Food delivery is a convenience many people love, but it can come with hidden fees such as subscriptions, service charges, peak pricing and markups. But with some effort, you can cut the cost of your meals and snacks. Consider checking out the prices on different apps before you place an order. You may be surprised at the difference in charges.
Shop Around
Many people stick to one delivery service because it’s familiar, which may cost them money. Try occasionally using a different delivery app to find better deals. Many food delivery services run specials and promotions to attract new customers. You might also save money on food deliveries by signing up for the restaurant’s rewards program, which often comes with exclusive coupons and special offers. If the restaurant has a website, it’s worth checking to see if it posts these deals on its homepage. Lastly, you can look for discounts on individual foods by tracking prices for a few weeks. Stock up if you notice a price drop for regular ingredients or groceries. Coupons have advanced significantly and now merit considerable consideration in food delivery services. Use a GrubHub promo code and discounts when you order food to save money and enjoy your favorite food. Plan your weekly dinners around sale items to start your coupon quest. It enables you to uncover savings without even using coupons. Look for digital fliers on the websites to learn about in-store sales.
Skip the Delivery
Food delivery services can be convenient, but they’re also pricey. You’ll end up paying a service fee, a delivery charge and, often, an extra tip for the driver. There are some ways to save money when you get your food delivered. One option is to take advantage of a service like Too Good To Go, which partners with restaurants and brings you the food that would otherwise be tossed out. Another option is contactless curbside pickup, which you can do by calling your order ahead of time and then stopping by the restaurant to pick up your meal. Consider a subscription plan if you frequently use a particular food delivery app.
Carry Cash
Many people rely on food delivery services because they need more time and want to avoid dealing with a grocery store trip or cooking. However, the fees associated with food delivery add up quickly. The bulk of those fees show up as a service charge and tip. These aren’t unreasonable because they represent the cost of a third party providing a service and bringing your meal to you. And while giving your food delivery driver a tip is nice, you don’t need to be as generous as some.
To cut down on these extra costs:
- Look at your credit card statements to see how much you spend on food delivery.
- Pledge to spend less or order more strategically in the future.
- Try curbside pickup at restaurants you enjoy.
For example, many grocery delivery apps offer contactless curbside pickup where you pull up and pick up your order. It can help you avoid service charges and minimum orders and may save you even more money.
Order in Advance
With restrictions on restaurants lifted in 2021 and many people continuing to order food delivery, it makes sense to look for ways to save. A credit card with dining rewards can help you earn cash back on your deliveries and cut out service fees and taxes. Some delivery services also offer subscriptions for a monthly fee. Some provide a one-month free trial, zero delivery, and service fees on all orders for $9.99 monthly. You can also help your delivery driver save money by giving them clear directions when you place your order. Leave specific instructions like “on the corner with a red door” or “on the porch if nobody is home” to avoid extra charges for them having to re-route your order. You can make the process more efficient by ordering before you’re hungry and choosing when you’ll be home.
Order BYOB
Many people have resorted to food delivery services during the pandemic because they don’t have time or can’t bear the idea of reheating chicken casserole for the fourth night. But while the services may be convenient, they can also be expensive. To help you save money on your meals, here are some sneaky ways to cut your bill. Many restaurants charge hefty fees to the delivery apps that carry their food, which can add up quickly. You can avoid these extra charges by calling to see if your restaurant offers a BYOB option. By ordering water instead of alcoholic beverages, you may also save money on drinks. And if you’re a big eater, ask for a box or bag to take home your leftovers—you can usually get days’ worth of meals out of one burrito bowl or pizza.
