Delivery apps make life more convenient—but they can also make your meals significantly more expensive. Between inflated menu prices, service fees, and hidden charges, you could be paying 20–40% more than if you’d ordered directly from the restaurant. Fortunately, there are smart ways to sidestep these markups without sacrificing convenience or quality.

Here’s how to keep your food budget in check and still enjoy takeout the way it was meant to be.

The Truth Behind Delivery App Markups

Third-party platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats often charge restaurants high commission fees—sometimes as much as 30% per order. To offset that cost, many restaurants raise prices on their delivery menu. According to a breakdown by CNET, customers can expect to pay 10–25% more per item on delivery apps compared to in-store or direct online ordering.

You’ll also typically encounter:

• Service fees (5%–15% of the subtotal)
• Delivery fees (flat-rate or distance-based)
• Tipping prompts before checkout
• Small order fees for purchases below a certain threshold

All of this adds up—turning a $12 meal into a $20 bill before you know it.

Order Directly to Save More

One of the easiest ways to avoid these markups is to order directly through the restaurant’s own website or app. Most restaurants now offer online ordering systems that are powered by lower-fee platforms like:

• ChowNow: Offers flat-fee pricing for restaurants and no markups for diners
• Toast: Used by many local eateries to process online orders with transparent pricing
• Slice: Specializes in independent pizzerias, offering better prices than major apps

When you order directly, you often get:

• The original (lower) menu prices
• Access to loyalty or reward programs
• More control over pickup times and customizations
• Better support for the restaurant itself

Comparing the Big Delivery Apps

Here’s a general look at how delivery app fees compare. (Note: rates may vary by city and restaurant.)

Quick Tips to Minimize Delivery Costs

• Always check the restaurant’s website first before defaulting to a delivery app
• Use low-fee ordering tools like ChowNow or Toast to place your order
• Opt for pickup instead of delivery when possible—many restaurants offer pickup incentives
• Order in groups to avoid small order fees
• Compare prices between apps and the restaurant directly before confirming your order

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to give up takeout to stay on budget—you just have to be smarter about how you order. Avoid inflated delivery markups by going direct, using better platforms, and staying informed about app fee structures. For more details, check out the CNET article on delivery app pricing and NerdWallet’s guide to food delivery apps.