The Best Food Delivery Services to Use While You’re Staying at Home
Updated: Dec. 21, 2022
There are several ways to order food during quarantine, like UberEats and DoorDash. But what is the best food delivery service? You can evaluate the options here.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery service that’s available in around 850 locations across North America, and they deliver food from over 300,000 restaurants with help from a team of “Dashers.” Many eaters like DoorDash thanks to its unique restaurant scoring system, called a “Delight Score,” which takes into account food quality, restaurant popularity, delivery time and customer satisfaction.
In the wake of COVID-19, DoorDash has made no-contact delivery the default setting for orders, and you can include special instructions for your Dasher on where to leave the order.
How much does DoorDash cost? DoorDash delivery fees vary by restaurant, but they’re typically $1.99-$4.99 and may be higher during peak times. They also charge service fees, which is a percentage of your order subtotal.
Grubhub
Grubhub is available in more than 3,000 cities, letting you get food delivered from restaurants, including both national chains and local establishments. Just select the dish you’re craving, and it will show up at your door in no time. One of the benefits of choosing Grubhub is its Perks section, which offers in-app coupons, special deals, and rewards.
To practice social distancing, Grubhub is offering contact-free deliveries, where you can specify where couriers should leave your food.
How much does Grubhub cost? Grubhub doesn’t share its specific fees, but you’re on the hook for a delivery fee and/or service fee, in addition to the cost of your meal and any taxes.
Uber Eats
This service is offered by the rideshare company Uber, as you may have guessed. Uber Eats is available in hundreds of cities around the world, and it lets you order delivery from local restaurants. Whether you’re craving McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish or a burrito from that little Mexican place down the street, Uber Eats will bring it right to your door.
How much does Uber Eats cost? Uber Eats has currently waived its delivery fees due to COVID-19. But there’s a 15% service fee, as well as a small order fee on low totals.
Postmates
Whether you want a restaurant meal, groceries, medication or even alcohol, Postmates has you covered. It’s available in more than 4,000 cities around the country, and its couriers can pick up just about anything you need, delivering it to your door ASAP.
In response to the coronavirus, Postmates is offering no-contact delivery, where your food is left on your doorstep or other specified location.
How much does Postmates cost? In general, the company charges a $0.99 to $3.99 delivery fee for its “Partner Merchants” and $5.99 to $9.99 for other stores. There’s also percentage-based service fees, peak hour surge pricing and a small-cart fee for small orders.
InstaCart
Running low on pantry supplies? You can have groceries and even alcohol delivered to your door with InstaCart.
Simply select the store you want to shop at and fill up your virtual basket with the items you need. One of InstaCart’s shoppers will purchase and deliver your groceries, usually the same day—there’s even a “Leave at My Door Delivery” option for no contact.
How much does Instacart cost? Your first delivery with InstaCart is free, and after that, delivery fees range from $3.99–$7.99 for orders over $35. There’s also a 5% service fee based on your subtotal.
How to Tip for Food Delivery
In the wake of everything that’s going on in the world, it’s more important than ever to tip delivery drivers. Tips are not included in order totals, but you’ll usually be prompted to enter a tip amount before checking out. It’s customary to tip $3 to $5 or 20% (whichever is higher) for delivery on these apps.
However, if you’re not using a no-contact delivery option, you can provide a tip the old-fashioned way: with cash. This ensures your delivery driver receives the full amount.
Originally Published: April 15, 2020
