Food delivery is a lot easier now than it was a few years back. With so many services working tirelessly to get your food to your doorstep, eating in the comfort of your home or workplace has become much more convenient than eating out.
If you often like to order your food, you must be already aware of DoorDash and GrubHub. These two delivery services are known for their great performance, variety, and customer support.
But what about the cost? Is Grubhub or DoorDash cheaper? That’s what we will answer in this detailed guide.
Understanding the Pricing
Here is a detailed breakdown of the pricing structure of DoorDash and Grubhub.
DoorDash
DoorDash was founded in 2013 and is now worth more than $13 billion. Known as one of the largest third-party delivery services, DoorDash has raised around $2.4 billion in funding up until now.
And one of the reasons behind its success is its pricing model. The average delivery fee charged by the service is in the range of $2 and $6. It may increase depending on the total bill and the distance between dropoff and pickup.
In addition to that, DoorDash also charges a service fee for every order. This fee typically ranges from 10% to 15% of the total bill. It starts at $0.60 and increases gradually based on the order subtotal.
There is also a small order fee. This is around $2.5 and is charged if the order is below a specific amount.
DoorDash also charges a commission for connecting food places with customers. The amount is almost 20% of each order placed.
GrubHub
GrubHub is another popular delivery service that is making rounds these days. It was founded in 2004 in Chicago and has been a successful venture since then. Today, GrubHub is quite popular in big cities like New York and features more than 365,000 restaurants. It is also considered the 3rd largest food delivery service in the world.
GrubHub charges its users a standard fee of $1 to $12 with varying service fees. The service fee is a small percentage of the order that goes to Grubhub to cover the platform’s operating costs. This fee may be different in many areas. For instance, in Brooklyn, it is typically around $2.50 per order but can increase to $7 or $8 for some restaurants.
So, when you choose GrubHub, the total order cost will include the price of your food, taxes, service fee, delivery fee, and any tip. Plus, if you plan to spend less than $10, you may be charged an additional $2 minimum charge fee.
After this price comparison, here is what we have concluded.
Since the delivery and service charges vary for different regions, it is hard to develop a solid comparison. Plus, the pricing model of both services is more or less similar.
However, when it comes to small orders, DoorDash is a cheap option. It has the cheapest total cost, often by a significant margin.
Alternatively, when it comes to big orders above $50, GrubHub takes the lead. As its delivery charges decrease significantly for such orders.
Again, it is imperative to note that the rates may vary from restaurant to restaurant. Plus, your location also plays a part in deciding the cheaper option.
Menu Prices and Markups
Menu prices may also be different between GrubHub and DoorDash. Restaurants or the platforms may themselves set different prices due to factors like promotions, fees, or any special agreement.
For instance, the rate of a burger at a restaurant may be set at $10 on DoorDash and $11 on GrubHub. This usually happens if a restaurant has set different prices due to commission rates or agreements.
Sometimes, the platforms change rates to account for operational costs. Platforms also run discounts and deals, making their total lower than what the other service asks for.
This is why it is important to do a comparison to get your hands on the best price.
Subscription Plans and Memberships
Other than the basic delivery service, both DoorDash and GrubHub run subscription plans and memberships.
You must know about each to decide which one is the most beneficial for you.
GrubHub+
As one of the most popular subscription plans, GrubHub+ provides several benefits with a monthly charge. For instance, as a member, you get most of your orders at an unlimited delivery fee from participating restaurants. Plus, as a subscriber, you also get access to some exclusive promotions, discounts, and deals that non-members don’t.
In addition, if you are lucky, you may be saved from a service fee. This is an additional order and may not be applied all the time.
Another great thing about GrubHub Plus is that it matches you with charity programs, so you can play a part in giving back to the world.
To be a part of the GrubHub Plus program, you must pay a fee of $9.99 per month. Make sure that you look out for promotions and deals to find a discount on this cost.
It is imperative to note that the menu prices remain the same for both non-members and members. However, the overall bill may be low due to negligible delivery fees and discounts.
DashPass
This is a subscription service of DoorDash that allows its members to get free unlimited delivery on orders from partner restaurants. However, you will have to make an order of a minimum $12 or more to avail of this offer.
As a member, you can also benefit from reduced service fee charges on every order. In addition, DashPass gives you exclusive access to new deals and promotions that non-members may not be aware of.
The benefits extend beyond just food delivery. With DashPass, you can also enjoy free delivery or discounts on your orders from grocery and convenience stores.
Just like GrubHub+, DashPass also costs $9.99 per month. But again, you must look out for offers that can help you get the plan at a reduced rate.
So, which one is better? Although they have the same monthly rates, DoorDash offers more restaurants from which to order. But again, this may vary as per your location. GrubHub+ charges only a $10/month pickup credit, provided that you wish to opt for the service.
Comparing DoorDash vs. Grubhub Apps
The best way to use DoorDash or GrubHub is through their delivery apps. After all, these apps make food delivery services seamless and on the go.
Plus, they are popular food delivery apps used by the masses. They also offer a smooth online ordering system.
When you start the process of creating an account with GrubHub, you are asked to fill in details. However, the platform first checks and clears your background before allowing you to use your account. This makes GrubHub a safe platform to use.
The signing-up procedure is simple and quick. Once you have access to your account, you can order food and pay for the delivery costs using your chosen payment method.
On the other hand, the sign-up process in DoorDash is smooth and simple. All you have to do is just download the application, fill in your details and wait for the approval. Then, agree with the partner agreement to start placing your first order.
Interface and Features
Although both DoorDash and GrubHub applications have similar interfaces, the latter may seem a little more cluttered. However, it has the same features as the DoorDash app and a ‘Perks’ section that highlights all the deals for a better user experience.
You can access customer services on both platforms through the respective applications. The customer service at GrubHub is more responsive than other platforms, as per a few consumer reviews.
Delivery Fees
The delivery fee charges are always mentioned on both applications after you place your order. If you have any issue with the final bill amount, you can contact the in-app customer support to get a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Additionally, you can track your orders on the apps to find the real-time status of your food. The delivery time may vary for every order, depending on your location.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Food Delivery App
Suppose you have a restricted budget plan for your food deliveries. In that case, play smartly and follow a few tips to find the cheapest food delivery app at your service.
- Make sure that you evaluate all food delivery apps based on different factors such as delivery fees, service fees, and restaurant options. Comparison is important so you can shortlist the ones that truly tick all the right boxes.
- Consider the app’s user experience and customer support. You may download different applications to see what they offer. You can also read customer reviews online to find out how these applications have served users like you.
- Look for apps that offer exclusive discounts and promotions. This is the best way to get your food delivered on a budget. Some applications offer such deals now and then, helping them gain new customers and allowing you to order food at a great rate.
- If you really want to save big on delivery charges, use valid Grubhub coupons and Doordash promo codes. You can find them on websites or coupon platforms. They can be applied during the checkout. Most coupons offer attractive discounts, reducing the total bill by a great margin.
- Order during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing. This trick works for many as during off-peak hours these delivery services offer extensive discounts to earn some revenue.
- Consider using a food delivery app with a subscription service to save on delivery fees. Both DoorDash and GrubHub offer great plans at similar rates. These programs allow you to have some incredible discounts and deals, helping you make your delivery experience comfortable.
Takeaway: Is Grubhub or Doordash Cheaper?
So, which one is the cheapest option? We have done a breakdown and it seems that GrubHub and DoorDash are mostly similar when it comes to their prices. Even the subscription plans have similar monthly rates.
However, as per our evaluation, GrubHub is the best platform for delivery of orders above $50, while DoorDash works beneficial for small orders.
What’s more, the delivery rate may change depending on the location. Plus, some restaurants have partnered with these delivery services to provide discounts on certain menu items.
Therefore, if you want to deliver your food wisely, compare the rates you get from each platform on similar orders and then pick a platform that best suits your budget.
