that I can set my own hours. As an independent contractor (which I prefer to stay), I understand renting the equipment is mandatory (ensuring I'm not an employee). If the company instituted an hourly pay (referencing other reviews), I would then be an employee, they could start telling me what I had to do and when I had to work, etc.
Example: last week a customer ordered from 2 different restaurants and paid a total of $17.98 in delivery fees - (of which I got $12.60), then tipped me $9.00. All on a $50 food total with a 24 mile round trip delivery for me. I'd say getting paid $21.60 on ONE order makes out for excellent pay. Every now and then a customer does not tip me, but again, I get a large portion of the delivery fee. If customer lives much closer, their delivery fee can be as low as $3.99, but then, I'm not gone as long on that delivery so I can deliver more per hour.
Maybe it varies across the country, but in our area - folks are tired but don't cook. They are happy to pay almost whatever delivery fees and tips it requires to get food delivered to their door, hot and delicious. I have noticed that when I wear nicer clothes (black pants and a black/red or white shirt) as opposed to jeans....I get higher tips. And don't forget to itemize the .56/mile write off allowed on taxes. Keep daily track on expense reports/apps.
P.S. I heard franchise corporate management had a change-over last year (2013).
Cons
If your car is not fuel-efficient, you won't make a lot of money due to gas expense.