While most of us were hunkering down during the pandemic, food delivery apps became a big part of how we survived. Whether we were avoiding restaurants, not feeling well, or seeking the convenience factor, restaurant delivery services made sure we had our favorite foods on the table, without having to cook more than we were already cooking.
We loved the opportunity to support our favorite local restaurants during difficult times, but budgets are tighter than ever, and as time went on, we realized those delivery apps were often more expensive than we could rationalize using too often. Sure, we love the convenience factor, but is there a way to enjoy those deliveries from Uber Eats or DoorDash, or similar apps without busting our budgets? There is, in moderation, we just have to find the best way to use them and save in the process.
As with meal prep and menu planning, this is an area where planning ahead will be a big part of how we ultimately win that savings game. Here are the top ways that just a little strategizing can save you money when treating yourself to food delivery.
Know That Your Device Matters
When possible, order on your computer, not your phone. This gives you the added benefit of taking advantage of special discount deals and promo codes linked to desktop deals sites or browser extensions.
“When you order takeout on your computer, you can check deal sites or browser extensions for coupons or cashback offers that can be applied to your order. I typically get between $1.50 and $3.50 cash back on every order and I’ve occasionally found even bigger discounts, like in the 10% to $20% off range,” says Trae Bodge (she/her), smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com.
Try RetailMeNot’s Instant Cash Back Program
RetailmeNot’s instant cash back at restaurants program, which includes DoorDash and restaurants that offer delivery, is a really great way to instantly get a cash back rebate on what you spend.
Here’s exactly how it works. In short, what you do is purchase a gift card to a restaurant via the RetailMeNot app, and use that gift card to buy your meal (or send a meal, if you want to make someone’s night special). By purchasing the gift card through this program, you get cash back on it, meaning you are saving on that meal you ordered. Even better, there’s no limit to how many gift cards you can buy through the program, making this a discount deal that just keeps on giving.
Check Your Email
Once you register with food delivery apps, they will often send promotional emails that include discounts. I’m not a frequent participant in food deliveries or takeout, but when I do splurge on some dinner I didn’t cook myself, it’s always when I have a great promo code.
“Grubhub is my favorite for this because the savings can be significant,” Budge says. “Prior to ordering, I always search ‘Grubhub’ in my email inbox to see if there’s a valid offer that I can use!”
Choose the Right Credit Card
Knowing which card to pay with can mean major savings, and you don’t even have to do anything special.
“Some credit cards give you more rewards for food delivery and grocery store purchases so pay attention to how you’re paying,” says Andrea Woroch, money-saving expert. “Otherwise, consider getting a new card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card which offers 3% back on dining and groceries.”
Earn Free Gift Cards
Taking advantage of various awards apps can ultimately spell big savings.
“Download a free rewards app like Fetch to start earning free food delivery gift cards,” says Woroch. “With the app, just upload pictures of all your receipts for groceries, gas, clothing purchases and more to start earning points which you can redeem for gift cards to a variety of stores and services including several food delivery services like Uber Eats and Instacart.”
Be sure to always click on the “special deals” section to score even better deals.
Order Direct From Restaurants
Third-party sites often take big cuts of delivery costs from their participating restaurants; support restaurants by ordering directly through their website or app or calling them up the old-fashioned way. They’ll earn more, and you’ll pay less. Everyone wins! That’s why it’s always best to go direct.
“Grubhub and other third-party apps tack on tons of fees for both the customer and the restaurant. Try going to your favorite restaurant’s website directly to see if they offer delivery. Many of us are starting to offer direct delivery again to help combat the exorbitant fees,” says Dana Morrissey, partner and events, catering and marketing director for Manna Hospitality Group.
Shop Around
One of my greatest secrets to saving on delivery has always been to order a lunch special as late in the day as the particular restaurant allows — and enjoy those lunch special prices for my own private early-bird Golden Girls-style dinner. Turns out, I was onto something!
“If you have to go the third-party route, many stores have loyalty programs, lunch specials and discounts for off hours (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.),” says Morrissey.
Look Into Membership Deals
Who doesn’t love a gift with purchase? This is very much a thing to enjoy with delivery apps as well.
“If you’re ordering frequently, it might make sense to pay for a membership with a delivery app to score free shipping and extra benefits, but before signing up, look to other services you use because they may come with a free delivery membership,” Bodge says. “Examples of this are the free one-year Grubhub membership that comes with Amazon Prime, the free one-year Doordash membership that comes with some Chase credit cards, and a monthly $10 Uber (also UberEats) credit that comes with AmEx Gold,” said Bodge.
Choose Pickup Instead of Delivery
Yes, delivery is the ultimate convenience. But if you don’t feel like cooking but want to save a few bucks on delivery fees, choose the pickup option rather than delivery. It may just work out that you can grab that sushi during your commute home, and have dinner arrive with you.
“If you’re ordering takeout after a long day at work (and not sick in bed!) consider picking up your order on the way home to avoid delivery fees, surcharges and driver tips,” says Bodge.
Order Extra
The Wonder app moved into my area of Brooklyn recently, and I tried it out by ordering a few dishes from their Indian food concept. But to save on those delivery fees, I ordered a few meals, and actually had enough to eat for lunch and dinner and then also lunch the next day! This made what initially felt like a splurge feel more budget-friendly because I was getting several meals out of it rather than just one. This can be a key way to save on food delivery apps – order extra so you will have food for longer.
“To make the best use of any extra fees, order enough food for leftovers the next day. One less meal to worry about!” says Bodge.
The post How to Save on Food Delivery Apps: 10 Tips That Actually Work appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
