Want takeout but don’t feel like picking it up? Food delivery services have become an increasingly popular way to enjoy delicious restaurant food from the comforts of your home or office without having to stop what you're doing to go fetch it.
There are many different kinds of food delivery services to choose from. Some food delivery services partner with restaurants to allow ordering and payment using a phone application, while others have employees who will place and pick up orders for you.
Choosing a food delivery service should not be based solely on what business has the fanciest app or best loyalty programs, but also on which company values customer service the most.
In recent years, BBB has received thousands of complaints and reviews on food delivery services that did not deliver meals to their customers’ satisfaction. Complaints mention long wait times or completely botched orders. Some companies will take time to resolve these issues with their customers, while others may not.
Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to help you decide which food delivery service will work best for you:
· Read reviews and ratings. See what actual customers have to say before placing your order. You can check a business’s complaints, reviews, and ratings on bbb.org.
· Be wary of advertisements. Just because the business paid for an ad to show up in search engine results or on your social media feed, does not mean it can be trusted. Do your research to be sure you are ordering from a legitimate website or application.
· Read the fine print. Familiarize yourself with the terms of service to know what level of liability the business is willing to accept for an incorrect order.
· Compare prices. Some food delivery apps charge a flat rate in addition to the cost of your food, while others may just charge tips for the delivery driver. Make sure you compare prices and factor in the tip for your order if it isn’t already included!
· Consider rewards. If you plan on utilizing these services regularly, consider choosing one that offers rewards or loyalty programs to save money in the future.
Thinking about trying out a meal delivery service where you can get fresh, premeasured ingredients shipped directly to your doorstep? Check out BBB's tips on choosing a meal delivery service that won't disappoint!