There’s something about ordering dinner from the couch that feels like an instant win—no packing, no traffic, no after-dinner cleanup (well, less). But the convenience of food delivery adds up if you’re not deliberate. Below are six practical, low-fuss ways to lower what you spend the next time you use an app or call for delivery, plus a short checklist you can keep on your phone.
Before you tap “place order” — quick wins
– Scan the options: menu prices, delivery fee, service fee, and estimated tip.
– Ask whether ordering directly from the restaurant is cheaper than using the app.
– Consider whether pickup or combining orders will shrink your per-meal cost.
- Compare the whole price, not just the menu item
Delivery apps sometimes show different menu prices, delivery fees, or service fees for the same restaurant. That means the same pad thai might cost noticeably more on App A than App B once fees get added.
What to do:
– Open two or three apps side by side (or use the restaurant’s website) and compare the total at checkout—not just the menu subtotal. Look at delivery fee, service fees, small-order fees, and any mandatory minimums.
– If you frequently order from the same spots, track which apps tend to be cheaper over a few weeks. Patterns usually emerge.
– When you find a clear winner, bookmark it or save the restaurant in that app to speed future comparisons.
Why it helps: A few dollars saved per order quickly adds up across months, and the time to check an extra app is usually under 90 seconds.
- Use pickup, curbside, or scheduled delivery to avoid peak fees
Many platforms add higher fees during busy times or for immediate delivery. If your schedule allows, switching to pickup or scheduling a delivery for a less busy window can reduce or eliminate those surcharges.
How to use this tactic:
– Pickup: If a quick drive or walking across the parking lot is feasible, pickup often avoids the delivery fee entirely.
– Scheduled delivery: Some apps let you pick a delivery window. Choosing an off-peak slot (mid-afternoon, early evening before dinner rush) can reduce the fee or lead to faster service.
– Curbside or restaurant delivery: Some restaurants will deliver directly through their own drivers at a lower cost than third-party platforms.
Trade-offs to consider: Pickup adds time and requires you to leave home, while scheduled delivery requires planning. Weigh the money saved against the time cost.
- Stack discounts: promos, referral credits, and subscription plans
Delivery platforms and restaurants run frequent promotions. You can often combine savings in a single order: an app promo + a restaurant coupon + a credit from a referral or membership.
Where to look:
– In-app promotions and “Offers” sections.
– Restaurant email lists and social accounts for occasional promo codes.
– Referral credits: many apps give account credits when someone signs up with your link and places an order.
– Delivery subscriptions: apps often offer a monthly plan that waives delivery fees and gives other perks; if you order often, the subscription can pay for itself 1.
Practical approach:
– Before ordering, glance at the app’s promotions and any available credits. Activate or claim offers as required—some need to be turned on.
– Save the referral link or referral code for friends who already plan to order; that makes earning credits easier.
Note: Subscription value depends on how often you order and whether the subscription includes other perks you’ll actually use.
- Order smart: combine, buy in bulk, and split family-style
A single delivery fee spread over one meal is a higher percentage of the total than the same fee split across multiple plates. Small behavior changes can reduce the cost per person.
Examples:
– Combine multiple lunches or dinners into one delivery for the week and refrigerate/freezer portions for later.
– Order large-format or family meals that are cheaper per serving than individual entrees.
– When splitting delivery with others, have everyone order through the same app so only one delivery fee applies.
Quick rules of thumb:
– If you can eat the leftovers within 2–3 days (or freeze them safely), ordering larger portions can cut cost per serving.
– Coordinate with neighbors or family to place one combined order and split payment; many apps support separate payments or splitting afterward.
- Choose payment methods that add value
Your choice of payment can reduce net cost through cash-back, rewards, or statement credits.
Options to consider:
– Credit cards with dining or general cashback categories may earn bonus points or cash back on delivery and takeout purchases.
– Some cards and banks run targeted offers that give statement credits when you spend at a particular delivery app—check the card’s offers tab before paying.
– Digital wallets or third-party payment promotions occasionally include discounts.
How to make this routine:
– Add a quick habit: before finalizing payment, tap your card’s app to see if there are active dining offers you can activate.
– Track which payment method consistently gives the best net price over a two-month sample and default to it where possible.
- Order directly from restaurants when it’s cheaper—and help local businesses
When restaurants take orders through third-party apps, they often pay commissions. To cover that cost, restaurants or apps sometimes increase menu prices or charge added fees. Calling the restaurant or ordering on its website can sometimes avoid those markups.
What to try:
– Call or use the restaurant’s own website for delivery (or pickup). Ask if they have a delivery driver or a local courier that charges less than the app.
– Sign up for the restaurant’s loyalty program—many offer standalone discounts, free items after X visits, or email coupons exclusive to direct customers.
– If you love supporting small local places, ordering direct gives a larger share of your spend to the business.
Be aware: some restaurants use third-party drivers even for direct orders, so confirm who’s handling delivery and what fees apply.
Comparison table: speed vs effort vs savings
| Tactic | Typical time to set up | Ongoing time per order | Expected savings per order | Best when… |
|—|—:|—:|—:|—|
| Compare apps | Low (just open another app) | Low | Low–Medium | You order sporadically and want the cheapest single order |
| Pickup / scheduled | Low | Low | Medium | You can leave home briefly or plan ahead |
| Stack promos/subscriptions | Medium (find offers) | Low | Medium–High | You order several times a month |
| Combine or bulk-order | Low | Low | Medium–High | You eat leftovers or share with family |
| Use rewards/payment offers | Low–Medium | Low | Low–Medium | You already use a rewards card |
| Order direct / loyalty | Medium (find and enroll) | Low | Medium | You prefer local restaurants and repeat orders |
Practical checklist to run an A/B test for two weeks
– Week 1: Use your usual approach. Track: app used, total cost (including tip and taxes), time spent ordering.
– Week 2: Apply two or three of the tactics above (e.g., compare apps + use pickup once + apply a referral credit). Track same fields.
– Compare totals and time spent. If you save money without unacceptable extra effort, keep the new routine.
Tipping and transparency: be fair, but watch fees
Drivers’ tips are a distinct line item and typically go to the person delivering your food. Platform “service” fees are separate; those usually go to the app, not drivers. If keeping costs down matters, you can adjust the base tip if a smaller delivery fee made the trip easier for drivers (for example, pickup). However, maintain a baseline tip that respects the worker’s time and labor—many drivers rely on tips for fair income.
Small habits that prevent surprises
– Always expand the order summary to see taxes and fees before you confirm.
– Save preferred addresses (home, work) accurately—delivery fees sometimes vary by location.
– Disable auto-reorder or scheduled deliveries you no longer need to avoid unwanted charges.
When it’s okay to pay extra
Sometimes the small premium is worth it: a sick day when you can’t drive, a work deadline, or a treat for the family. The point of these tactics is to make those choices deliberate—not habitual.
If you want more income to cover convenience expenses
If you find delivery costs are a monthly burden and you want to offset them, consider picking up a low-effort income stream you can do from home. Many parents find part-time opportunities useful. For guided resources, events, and practical learning materials, explore options tailored to flexible work and micro-entrepreneurship like side hustles.
Final thought
Food delivery is a convenience, and the goal isn’t to eliminate it but to make it affordable. A few minutes of comparison, a one-time signup for a subscription (only if you’ll use it), and a habit of checking for promo credits will give you more control over how much convenience costs. Keep the checklist handy on your phone and try one new tweak a week—the savings add up, and you’ll still get to enjoy that takeout from the couch.
References
1. The Penny Hoarder, “5 Tricks to Save Money on Your Next Food Delivery” (notes on subscriptions, referral credits, and promos). https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/5-tricks-to-save-money-on-your-next-food-delivery/
