How to save money on takeout
By 2030, the food delivery app industry is expected to reach $213 billion. While it’s convenient to order takeout, it can also be costly. Here are tips to save on your next night in.
By 2030, the food delivery app industry is expected to reach $213 billion. While it’s convenient to order takeout, it can also be costly. Here are tips to save on your next night in.
By 2030, the food delivery app industry is expected to reach $213 billion. While it’s convenient to order takeout, it can also be costly. Here are tips to save on your next night in.
The food delivery app industry is gaining popularity as more and more consumers opt for food delivery apps rather than ordering pickup. According to the , Uber Eats, Grubhub and DoorDash are leading the way in the U.S. While ordering out is convenient, delivery fees and additional costs add up quickly.
Here are tips to save money on your next takeout order.
Avoid third-party delivery apps
Third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash connect restaurants with potential customers, increasing their reach and visibility. While restaurants can benefit, most third-party delivery apps also run on a commission-based fee structure. This means that for deliveries made through the app, restaurants have to pay a fee, typically anywhere from 15-30% of the total cost of each order.
To compensate, owners will often raise prices on the delivery app, which means we pay more. To save money, order directly from the restaurant's website or call their phone number to avoid extra costs.
Order during lunch hours
Most restaurants serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can often find lunch specials on their websites or menus. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically slow days, due to multiple factors such as the start of the work week and limited restaurant service. To attract customers, restaurants tend to offer more lunch deals. For example, offers BOGO 50% off traditional wings on Tuesdays, and BOGO free boneless wings on Thursdays. offers select pasta dishes ranging from $10.49 to $11.49, available Monday to Friday before 3 p.m.
You can also consider going to happy hour if you’re interested in discounted food and alcoholic beverages.
Consider credit card perks
If you’re someone who orders food often, consider credit card perks. Chase, for instance, has a partnership with that provides various benefits to eligible cardholders, including complimentary DashPass memberships and at least one $10 non-restaurant promotion. The frequency of promotions and duration of your free DashPass depends on the type of Chase card you use.
Additionally, multiple cards offer benefits that can be used for Uber Eats orders. Some credit card benefits may require activation, so make sure to check your account or call customer service.
Look into your subscriptions
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’re in luck. Amazon Prime members are eligible for a with no expiration date and no Grubhub+ membership fees. Amazon Prime members who use the Grubhub app get access to $0 delivery fees, lower service fees and exclusive savings on eligible Grubhub orders.
Go with a group
The easiest way to save money on takeout? Order with a group. It’s easier to split the cost than pay by yourself. Plus, if you order in bulk, oftentimes you’ll receive a discount once you pass a certain price.