How to Save Money with Food Delivery Apps: Tips and Tricks
In today’s fast-paced world, food delivery apps have become a go-to solution for many when it comes to satisfying hunger without leaving the comfort of home. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family feast, these apps have made ordering food as easy as a few taps on your phone. However, with convenience often comes cost, and food delivery can quickly add up, especially when you’re ordering regularly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money when using food delivery apps. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks to help you save on your next order.
1. Compare Prices Across Different Apps
One of the most effective ways to save money on food delivery is by not settling for the first app you see. Food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates often feature similar restaurants, but their prices can vary due to different service fees and delivery charges.
Before you place your order, take a few moments to compare the same restaurant’s menu prices across various apps. Some apps might have better discounts, promotions, or lower delivery fees, allowing you to save money on the same meal. Don’t forget to check if there are different fees depending on the time of day or your location, as this can also affect the final price.
Tip: Use price comparison tools or websites specifically designed to compare food delivery prices across apps to save time.
2. Look for Discount Codes and Promo Offers
Almost every food delivery app offers discount codes or promotional offers for first-time users or loyal customers. These discounts can range from a percentage off your order to free delivery, or even a set amount off your total purchase.
Before placing your order, take a quick search for available promo codes. Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and Groupon often feature discount codes for popular food delivery apps. Alternatively, check the app itself for “Deals” or “Promo” sections, which sometimes provide special offers based on your location or order history.
Tip: Follow food delivery apps and restaurants on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to get notified about exclusive offers and deals.
3. Take Advantage of Subscription Services
Several food delivery apps offer subscription services that can help you save money in the long run. For example, DoorDash has a subscription plan called DashPass, while Uber Eats offers Uber One. These subscriptions provide free delivery on orders over a certain amount, along with discounts on service fees.
If you order from food delivery apps regularly, a subscription can quickly pay for itself by saving you money on delivery fees. Most subscription services cost between $9.99 and $19.99 per month, and the free delivery benefits typically kick in once your order meets a minimum amount.
Tip: Do the math: If you regularly order delivery at least twice a month, subscribing to a service could save you a significant amount on delivery fees alone.
4. Avoid Surge Pricing and Peak Hours
Many food delivery apps charge higher fees during busy times, such as lunch breaks or dinner hours. This is called surge pricing, and while it’s designed to encourage more drivers to be available, it can significantly increase the cost of your meal.
To avoid surge pricing, try ordering outside of peak hours, like during mid-afternoon or late at night. You might also notice that some apps offer lower fees on certain days of the week or for certain delivery times, so experiment to see which time slots offer the best savings.
Tip: Some apps allow you to schedule orders in advance, so you can place your order when delivery fees are lower and have it delivered during your desired time.
5. Order Larger Meals for Leftovers
If you’re ordering for one, food delivery may seem like an affordable option, but in reality, the delivery fees and service charges can make the price quite high for a single meal. To save money, consider ordering larger meals or family-sized portions that can be eaten over multiple days.
Not only will you save on delivery charges, but you’ll also have leftovers to enjoy the next day, making it a win-win situation. Additionally, some restaurants offer special discounts or meal combos that are a better deal per serving than individual dishes.
Tip: Share meals with a friend, family member, or roommate to further cut down on costs and avoid paying for multiple delivery fees.
6. Use Cash Back Apps and Rewards Programs
Many food delivery apps offer rewards or cash-back programs that can add up over time. By accumulating points for every order, you can unlock free delivery, discounts, or even gift cards. Apps like Rakuten, Dosh, or credit cards that offer cashback on food delivery services are great tools for cutting costs.
Uber Eats, for example, has a reward system where users can earn points that lead to discounts, while Grubhub often features loyalty programs offering exclusive deals for regular customers.
Tip: Link your cashback credit card to your food delivery app to double up on the savings with cashback rewards.
7. Choose Pickup Instead of Delivery
If you live near the restaurant, one of the best ways to avoid delivery fees is to opt for the pickup option instead. Many food delivery apps allow you to place an order for pickup, often with a lower service fee or no fee at all.
By picking up the meal yourself, you still get the convenience of ordering food in advance without paying for the delivery. It also gives you the flexibility to avoid long wait times, especially if you’re in a rush.
Tip: Consider ordering pickup from restaurants that are nearby or on your route home from work, making it easy to grab your food on the go.
8. Split Orders with Friends or Family
If you’re ordering a meal with friends or family, you can save money by splitting the cost of a single larger order. Many food delivery apps allow multiple people to share an order and divide the total bill evenly.
Instead of each person ordering separately and paying individual delivery fees, splitting one larger order allows you to save on both delivery charges and service fees. This is especially helpful if you’re ordering from restaurants that offer larger portions or family-style meals.
Tip: Use apps that allow shared payment, or simply divvy up the cost using your favorite payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
9. Use Food Delivery App Loyalty Programs
Many food delivery apps feature loyalty programs where you can earn points or rewards for frequent orders. These programs often provide perks like free delivery, exclusive discounts, or even free meals after reaching a certain spending threshold.
For example, Uber Eats has a “Eats Pass” where you can earn rewards through regular purchases, and Grubhub offers “Grubhub+” memberships that provide members with special benefits like reduced service fees and free delivery.
Tip: Before placing a large order, check your loyalty program status to ensure you’re maximizing your benefits.
10. Keep Track of Your Spending
It’s easy to get carried away when ordering food from your favorite restaurants, but if you want to save money, it’s essential to keep track of your food delivery expenses. Many apps provide detailed breakdowns of what you’re spending on delivery fees, tips, taxes, and meals, making it easier to see where you can cut back.
If you notice you’re frequently ordering from the same restaurant or app, consider budgeting your food delivery expenses and setting a limit on how often you order each month. Another approach is to treat food delivery as an occasional treat rather than an everyday occurrence.
Tip: Set up a separate savings or food fund to allocate money for food delivery, ensuring you’re spending wisely and staying within your budget.