Whether you were exposed to the COVID-19 virus or just taking precautionary measures, self-quarantining is a tremendous disruption for anyone. Still, we all have to eat, pandemic or not. But unless you like eating canned food for two weeks, you're going to want to explore other options. That's why food delivery apps are going to be so necessary during such a hectic and uncertain time.
While it's human nature to find one particular app and rally behind it forever, you might want to consider trying some or all of the apps below during the coronavirus lockdown. Many of these apps offer promo codes for first-time users, which could reduce or eliminate your delivery fee or take money off of your total bill.
New studies have shown that the new coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, while on plastic and metal, it can last up to three days. So when ordering food for delivery, it's best to have whoever it is bringing the food to drop it off at your door to avoid any possible in-person spread of the virus. And then, it's recommended to only use your own silverware and dishes, so move food from their take-out containers before eating it, then wash your hands before and after eating. You never can be too safe.
Apps with Low-to-No Delivery Fee
When you order food through one of the apps below, you don't need to worry about paying a fee to the company. All payments, including a potential delivery fee, are paid to restaurants themselves since all the app is doing is finding delivery and takeout joints that deliver in your area. Tips are optional but encouraged.
App 1: Grubhub
Grubhub, which absorbed Eat24, also has a Grubhub+ subscription where you get 10% cashback on all purchases and free delivery always. It costs $9.99 per month with a 14-day free trial.
App 2: Seamless
Seamless, owned by Grubhub, may one day also be absorbed fully into the GrubHub app like Eat24 was, but for now, it's a different app with all of the same features, restaurants, prices, delivery people, and so on. The only significant difference? You'll need to use Grubhub if you want a subscription service.
App 3: Slice
While not owned by Grubhub, Slice is conceptually Grubhub and Seamless but only for pizza. Not all pizzerias are listed, so you can check the other two apps above if your local za can't be ordered on Slice.
Independent Delivery Apps
Let's just get this out of the way: the big downside to the apps listed below is that you may end up paying more. Aside from the food you're ordering, you may be charged a service fee or delivery or both. Plus, the cost of meals and sides tend to cost more per item than if you were to visit the restaurant yourself. That said, if the restaurant in question has partnered with the app, then you might see a smaller fee or no fee at all.
However, that additional cost does give you some extra benefits, as you can order from a much larger pool of restaurants than other apps allow for. You can even get fast food, in most cases.
App 1: Caviar
Caviar, owned by DoorDash (see below), serves about 30 large cities across the US, so you may not be able to use it. You'll find more higher-end restaurants here than in other apps. The service charges a service fee, delivery fee, and courier tip.
App 2: Delivery.com
Delivery.com not only lets you order food from restaurants, but you can get stuff from liquor stores, grocery stores, and laundry and dry cleaners. You can earn "Delivery Points" on every order, which you can redeem as credits or for prizes and donations.
App 3: DoorDash
DoorDash is available almost everyone in the US, and you can order everything from seafood and steakhouse dinners to fast food. It offers a DashPass subscription for $9.99 per month to skip delivery fees on many restaurants, but not all, on orders over $15.
App 4: Postmates
Like delivery.com, Postmates can get you almost anything you want or need. The cost to get things delivered to you may be lower or higher depending on slow or busy days. It has a premium service called Postmates Unlimited for $9.99 per month or $99.99 each year. That price gets you free delivery on all orders over $12, but you'll still pay services fees and small cart fees.
App 5: Uber Eats
Uber isn't just a hail-riding service, you can get food too. If you can get a ride with Uber, there's a good chance you can also get food with Uber Eats. The service charges delivery fees, service fees, and small order fees in addition to tips.
We tried to keep the lists above to services that are available in as many areas of the country as possible. That said, there are so many localized services out there these days; there's likely a delivery service we didn't mention that's based in your area. Don't be afraid to hit up the App Store or Play Store if you're looking for more local options.
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1 Comment
Thank you for sharing to make ordering convenient.
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