> Talk to the actual couriers

I have: they don't like the current arrangement. When they're tipped via apps, they don't even get to keep them.

Doesn't sound like they're independent contractors when they can't set their own rates and collect from their clients without the delivery app companies skimming their tips.

> they don’t want to be employees, because this very frequently is not a full time job.

This is a false dichotomy. Many people work multiple jobs on a flexible schedule where they are considered employees at each of their employers.

They also hate the tax burden that is quarterly filing and paying the self-employment tax.