Are you a fan of takeout but concerned about the costs of using food delivery apps? Well, you’re not alone. With the abundance of delivery options out there, it can be challenging to know which app offers the lowest fees. But fear not, because we’ve done the research for you!
The Cheapest Option: Going Directly to the Restaurant
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest takeout, your best bet is to call the restaurant directly and pick up your order. By avoiding the middleman, you can save on service and delivery fees. Plus, you’re supporting the restaurant directly, which is always a plus. Some restaurants even have their own dedicated delivery platforms, making it even easier to order without stepping foot in the establishment.
Comparing the Big Players: Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats
To find out which food delivery app offers the best value, we compared three of the biggest players: Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. What we discovered is that the size of your order can have a significant impact on which app is the cheapest option.
Grubhub: Ideal for Orders Around $50
For orders ranging from $20 to $80, Grubhub consistently provided the cheapest average totals. Particularly for orders around $50, Grubhub stood out as the most affordable option. While Uber Eats may be slightly cheaper for smaller orders, Grubhub takes the lead when it comes to ordering for two or three people.
DoorDash: The Best Choice for Small Orders
If you’re placing a small order under $20, DoorDash comes out on top as the cheapest option. In fact, DoorDash was nearly $10 cheaper than Grubhub and about $6 cheaper than Uber Eats for orders in this price range.
Grubhub: Perfect for Large Orders
On the other hand, when it comes to large orders over $75, Grubhub offers the best bottom-line prices. Grubhub and Uber Eats were both cheaper than DoorDash in these instances. This is largely due to DoorDash’s fixed 15% service charge, which increases as your bill gets higher.
The Method Behind the Madness
Determining the cheapest app isn’t an exact science, as the charges and fees vary from restaurant to restaurant. However, we developed a system to compare these apps by placing 10 orders from 10 different restaurants, using all three platforms. We recorded the fees and charges, as well as the total cost for each order. By ordering from various distances and in different sizes, we aimed to identify any trends for large or small orders. All orders were placed between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on a fair Tuesday evening.
Understanding the Fees for Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash
Now let’s take a closer look at how the fees stack up for each app.
Grubhub Charges
When ordering through Grubhub, you’ll encounter two additional charges in addition to the cost of your meal and tax. The delivery fee, which can range from $1 to $12, is determined by either the restaurant or Grubhub depending on whether the establishment uses Grubhub drivers. Additionally, there’s the service fee, typically around $2.50 per order but can be higher for certain restaurants. Grubhub also has a minimum charge fee of $2 for orders under $10. The exact breakdown of costs may vary depending on the restaurant, and Grubhub takes a percentage of each order depending on the restaurant’s plan.
Uber Eats Charges
Uber Eats operates similarly to Grubhub, with a delivery fee set by the restaurant and additional fees like taxes and a service fee. The delivery fee can range from $0 to $8, with the specific amount determined by each restaurant. Uber Eats’ service fee varies depending on factors like distance, order size, and order placement time. The app also offers a priority delivery option for those who can’t wait to sink their teeth into their meal.
DoorDash Charges
DoorDash charges a delivery fee set by the restaurant, as well as a flat service fee of 15% of your total bill (with a minimum charge of $3). This transparency is beneficial since the service fee is easily quantifiable. DoorDash also takes a percentage of each order depending on the restaurant’s tier.
Subscription Services for Unlimited Free Delivery
If you frequently order delivery, the fees can quickly add up. Luckily, all three apps mentioned here offer monthly subscriptions that give you free delivery on all orders for a fixed price. Grubhub has “Grubhub Plus,” Uber Eats offers “Eats Pass,” and DoorDash provides “DashPass.” These subscriptions eliminate the delivery fee, but keep in mind that the service fee is still applicable. Consider taking advantage of the free 30-day trials to see if these subscriptions are right for you.
In conclusion, the cheapest food delivery app ultimately depends on the size of your order. For orders around $50, Grubhub is the way to go, while DoorDash offers the best value for small orders under $20. For larger orders exceeding $75, Grubhub once again comes out on top. However, keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the restaurant and other factors.
So, the next time you’re craving takeout, consider these insights to make an informed decision and get the best bang for your buck. And remember, always tip your delivery driver!
For more tips on saving money, check out our articles on meal kits versus grocery shopping or how to save at popular stores like Trader Joe’s and Costco.
For more information on takeout options, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.