DoorDash vs. Grubhub: Which Food Delivery Giant Saves You Money?

The burning question: Is DoorDash cheaper than Grubhub? The nuanced answer: it depends, but often neither is consistently cheaper across the board. While either can offer tempting deals, the final cost boils down to a complex interplay of factors including service fees, delivery fees, menu prices, tip amounts, promotions, and subscription programs. Let’s dissect the battle of the food delivery titans, revealing the hidden fees and strategies to save you cash.

Deconstructing the Cost: A Deep Dive

To declare a definitive “winner” on price is a fool’s errand. Both DoorDash and Grubhub employ dynamic pricing strategies that react to real-time conditions. To understand which might be cheaper at any given moment, you need to understand the individual components of your total bill.

Unveiling the Fee Structure

• Menu Prices: Critically, restaurants can (and often do) mark up their menu prices on delivery apps compared to their in-house dining or takeout menus. This markup isn’t always consistent between DoorDash and Grubhub, so comparing the identical order on both platforms is crucial. Keep an eye out for “delivery only” menus, which are almost always more expensive.
• Delivery Fees: This is a flat fee charged by the platform for bringing your food to your door. These fees are highly variable and depend on distance, restaurant popularity, time of day (expect surges during peak hours), and whether the restaurant is participating in a promotional program.
• Service Fees: This fee is charged by the platform to cover operating costs. This is the most frustrating because it’s difficult to predict. Expect this to fluctuate based on order subtotal. Both platforms make the service fee visible before you finalize your order, allowing for comparison.
• Small Order Fees: If your order falls below a certain threshold (usually around $10-$12), both DoorDash and Grubhub will tack on a small order fee. Avoid this by adding an extra item or two (maybe a drink or dessert) that you’ll actually enjoy.
• Tips: While technically optional, tipping your driver is highly encouraged and contributes significantly to the overall cost. Standard practice suggests 15-20% of the order subtotal is a reasonable tip. Always consider the weather and distance before choosing your tip amount.

Subscription Programs: DashPass vs. Grubhub+

Both DoorDash and Grubhub offer subscription programs designed to lower costs for frequent users.

• DoorDash DashPass: For a monthly or annual fee, DashPass subscribers receive free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders. The eligibility requires your order to be above a certain dollar threshold.
• Grubhub+: Similarly, Grubhub+ members get free delivery on orders over a minimum amount (usually around $12) and often receive exclusive perks and discounts.

To determine if a subscription is worthwhile, calculate how often you use food delivery services each month. If you order more than a few times a month, the subscription fee will likely pay for itself. Otherwise, stick to comparing individual orders.

Promotions and Deals: The Ever-Changing Landscape

Both platforms aggressively compete for customers using limited-time promotions and deals. These can include:

• Percentage-based discounts: Offers like “20% off your order” can substantially lower the price.
• Dollar-off coupons: A flat discount, such as “$5 off your next order,” can be beneficial, especially for smaller orders.
• Free delivery promotions: Restaurants or the platforms themselves might offer free delivery for a limited time.
• Partner promotions: Look for deals through partnerships with credit card companies or other businesses.

Always check for available promotions before placing your order. DoorDash and Grubhub typically feature these prominently in their apps and on their websites.

Strategies for Saving Money on Food Delivery

Beyond comparing prices directly, several strategies can help you minimize your overall food delivery expenses:

• Order during off-peak hours: Delivery and service fees tend to be lower when demand is lower.
• Meet the delivery driver outside: Some services offer a slight discount for picking up your order curbside.
• Cook at home! The most effective way to save money on food is to prepare your meals.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Food Delivery Price Showdown

Ultimately, there is no easy answer on which is cheaper: DoorDash or Grubhub. Both services offer competitive pricing, but the actual cost fluctuates based on a complex web of variables. The best strategy is to compare the total cost (including all fees and tips) of your desired order on both platforms before placing it. Consider whether a subscription program is right for you and always be on the lookout for promotions and discounts. And, of course, never underestimate the value of a home-cooked meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do service fees differ between DoorDash and Grubhub?

Service fees are calculated as a percentage of the order subtotal and vary depending on factors like restaurant popularity, time of day, and your location. While the exact percentage isn’t always explicitly stated, you can see the total service fee amount before finalizing your order on both platforms. It’s best to compare them side-by-side for your specific order.

2. Is it worth subscribing to DashPass or Grubhub+?

This depends on how frequently you use food delivery services. If you order multiple times a month, the free delivery and reduced fees offered by these subscriptions can quickly offset the monthly cost. Calculate your average monthly delivery expenses to determine if a subscription would save you money.

3. Do restaurants charge more on DoorDash and Grubhub?

Yes, it’s common for restaurants to mark up their menu prices on delivery apps compared to their in-house menus. This is often done to offset the commission fees charged by DoorDash and Grubhub. Compare app prices with the restaurant’s official website or menu when possible.

4. How can I avoid small order fees?

Ensure your order meets the minimum subtotal requirement (usually around $10-$12). If you’re just below the threshold, consider adding an extra item, like a side dish or drink, to avoid the small order fee.

5. Are there any hidden fees on DoorDash or Grubhub?

While not “hidden,” fees like service fees and delivery fees can sometimes surprise users who aren’t paying attention. Always carefully review the total cost before confirming your order to avoid unexpected charges.

6. Do promotions and discounts stack on DoorDash and Grubhub?

Typically, promotions and discounts cannot be stacked. The platform will usually apply the offer that provides the greatest savings. Read the terms and conditions of each promotion carefully to understand its limitations.

7. Which platform is better for finding exclusive restaurant deals?

Both DoorDash and Grubhub partner with restaurants to offer exclusive deals. The availability of these deals varies by location and time. Check both apps regularly to see which restaurants are offering the best promotions in your area.

8. How do distance and time of day affect delivery fees?

Delivery fees generally increase with distance. Longer distances mean higher driver costs. Fees also tend to be higher during peak hours (lunch and dinner times) when demand is high and drivers are in short supply.

9. Can I use gift cards on both DoorDash and Grubhub?

Yes, both DoorDash and Grubhub accept gift cards. Gift cards can be a great way to save money on food delivery, especially if you receive them as gifts or purchase them at a discount.

10. What happens if my order is wrong or missing items?

Both DoorDash and Grubhub have customer support channels to address issues with your order. Contact them through the app or website to report the problem and request a refund or credit.

11. Are DoorDash and Grubhub prices the same across all cities?

No, prices can vary significantly based on location. Factors like the cost of living, competition among restaurants, and local regulations can influence pricing on both platforms.

12. Besides price, what are the other key differences between DoorDash and Grubhub?

Beyond price, differences include restaurant selection, app interface, customer support responsiveness, and driver availability. Some users may prefer one platform over the other based on these factors.