With the start of the school year, college students know best that food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats are their best friends. But, while everyone waits for their delicious nuggets or delectable Thai food, no one ever stops to think about everything there is to know about these handy apps. From hidden promotions that can save you cash to the upsides of a membership, here are some little-known tips to take advantage of when you order from food delivery apps.
1. Always (and I mean always) be looking out for promotions, discounts, and special offers.
These are littered all over apps such as Postmates and Uber Eats. Usually found on the home page of the apps, these promotions or discounts make sure that you have access to all of the cheapest options available. We all know that added fees are the most annoying part of using these apps. That is why it is important to always make sure to check for these special offers before ordering your midnight snack. To make sure you get access to all the discounts, download a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout like Honey. Just make sure to order on a desktop or laptop, where these browser extension work best.
2. Consider a membership.
If you are someone who orders food frequently, it may be beneficial to consider opting for some sort of membership. For example, on DoorDash, you can purchase a DashPass membership, which gets you a guaranteed $0 delivery fee and access to special promotions. In the long-run, the $10 per month DashPass could be worth the cost. Uber Eats also has a membership called Uber One that costs $10 per month and can get you discounts for Uber. With it also comes a $0 Delivery Fee on Uber Eats, up to 10% off eligible Uber Eats deliveries and pickup, and 5% off grocery orders. Grubhub+ will run you $10 a month and gets you a $0 delivery fee on orders $12+ and access to special discounts. And Postmates' membership is $10 per month, and you'll enjoy the benefit of a $0 delivery fee plus 5% off the service fee on restaurant orders over $15 and grocery orders over $30.
3. Check the estimated delivery time of your food.
Always make sure to check the estimated delivery time of your food before ordering, which can vary depending on the time of day you are ordering and the location where the food is getting delivered. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a one-hour delivery time when your stomach is already screaming. Once you have placed your order, be sure to keep an eye on the tracking to monitor the process of your delivery and to make sure the driver is where they are supposed to be.
4. Provide clear delivery instructions for the delivery driver.
Whether you live somewhere that may be tricky for the driver to find or you need your food left at a certain door, it is super important to leave clear and concise details to avoid any miscommunications or confusion.