Craving your favorite meal but dreading the delivery fees? You’re not alone. Food delivery has become a go-to for Canadians, offering convenience at your fingertips, but the costs can pile up quickly. If Uber Eats, DoorDash or SkipTheDishes have become regulars on your phone, you know how those hidden fees can sneak up on you. Fear not! At Dealhack, we’ve got 7 powerful money-saving hacks to help you enjoy the convenience without blowing your budget.
Get ready to order smarter, save more, and satisfy those cravings!
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How to use promo codes effectively for maximum discounts.
- About the benefits of subscription services and when they’re worth it.
- Optimal ordering strategies to reduce costs.
- Clever use of credit card rewards tailored for food delivery.
- Tactics to avoid hidden fees.
- How to leverage group orders for shared savings.
- Why picking up your order can be a game-changer.
1. Use Promo Codes and Coupons Strategically
Promo codes and coupons are your best friends when it comes to saving on food delivery. These codes often offer discounts ranging from 10% to 50% off or free delivery, significantly reducing costs.
Where to Find Promo Codes:
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Many delivery platforms offer exclusive promo codes to users who sign up for their newsletters.
- Special Promotions: Watch for special promotions during holidays or events like the Super Bowl.
- Coupon Websites: Platforms like Dealhack regularly update with the latest food delivery Uber Eats and DoorDash promo codes.
- Loyalty Programs: Some restaurants and delivery services offer loyalty programs that reward you with promo codes or discounts after a certain number of orders.
Using promo codes wisely can ensure you never pay the total price. Make it a habit to search for available codes before placing an order.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to multiple food delivery platforms’ newsletters and follow them on social media to stay updated on the latest deals and promo codes.
2. Consider Subscription Services
If you frequently order food delivery, subscribing to a service like Uber Eats Pass or DoorDash DashPass SkipTheDishes SkipPass can be highly cost-effective. For a monthly fee, these subscriptions often provide free delivery on all orders and discounts on service fees. Here’s how to decide if it’s worth it:
| Subscription Service | Approximate Monthly Fee | Benefits | Break-Even Point |
| Uber Eats Pass | $9.99 | Free delivery on orders over $15, 5% off orders | Ordering 3-4 times per month |
| DoorDash DashPass | $9.99 | Free delivery on orders over $12, reduced fees | Ordering 2-3 times per month |
| SkipTheDishes SkipPass | $9.99 | Free delivery from certain restaurants, 10% off | Ordering 3-4 times per month |
Additional Benefits of Subscriptions:
- Priority Customer Support: Some subscriptions offer faster customer service responses if something goes wrong with your order.
- Exclusive Discounts: Subscribers may get access to special offers, like discounts on select restaurants or partners.
Pro Tip: Calculate your average monthly spending on food delivery. If the potential savings from the subscription exceed the monthly fee, it’s an intelligent choice.
3. Order Strategically to Save More
Ordering strategically can make a significant difference in your final bill. Here’s how:
- Bulk Ordering: Combine orders to save on delivery fees, especially if you’re planning leftovers.
- Off-Peak Promotions: Many platforms offer discounts during non-peak hours or certain days of the week.
- Combo Meals: These are usually more cost-effective than ordering separate items, especially if you share.
- Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be ordering more food in the future, order in larger quantities to avoid multiple delivery fees over a few days.
- Avoid Impulse Orders: Stop and think, are you ordering because you’re hungry or bored? Wait for better deals or promotions.
Pro Tip: Plan! Order during off-peak hours (like mid-afternoon) for discounted delivery fees and special deals unavailable during peak times.
4. Maximize Credit Card Rewards
Using the right credit card can earn you rewards that effectively reduce the cost of your food delivery orders. Some credit cards offer cashback or points for dining and food delivery services.
Best Credit Cards for Food Delivery:
- American Express Cobalt Card: Earn 5x points on dining and delivery.
- Scotiabank Gold American Express: Get 5% cashback on dining and entertainment.
- Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card: Earn 2% cashback in selected categories, including dining.
- TD Cash Back Visa Infinite: Earn 3% cashback on groceries and food delivery.
Other Credit Card Perks to Look For:
- Rotating Cashback Categories: Some cards offer rotating cashback categories, including dining or food delivery. Make sure you activate the right categories each quarter.
- Bonus Points for New Users: Some cards offer sign-up bonuses for spending a certain amount in the first few months.
Pro Tip: Double-dip on rewards using credit cards with cashback or points while stacking promo codes for extra savings!
5. Be Wary of Hidden Fees and Extra Charges
Food delivery services often come with additional charges that can sneak up on you. Being aware of these can help you avoid unnecessary expenses:
- Service Fees: Most platforms charge a fee of up to 5% to 15% of your order.
- Small Order Fees: If your order doesn’t meet a certain minimum amount, you might be hit with a small order fee, usually around $2 to $3.
- Delivery Fees: While delivery fees are expected, they vary greatly depending on the time of day, location, and distance from the restaurant.
How to Avoid These Fees:
- Meet Minimum Order Amounts: Always meet the minimum order requirement to avoid small fees. Consider adding a drink or dessert to reach the threshold.
- Pick Up Your Order: If the delivery fee is exceptionally high, consider picking up your order instead. Some services allow you to order through their app but choose pickup, saving you both the delivery fee and associated service charges.
- Check Before Confirming: Always review the final breakdown of costs before placing your order to avoid being surprised by hidden fees.
Pro Tip: Always review your order summary before finalizing! Hidden fees often appear at the last minute, so don’t get caught off guard.
6. Leverage Group Orders
Ordering with others is one of the best ways to save on food delivery. Many services offer discounts or reduced fees when you place a larger order, which can be easily achieved by ordering as a group.
Benefits of Group Ordering:
- Split Delivery Fees: When ordering with friends, you can split the delivery fee, making it more economical for everyone.
- Larger Discounts: Some platforms offer discounts on larger orders or waive certain fees if the order exceeds a specific amount.
- Maximized Use of Coupons: Group orders can help you take full advantage of promo codes requiring minimum spending.
- Better Variety: Group ordering means you can order from different restaurants simultaneously through multi-restaurant platforms.
Pro Tip: If ordering for an office or a group of friends, coordinate a single order instead of everyone ordering separately. This can significantly reduce the overall cost.
7. Opt for Pickup When Possible
While food delivery is convenient, it’s not always the most cost-effective option. If you’re close to the restaurant and able to pick up your food, this can save you a substantial amount:
- No Delivery Fees: Picking up your order eliminates delivery fees, saving you anywhere from $2 to $10 per order.
- Faster Service: Sometimes, picking up your order can be faster than waiting for delivery, especially during peak times.
- Better Deals: Some restaurants offer special deals or discounts for customers who pick up their orders instead of opting for delivery.
When to Choose Pickup:
- Proximity: Pickup is likely worth the time and effort if the restaurant is within a 5-10-minute drive.
- High Delivery Fees: Pickup can be a smart alternative if the delivery fees seem unusually high or there are multiple additional charges.
- Fresher Food: Picking up your order often means getting your food fresher, as it doesn’t spend time in transit.
Pro Tip: Many restaurants offer pickup-only discounts on their websites or apps. Always check if there’s a better deal before opting for delivery!
Top Strategies to Save on Food Delivery Services in Canada
| Best Thing to Do | Approximate Cost | Short Description |
| Use Promo Codes and Coupons | Free | Find and apply promo codes to save up to 50% on your order or get free delivery. Codes can be found on newsletters, coupon websites, and social media. |
| Subscribe to Delivery Services | $9.99/month | Subscriptions like Uber Eats and DashPass offer free delivery and reduced service fees, saving regular users significant monthly money. |
| Order in Bulk or Group Orders | Varies | Group your orders to save on delivery fees and possibly get discounts on large orders. This is great for families or office orders. |
| Pick Up Your Order | Free | Skip delivery fees by picking up your order directly from the restaurant, often saving $2-$10 per order. |
| Use Credit Card Rewards | No additional cost | Earn cashback or points on food delivery orders using a credit card that rewards dining and delivery purchases. |
| Avoid Small Order Fees | Add ~$2-$3 to your order | Small order fees apply when your order falls short of the minimum amount. Add a small item like a drink or dessert to meet the threshold to avoid this. |
| Schedule Orders During Promotions | Varies | Take advantage of off-peak promotions or special event discounts offered by delivery platforms to save on your orders. |
| Be Aware of Hidden Fees | Varies | Review your order summary for service fees, delivery charges, and surge pricing to avoid unexpected costs. |
| Leverage Restaurant Loyalty Programs | Free to join | Some restaurants offer loyalty programs with perks like discounts or free items after a certain number of orders, helping you save over time. |
Conclusion
Food delivery services have made it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite meals from the comfort of your home, but the costs can quickly add up. By implementing these seven tips, you can enjoy food delivery’s convenience without overspending. There are many ways to make food delivery more affordable, from leveraging promotional codes to sharing delivery costs and taking advantage of cashback programs.
At Dealhack, we’re passionate about helping you find the best shopping hacks, discount codes, and money-saving tips. Remember these strategies the next time you place an order, and be sure to check back with us for the latest deals and offers that can help you save even more. Happy eating and saving!
FAQ
No, most platforms allow only one promo code per order, though some may stack discounts like free delivery during promotions.
If you order 3-4 times a month, a subscription to Uber Eats or DashPass is worth it because it saves on delivery and service fees.
Small order fees (typically $2-$3) apply when you don’t meet the minimum order. Add a small item to avoid these charges.
Yes, service fees, small order fees, and fluctuating delivery charges. Always review your final order summary for these.
Yes, picking up your order saves on delivery and service fees. Some restaurants also offer discounts for pickups.
Absolutely. Split delivery fees and take advantage of discounts on larger orders.
Top choices include the American Express Cobalt (5x points) and Scotiabank Gold American Express (5% cashback on dining).
Sign up for newsletters, follow food delivery platforms on social media, and check coupon websites like Dealhack.
Yes, off-peak hours and certain days, like Mondays or Thursdays, often offer discounts. Look for restaurant promotions.
Check the itemized receipt for service, small orders, or surge fees. If charges seem incorrect, contact customer service.
Dealhack Canada
Dealhack, led by a group of seasoned e-commerce experts, operates an advanced deal search engine and browser extension. With over a decade of experience, our team specializes in meticulously sourcing and authenticating promo codes, sales, and valuable shopping advice from thousands of popular retailers, dedicated to optimizing your online shopping experience. If you know of a great promo code, sale, or shopping tip we can share, please email codes@dealhack.com, where it will be evaluated and potentially shared with our network of savvy shoppers.
