With the increasing popularity of food delivery services like UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub, it’s never been more convenient to enjoy restaurant meals in the comfort of your own home. However, this convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking to enjoy the benefits of food delivery without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.
This list of 14 money-saving strategies is not just a collection of random tips; it’s based on real-world trends, data, and expert insights. From promotional offers to loyalty programs, these tips will help you enjoy your favorite meals for less. So, buckle up for a journey through the money-saving world of food delivery!
1. Use Promo Codes
Promotional codes, often found on the delivery service’s website or app, can offer substantial savings on your food delivery orders. Many people overlook these codes, assuming they’re for new customers only. However, even existing customers can often find codes that offer discounts or free delivery.
Right now, with the food delivery industry becoming increasingly competitive, companies are constantly offering new promotions to attract customers. Using promo codes isn’t just a one-time money-saving trick; it’s a strategy that can provide substantial savings over time. For more information on how to find and use promo codes, check out this resource from DailyBurn.
2. Order Directly From the Restaurant
Many people automatically turn to third-party delivery services for convenience. However, ordering directly from the restaurant can often save you money. Some restaurants offer discounts for direct orders or have lower prices than those listed on delivery apps.
With the recent surge in food delivery popularity, many restaurants are enhancing their own delivery capabilities. This trend is providing consumers with more options for ordering directly and saving money. For more insights on this trend, visit Restaurant Dive.
3. Choose Pickup Instead of Delivery
Choosing to pick up your order instead of having it delivered can result in significant savings. Delivery fees, service fees, and tips can add a substantial amount to your total bill. By picking up your food, you can avoid these additional costs.
This strategy is particularly relevant now, as many restaurants are offering curb-side pickup options to accommodate social distancing guidelines. Not only can picking up your order save you money, but it can also provide a safer alternative to in-person dining. Check out this article from Eater to learn more.
4. Join a Loyalty Program
Many food delivery services offer loyalty programs that can provide regular users with significant savings. These programs often come with perks such as free delivery, exclusive deals, and points that can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.
As the food delivery market continues to grow, companies are looking for ways to retain customers, and loyalty programs are becoming more common. By joining a loyalty program, you can save money while enjoying your favorite meals. For more information, check out this guide from Business Insider.
5. Share Delivery Fees with Others
If you’re ordering food for a group, consider splitting the delivery fee among all participants. This can significantly reduce the per-person cost of delivery. While this may seem obvious, many people overlook this option, especially when ordering for family gatherings or office meetings.
Sharing delivery fees is particularly relevant now, with many people ordering meals for virtual gatherings or remote work meetings. This strategy can help make food delivery a more affordable option for groups. For tips on how to organize group orders, visit ezCater.
6. Order During Off-Peak Hours
Some delivery services offer discounts for orders placed during off-peak hours. This is because they want to encourage customers to order at times when demand is lower. Many people are unaware of this opportunity to save money.
As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, off-peak discounts are becoming more common. This trend presents a great opportunity to save money on your food delivery orders. For more information on this strategy, check out this article from Eat This, Not That.
7. Avoid Extra Fees
Many food delivery apps add extra fees for small orders, rush orders, or orders from certain restaurants. By being aware of these fees and avoiding them where possible, you can significantly reduce your food delivery bill.
Today, with the increasing popularity of food delivery services, it’s more important than ever to understand the cost structure of these platforms. Avoiding extra fees can help you get the most value from your food delivery orders. For a detailed breakdown of food delivery fees, visit Business Insider.
8. Take Advantage of Free Delivery Promotions
Many food delivery services offer free delivery promotions from time to time. These promotions may be tied to specific restaurants, certain days of the week, or minimum order amounts. By keeping an eye out for these promotions, you can save on delivery fees.
With the current competitive landscape in the food delivery industry, many companies are using promotions to attract and retain customers. Taking advantage of these promotions can lead to significant savings. For current promotions, check out this list on RetailMeNot.
9. Order in Bulk
Ordering in bulk can be a great way to save on food delivery. Many restaurants offer discounts for large orders, and you can also save on delivery fees by ordering multiple meals at once. This strategy is particularly effective for families or groups.
With the current trend of home cooking and meal prepping, ordering food in bulk has become increasingly popular. Not only can it save you money, but it can also save you time by reducing the number of meals you need to prepare. For bulk ordering tips, visit Money Crashers.
10. Use Cash Back Apps
Many cash back apps offer rewards for food delivery purchases. These apps give you a percentage of your purchase back as cash or gift cards. While many people are familiar with cash back apps for in-store purchases, they often overlook the potential savings for food delivery.
As the food delivery market continues to grow, more cash back apps are adding food delivery services to their platforms. This provides an excellent opportunity to earn rewards on your food delivery purchases. For a list of the best cash back apps, check out this article from NerdWallet.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
