I had used them in the past without ever really thinking about their endless possibilities. Postmates, Grubhub, Seamless, Favor, and Delivery.com were just phrases to me until a switch went off in my head.
It was the third day of school when I first realized their potential from two girls discussing how much they already disliked the dining hall. “We should’ve just gotten Postmates,” they said.
At that moment I had not a single clue how much these five apps would come to mean to me in the next two months.
Food delivery apps, you are the definition of #TheRealMVP. From Postmates offering a list of 43 places from which I can order a meal for under $4.99, to $295 caviar service with a 50oz Australian Tomahawk Steak, the little flying bike really has no limits. Grubhub and Seamless, on the other hand, show me only what’s open for delivery and pickup at any given moment, completely eliminating the letdown after realizing the perfect dinner you want is not open on a Sunday at 11:52pm. Favor literally does not care what you want, whether it be doughnuts or a toothbrush and toothpaste, as long as the store is open for business, it will do you that favor.
Gif courtesy of tumblr.com
In addition to the widest variety of options imaginable, they could not be more convenient. A few real life examples of why these homies are absolutely necessary in college:
Game Day Delivery
When you’re half dead, lying on the couch, questioning all of your recent life decisions (especially those made at the tailgate), your app is there for you. In 45 minutes or less, a cheesy Quesadilla, Chipotle bowl, or ultimate meat lover’s pizza can be on your lap, and not soon after, in your stomach.
Pool Party Hunger Pangs
#nationalcheeseburgerday. The only day where it’s acceptable to eat something as massively delicious as this #welcometogoodburger #nicebuns #burgerheaven #noms #getinmybelly #instagood #foodporn #foodstagram #yestodelivery #deliverydotcom ? praise @thehamburgler_ A photo posted by delivery.com (@deliverydotcom) on Sep 18, 2015 at 8:40am PDT
It’s Saturday afternoon. There are two upcoming tests you should be studying for, but instead you find yourself at a random house somewhere in Coral Gables. While there may be an abundance of Smirnoff, Publix brand soda, and enough #thinspo for a lifetime, there is no food as far as the eye can see. Yes, you’re surrounded by bikinis and muscles, but even that can’t tame your growing HANGER. The apps know and are waiting patiently for you on your iPhone. Get the juicy burger you deserve.
Before Finals When You Move to the Library
Will people be annoyed that you’re chewing while they’re memorizing useless facts? Yes. Is it because they’re jealous? Absolutely. Do not by any means let finals get in the way of your sudden craving for a thin crust veggie pizza. Don’t even think about it.
When You’re Sick
There’s a really lame Pho pun we could have made here… #Regram #Pho #Dinner #GrubHub A photo posted by GrubHub (@grubhub) on Jan 23, 2015 at 3:02pm PST
Getting sick in college is inevitable but your app has your back, don’t you even worry. Add a box of NyQuil, DayQuil, Ricola cough drops, Pepto-Bismol, and Tums to your cart. You may be on your deathbed, or you may just be lazy, but either way, the apps are there with you.
Freebies
Yes, free food… Postmates delivers free food. It’s not bite-sized, it’s not gross, and it’s not the same all the time. In the past, there was a choice of three Cuban sandwiches and you were only charged for delivery. Other freebies have included buffalo wings, fro yo, and grilled cheese. I know, paying for delivery seems annoying, but would you rather get up, put on pants, and get fro yo, or spend a few dollars to exert minimal effort? I think we all know the answer to that one. With Favor, if the friends you refer actually try the app, you both earn $5 towards the future favors.
Okay, that’s not actually free, but a discount is the next best thing, right? In addition to that discount, Favor has promotions with different local restaurants. In the past few months I’ve gotten dinner from Coyo Taco and Jimmy’z Kitchen for next to nothing and loved every second of it. Delivery.com has a similar initiative except with $13 instead of $5. If the $13 incentive wasn’t enough, for every $1 you spend, you earn 25 points and at each milestone, whether it be 5,000 points or 18,000 points, there are different prizes you can redeem. While GrubHub doesn’t have any similar features, they do have “Yummy Rummy” Sweepstakes. Once you order three times, you’re entered to win free food for a year. Think about how much weight you’d gain! Think about how fun that would be! You’re also entered to win $5, $10, $20, or $200 off your tab which would be pretty nice too.
Not Just For Food
Can we be your Valentine? A photo posted by Favor Delivery (@favor) on Feb 14, 2015 at 10:46am PST
Let’s talk about these options… The Postmates General Store is the most under-appreciated feature, by a landslide. On what other app can you have ball point pens, a handle of Bacardi, Suave Naturals Body Wash, a gallon of skim milk, and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey all delivered to your doorstep by a friendly individual in one order? I don’t know!
Wait, yeah I do, it’s Favor. They don’t have alcohol like Postmates, but they do have all of your other essentials and non-essentials like last minute Christmas gifts.
Maybe you’ve been spending too much time eating and not quite enough at the gym. That’s perfectly fine because Delivery.com will have your clothes tailored for you, in addition to washing, folding, and dry cleanings. I know, food and laundry, what is better than that?
This is by no means a comprehensive list either. I searched delivery in the app store and was thrilled to see there are SO many delivery apps I haven’t even heard of, no less tried. I encourage you to find the delivery app that works best for you and reap alllll the benefits it offers whether it be dry cleaning or cheap tacos.