Food delivery can cost you much more than the menu price. Service fees, delivery fees, and small-order charges add up. Here’s how to see the real total before you tap Place order, and the habits that cut what you pay.
| Item | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Delivery fee | about $0 to $6, depending on app and distance |
| Service fee | about 10% to 15% of subtotal |
| Membership | about $9.99 a month, with some trial periods |
| Smallest saving | pickup avoids delivery fees |
Check the total before you order
Every app shows a price breakdown at checkout. Look at the subtotal, delivery fee, service fee, and tip. The subtotal is the menu price, but the total is what you pay. Compare the total across two apps before you order from one of them.
Five habits that save money
- Order above the minimum. Many apps waive the delivery fee above a set subtotal. Add an item you’d buy anyway to reach it.
- Compare two apps. The same restaurant can cost different amounts on different apps.
- Check for promo codes. Look in the app’s offers section before you check out.
- Order directly from the restaurant. Many restaurants have their own online ordering, which can avoid some fees.
- Pick pickup when you can. Skipping delivery skips the delivery fee.
Are memberships worth it?
Membership plans can lower delivery fees, but only if you order often. Uber One, for example, costs $9.99 a month, according to Uber’s page, and gives eligible members a $0 delivery fee on eligible orders above the minimum. Add up your fees for a month before you sign up. If they don’t beat the monthly fee, skip the plan.
A quick monthly check
Once a month, add up every delivery fee, service fee, and tip you paid. If the total is more than what a membership would cost, consider the membership. If not, stick with pickup and direct ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Are cheap delivery apps always cheaper?
Not always. Compare the total at checkout, including fees and tips, instead of the menu prices.
Should I tip before or after?
Tips are usually added at checkout, and you can adjust them in the app. Tip what you think the service deserves.
My take
The cheapest order is the one you check before you tap Place order. Compare totals, order above the minimum, and use pickup when you can. Read Uber’s official Uber One page to see what a membership actually includes.
Sources
These official pages were used for this guide: www.uber.com.
