Delivery Apps vs Ordering Direct: How Much More You Really Pay
Quick answer
- Menu prices on delivery apps are often 10% to 30% higher than in the restaurant.
- Service fees, delivery fees, small order fees and a tip can add another $5 to $12 per order.
- Ordering direct in the chain’s own app is usually cheaper and earns rewards points.
- Picking up yourself is almost always the cheapest option.
Delivery is convenient, but it is rarely cheap. The total you pay through a third-party delivery app can be much higher than the price on the restaurant’s menu. Here is where the extra money goes and how to cut it.
Example: the same order three ways
Here is a typical order of two burger combos that cost about $24 in the restaurant:
| Cost | Pickup (store or chain app) | Chain app delivery | Third-party app delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | $24.00 | $24.00 to $26.00 | $27.00 to $31.00 |
| Service fee | $0 | $0 to $3 | $3 to $5 |
| Delivery fee | $0 | $2 to $5 | $2 to $6 |
| Tip (suggested) | $0 | $3 to $5 | $3 to $5 |
| Typical total | About $24 | About $29 to $39 | About $35 to $47 |
Exact fees change by city, time and app. Subscription plans can remove some delivery fees but usually not the menu markup.
Why prices are higher on delivery apps
- Restaurants pay the app a commission, often 15% to 30% of the order, and many raise menu prices to cover it.
- Apps add their own service fees on top of the food price.
- Busy times can add surge or busy-area fees.
- App-only restaurant deals and rewards often do not apply on third-party apps.
How to save on delivery
- Order through the chain’s own app, where menu prices are closer to in-store prices and you earn points.
- Choose pickup when you can. It removes every fee and the tip.
- Watch for free delivery promos in chain apps, common at pizza chains.
- Combine orders with friends or family to spread the delivery fee.
- Tip your driver fairly. If cost is a concern, pickup is the better way to save.
Want more ways to save? Read our 10 tips to save money on fast food and tipping guide.
When delivery is worth it
- When you cannot drive or leave home.
- In bad weather or late at night.
- For a large group, where one delivery fee is split many ways.
- When a chain app offers free delivery.
Hidden extras to watch for
- Small order fees on orders under about $10 to $15.
- Busy or long-distance fees at peak times.
- Higher prices on popular items compared with the in-store menu.
- Promotions that do not apply on third-party apps.
Before you order, compare the total at checkout in the delivery app with the same order in the chain’s own app. The difference is often several dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Is DoorDash more expensive than ordering direct?
Usually yes. Menu prices on third-party apps are often 10% to 30% higher, plus service and delivery fees.
Why are menu prices higher on delivery apps?
Restaurants pay delivery apps a commission, often 15% to 30%, and many raise app prices to cover it.
Is it cheaper to order from the restaurant’s own app?
Generally yes. Chain apps often use in-store prices, offer app-only deals and give rewards points.
How much should I tip a delivery driver?
Many people tip 15% to 20% of the order, or at least $3 to $5 for short trips.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
