A pizza customer abandoned their delivery-app order after a $3 promotion turned into an over-$27 checkout total, before the tip.
The shopper shared their story with Reddit's r/MildlyInfuriating forum.
Here's what to know
In the Reddit thread, the original poster wrote, "Okay, look. I know these apps are all super predatory and scams. And I am totally aware there is a premium you have to pay for the convenience of these delivery services. It's why I haven't used them in ages. They're just not worth it. But holy smokes it's gotten so bad."
The OP then described finding an Uber Eats promotion for a pizza normally priced at $25 for just $3. But when they added the item to their cart, they were notified that the restaurant's minimum meant they needed to spend at least $14.
OP wrote, "So I add some bread sticks. Now the total is over that $14 minimum. … Go to the checkout page, total says $27.11 (before tip). What?! … My god, it feels so shady to offer a $3 pizza that's actually going to have to cost at least $17. I just deleted the cart and ordered from a different app."
Other Redditors joined the thread to share the frustration. One commenter wrote, "I wish everybody stopped using it so they would go out of business." Another added, "I still can't figure out how they are in business. Who can afford a giant markup on food that's already more expensive than going to the grocery store in this economy?"
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Not all of the commenters were on the OP's side, however. One questioned, "Did you really think you would get a $3 pizza including delivery, taxes, and tip?" Another wrote, "There are a lot of cases of food delivery apps being scams and having hidden fees but this is not one of them. This one is actually you just being dumb."
Several commenters suggested ordering pizza directly from pizza shops, like Domino's, rather than using a third-party delivery app. The original poster welcomed the suggestion, writing, "Good tip. I'll keep that in mind next time!"
Where can I learn more?
Other customers have also watched delivery fees and minimum-spend requirements push their totals higher.
• A Domino's customer who regularly tipped $5 questioned how delivery fees affected tipping.
• A McDonald's customer received little sympathy after delivery fees nearly doubled a $22 order.
• Flashfood users questioned its value after a 99-cent service fee appeared on orders under $12.
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