Some people get tired of cooking dinner every night or don’t have the time to go shopping. Others are struggling to make ends meet, but want to have a treat. In these scenarios and more, many people consider using a food delivery service and delivery routes.
There are many different companies that can help you, so it can be difficult to decide which one is best. In this article, we’ll discuss 8 things you need to consider when choosing a food delivery service.
What Are They?
Food delivery services are companies that deliver food to your door. They can either be a restaurant that delivers their own food, or a company that delivers food from multiple restaurants. To place an order, people use online platforms or apps. Some popular food delivery services include Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog, and Grubhub.
The advantages of using a food delivery service are convenience and variety. You can order food from a wide selection of restaurants (serving different kinds of food) without having to leave your home or office. You can also typically track the status of your order, so you know when to expect your meal.
1. Online Reviews
Online reviews can provide useful insights into customers’ experiences with different companies. Be aware that people are more likely to write a review if they’ve had a negative experience. Having said that, you should still get a feel for the general consensus about the service. Also, a food delivery service can improve over time, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re reading relatively current feedback.
You can find online reviews on websites like Yelp, Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor, Angie’s List, and more. The internet can also help you compare Uber Eats vs DoorDash, discussing how they both work, and things like availability and cost. You can also learn about their customer service, and which app is better for contractors.
2. Prices
One of the first things you should consider is how much the delivery costs. You want to make sure that the service is affordable and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Take a look at the menu and compare it to other similar services in the area. Some companies charge a flat fee for delivery, while others charge based on distance. Also, check the minimum order requirement for each provider.
When you order food delivery, you’ll usually have the option to tip the driver. This is something you should consider when choosing a service, as some companies add a gratuity automatically while others don’t. If you’re able to tip, make sure to factor that into your budget. Many food delivery services offer free delivery for your first order. Also, see if the company offers any loyalty programs (e.g. for regular subscriptions).
3. Food Quality
Of course, you’ll also want to consider the quality of the food when choosing a delivery service. It should be fresh, tasty, and made with high-quality ingredients.
Take a look at the online reviews we discussed earlier, to get an idea of what other people think of the food quality. Also, don’t forget to ask friends, family and colleagues for their personal experiences and recommendations.
4. Delivery Times
Another important factor to consider is how long it takes for the food to be delivered. You don’t want to have to wait hours for your meal, so make sure that the service you choose has a good reputation for being prompt.
If you’re ordering during a busy time, it’s likely that it will take longer for your food to arrive. However, if you’re ordering during a slow time, you should expect your food to arrive fairly quickly.
5. Variety And Flexibility
If you’re looking for a service that can provide you with a variety of different meals, take a look at the menu. See if there is something for everyone in your family or group of friends. Find out whether there are breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Also, discover whether the meals come with sides or are just entrees.
Some people have specific dietary needs or preferences, and it’s important to find a food delivery service that can accommodate them. Here are some examples:
- Can they cater for dairy-free or gluten-free?
- Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
See if you can make changes to the orders, such as adding or removing certain items.
6. The Customer Experience
You’ll want to consider how you’ll be paying for the food. Some services only accept cash as a payment method, while others allow you to pay with a credit or debit card. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the payment method before you place your order.
In terms of cancellation policies, you’ll want to read the fine print before you commit to a service. Some food delivery services charge a fee if you cancel an order, while others make no charge. If something goes wrong with your order, it’s important to have good customer service to help resolve the issue. See if the food delivery company has a good reputation for taking care of their customers.
7. The Delivery Area
The last thing you want is to order food, only to find out that the delivery service can’t actually get it to you! This is especially important if you live in a rural area or if you’re looking for a specific type of cuisine that might not be available in your vicinity.
Ask how far in advance orders need to be placed. The shorter the window, the less time food spends sitting in a warehouse or in transit.
8. The Environment
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, research the company’s delivery methods. Some companies use electric bikes or scooters which are more environmentally friendly than cars. Also:
- Choose a company that delivers locally sourced food when possible.
- Find out if the packaging is recyclable or compostable.
Before you do anything you should consider how much you’re willing to spend on food delivery per month/week/day. Once you’ve sorted out your budget and done some further research, you’ll be all set. You’ll have found a quality service that can supply the food you want, when you want it.
