Introduction
With the rise of food delivery services, it can be daunting to choose between Uber Eats and DoorDash, especially when it comes to cost. Both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer similar services, but often with different pricing structures. In this article, we will break down the costs of each platform, compare the pros and cons of using each, reveal hidden costs, and provide tips on taking advantage of discounts and reducing delivery fees, to help you decide which service is cheaper.
Straight Comparison
When it comes to delivery fees, both Uber Eats and DoorDash share a similar structure. However, DoorDash’s delivery fee is more consistent than Uber Eats, which has a higher delivery fee during peak meal times. In terms of menu item prices, the difference is negligible, with both platforms having similar pricing structures since it is determined by the restaurants themselves. However, many DoorDash restaurants have a one-time order processing fee of $1.99, a fee that Uber Eats does not have. Overall, when comparing these services directly, it seems like DoorDash is the cheaper option simply due to their more consistent delivery fees.
Pros and Cons
In terms of delivery fees, both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer similar services, but there are other cost factors to consider. DoorDash offers a tipping feature as part of their app, allowing customers to tip their drivers even before they make their order. Uber Eats also has a tipping feature, however, the gap between delivery fees and tipping fees tends to be narrower than on DoorDash. This feature may impact DoorDash’s perceived price-point. Uber Eats has better full transparency with regards to additional restaurant fees or taxes. Door Dash has hidden processing fees, which are only disclosed in the final stages of checkout.
Hidden Costs
It is important to be aware of hidden and additional costs that could affect the final cost of an order. Surge pricing is Uber Eats’ way of increasing prices during peak meal times, while DoorDash has similar “busy pricing”. Both services offer estimates based on distance and order size when ordering, but expect extra fees if you live far from your preferred spot. Another hidden cost is when the minimum order value is not met. This means additional small items may have to be purchased to reach the required value.
Using a Case Study
To make things interesting, let’s use a popular meal item to compare cost; a large pepperoni pizza from popular franchise Domino’s. The pizza is priced at $15.99 on both platforms, with no difference in item price, however, Delivery fees were calculated as follows. On Uber Eats, the delivery fee was $2.99, processing fee was $1.00, and taxes and fees were $2.15. The total was $22.13. On DoorDash, the delivery fee was $5.99, and taxes and fees were $2.40. The total was $24.38. The final cost shows us that ordering from DoorDash costs more, by almost $2.25 or an additional 10.5% compared to Uber Eats.
Discounts and Promotions
Both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer promotions and discounts regularly. Uber Eats has specific promotional periods and offers codes for select restaurants to encourage ordering during off-peak hours. DoorDash offers DashPass, a service that requires a monthly fee but offers free delivery to many stores as part of the package. Also, DoorDash includes free delivery for first-time users when their minimum delivery value is met..
Delivery Fees
Both Uber Eats and DoorDash have structured delivery fees based on several factors including order size, distance, and time of day. DoorDash has a consistent fee based on distance, order size, and location. Uber Eats, which often has higher peak delivery fees, offers a few ways to reduce delivery fees. Look for green light marks in-app to know which restaurants offer reduced or waived fees for Uber Pass members.
Conclusion
Overall, both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer similar services. Each platform has its pros and cons when it comes to cost, but it is clear from our comparison that Uber Eats is slightly cheaper than DoorDash, especially when it comes to item price and delivery fees. However, we recommend considering other details, such as location, delivery fees, and promotional offers, to decide which service fits your daily delivery needs best.