While food delivery services help you save time, they can also cost you more than a home-cooked meal. Here are some strategies to cut down on those fees and get more bang for your buck. For example, an app subscription could save on service and delivery fees. You’ll nab a free delivery fee and a 5% discount on orders for $10 or more.
1. Get a Credit Card That Offers Bonus Points or Cash Back
While it may seem like a time saver to skip the restaurant and order food from an app, it’s important to understand that you’re paying more than just the advertised price for your meal. According to a 2020 New York Times report, ordering food from delivery apps can cost up to 91% more than dining in the same restaurant.
Select a credit card that provides extra points or cash back on restaurant purchases to reduce expenditures. For example, many cards pay up to 3% cash back on restaurant and entertainment spending, including meals ordered through Grubhub.
Many restaurants and delivery services also offer special promo codes to attract new customers or reward loyal ones. And don’t forget to check the bottom of your receipt or food bag—restaurants often tuck coupons for future orders.
Also, many food delivery services have a referral program that gives you and the person you refer a discount on their first order.
2. Use a Meal-Delivery Subscription
Many delivery services offer subscriptions for users to reduce service charges and eat healthier. A subscription could save you $10 monthly and include other benefits, such as free deliveries or grocery discounts. If you use a delivery service, check your receipts for coupon codes before tossing them in the trash.
Restaurants often include coupons and discount offers on the bottom of their receipts to attract repeat customers. Food delivery apps charge hefty fees on restaurants’ orders, which can add up quickly.
The New York Times reports that a single meal from a delivery app can cost 25% to 91% more than it would if you had picked up the meal. One way to help offset those fees is to invite friends to download the app or sign up with your referral link. It can earn you bonus points and cash back.
3. Order Ahead For Leftovers
Food delivery is convenient, but it can be expensive. Some services charge subscriptions, delivery fees, location surcharges, peak pricing, and fees for small orders. Plus, restaurants tend to mark up their menu items when they partner with a food-delivery service.
Before you place your meal delivery order, ask if the restaurant has any unsold food they will throw away at the end of the day. Some app lets you reserve a surprise bag of whatever would otherwise be tossed for a much lower price than what you’d pay at the restaurant. It is an especially smart strategy during the pandemic when many restaurants have increased their costs and delivery fees.
4. Invite Friends to Download The App or Sign Up For a Subscription
Food delivery services are popular and convenient, but they can be expensive. Many factors contribute to the cost of food delivery: subscriptions, location surcharges, peak pricing, fees for small orders, and, most notably, markups on the original menu or store item. Luckily, there are ways to save money on food delivery.
One of the best is to compare prices and services between different delivery apps. One offers lower delivery fees or fewer hidden charges than the other. Many food delivery services offer incentives for new customers, such as free deliveries or discounts on their first order.
You can use these offers by inviting friends to the app or signing up for a subscription. If you have a lot of friends who also use food delivery services, consider splitting an order.
It will help cut down on the total cost of the meal and save you both delivery charges and minimum order fees. In addition, if you have a credit card that offers bonus points or cash back, you can often use these to get additional discounts on your delivery.
5. Always Tip
Workers in the service industry rely on tips to make a living. But with the popularity of food-delivery apps, some people must remember they should always tip the driver who delivers their meals.
The delivery fees and service charges added to your order differ from the restaurant’s fixed costs, so they must be covered. Restaurants add service and delivery charges to the price of the food because they have to cover their delivery drivers, vehicles, insurance, etc. Some must also pay for a third-party service or increase their menu prices to cover these costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you avoid ordering through a delivery app, you cut out those fees and can support your local restaurants simultaneously. Plus, it’s a nice change of pace to get out of your chair, exercise, and walk to the restaurant to pick up your meal. You can score a discount or promo code on your way out. And you’ll have some leftover cash to invest in that vacation or emergency fund.