An operating method for a conveying device with an eccentric screw pump for conveying viscous construction materials comprising sensing a pressure of the construction material at an outlet of the eccentric screw pump when the eccentric screw pump is running and automatically switching off the eccentric screw pump if the pressure exceeds an upper limit value, otherwise continued operation of the eccentric screw pump. The method includes sensing a characteristic variable of the running eccentric screw pump and comparison of the characteristic variable with a first comparison variable, which is characteristic of operation with an open dispensing device and/or with a second comparison variable, which is characteristic of operation with a closed dispensing device, and switching off the eccentric screw pump if operation with a closed dispensing device is detected, otherwise continued operation of the eccentric screw pump.