5 Hacks to Save Money on Food Delivery Orders
Food delivery apps make life easier, but the convenience can sometimes add up. Whether you’re ordering your favorite pizza, a quick lunch, or a family meal, the extra fees, tips, and delivery charges can be a drain on your wallet.
Luckily, there are smart strategies to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are five hacks to save money on food delivery orders.
1. Use Promo Codes and Discounts
One of the easiest ways to save money on food delivery is by taking advantage of promo codes and discounts offered by the app. Many delivery apps frequently provide:
- First-time user discounts: If you’re new to the app, you’re likely to get a significant discount on your first few orders.
- Referral programs: Share your unique referral link with friends. When they sign up and place an order, both of you get discounts or credits.
- Seasonal and holiday deals: Look for special deals around holidays, sports events, or weekends.
💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for newsletters or enable notifications to stay updated on the latest deals.
2. Order Directly from Restaurants
Many restaurants offer their own delivery services through their websites or apps. By skipping the middleman, you can avoid extra fees like service charges or inflated menu prices often found on delivery platforms.
- Why it works: Restaurants sometimes provide discounts or free delivery for direct orders to encourage customers to use their platforms.
- How to find them: Search for the restaurant’s website or call to inquire about delivery options.
3. Plan Orders Strategically
Instead of making multiple small orders throughout the week, plan your food delivery strategically:
- Order larger meals: Many delivery apps waive delivery fees for orders that meet a minimum amount.
- Share with friends or family: Split the cost of a family-sized meal with others to reduce per-person expense.
- Take advantage of meal deals: Look for combo deals, bundles, or family packs that offer better value than ordering items individually.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check for hidden costs like “small order fees,” which can make smaller orders more expensive than necessary.
4. Join Loyalty Programs or Memberships
Many food delivery apps offer subscription plans or loyalty programs that save you money in the long run:
- Free delivery perks: Memberships often include unlimited free delivery for a small monthly fee.
- Exclusive deals: Subscribers get access to special promotions and discounts not available to non-members.
- Loyalty rewards: Earn points for every order, which can be redeemed for free meals or discounts.
💡 Pro Tip: If you order food frequently, a monthly membership can pay for itself after just a few orders.
5. Avoid Peak Times and Delivery Fees
Timing your order can make a big difference in cost. Here’s how:
- Order during off-peak hours: Delivery fees and prices may be higher during lunch or dinner rush hours. Late mornings or mid-afternoons often have lower fees.
- Pick up your order: Many apps offer a “pickup” option, which eliminates delivery fees altogether.
- Group orders at work or events: Many apps waive extra fees for large group orders, saving everyone money.
💡 Pro Tip: Check for restaurants offering free delivery within certain time frames.
Bonus Hack: Compare Apps Before Ordering
Different apps often have varying prices for the same restaurant. Before placing your order:
- Compare prices on different apps.
- Look for exclusive discounts or free delivery offers.
- Check if one app offers better loyalty benefits than another.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on food delivery orders doesn’t mean compromising on your favorite meals. By using these simple hacks, you can enjoy delicious food while keeping costs under control. Next time you’re ready to place an order, try applying these strategies to see how much you can save.
What’s your favorite money-saving tip for food delivery? Share it in the comments below!
