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Cut what you pay for delivery and takeout: compare menu prices, choose pickup, and decide whether DashPass or Instacart+ pays off.
Key takeaways
- Delivery costs include fees, service charges, tips and sometimes higher menu prices.
- Pickup or carryout removes delivery fees.
- A delivery membership only pays off if you order often.
Know every cost
A delivery order can include a delivery fee, a service fee, small-order fees, the tip and, at some restaurants, menu prices that differ from in-store prices. Compare the total at checkout with the restaurant’s own website or app.
Choose pickup
DoorDash and most restaurant apps let you choose pickup, which removes the delivery fee and the driver tip. Domino’s, for instance, offers carryout ordering and lists store-specific coupons once you choose your local store.
Memberships: do the math
- DashPass: DoorDash lists $0 delivery fees, lower service fees and member-exclusive deals on eligible orders.
- Instacart+: $99 a year or $9.99 a month, with $0 delivery fees on grocery and retail orders of $10 or more and eligible restaurant orders of $25 or more.
Add up a typical month’s delivery fees. If they are less than the monthly membership cost, skip the membership.
Use rewards programs
Restaurant loyalty programs such as Domino’s Rewards turn repeat orders into free items. Sign in before ordering so every purchase counts.
Cook one more night a week
The single biggest saving is replacing one delivery night with a simple home meal. Our grocery guide shows how to plan cheap, quick dinners.
Frequently asked questions
Is DashPass worth it?
Only if you order often enough that saved delivery and service fees exceed the membership cost.
Are delivery app prices higher than in the restaurant?
Sometimes. Compare with the restaurant's own site before ordering.
What's the cheapest way to get takeout?
Order directly from the restaurant for pickup and use its loyalty program.
Sources
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