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by standardUser 2229 days ago
"Do not give GrubHub, Uber Eats, and similar services a large portion of your order total just for being an easy-to-use middleman"

Thank for the advice, but I highly value an easy-to-use middleman. How many orders would these restaurants miss out on if they didn't offer the easier option? And it's not just the ease of use (viewing the menu, adding comments, seeing real-time delivery status) but it's that fact that these services offer a centralized way to find restaurants to order from in the first place. I'm not saying I love the current balance of power, but much like with old-style taxi services, the new way is an undeniably better experience for the end user. People will never abandon the easier way, and much like with more traditional boycotts, relying on consumer action is a losing strategy for enacting change.
3 comments
jeromegv 2229 days ago
Those services will be there no matter what, true. And yes you can use it to discover new restaurant. But YOU, as an individual, can decide to not use them. Another thing I suggest is for you to ask the manager / owner of the small restaurant you frequently order from. Just ask point blank, would you rather me ordering it through the app or ordering through the phone. Based on their answer, you might actually change your mind.

At the end of the day, would I rather give 30% away to Uber, or would I rather pay directly the restaurant. I prefer encouraging small business, especially RIGHT NOW!

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azinman2 2229 days ago
But then who will do the delivery?
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cheungyinglon 2229 days ago
It depends what delivery service the restaurant contracts. It can be in-house, a 3rd party like Relay, or a delivery app like Doordash. But even if Doordash delivers, the restaurant still keeps more commission from the order itself if you order directly.
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azinman2 2229 days ago
I didn’t know the restaurant could dispatch doordash on their own! That’s interesting.

Personally I use postmates, and with all the fees they stick on it, I’ve assumed it didn’t cost the restaurant anything. Does anyone know if this is true?

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tlbsofware 2229 days ago
I agree somewhat. There definitely is a time where cutting profits to achieve more volume results in more revenue and profit. Not sure if it exactly is happening here but you do have a good point
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papito 2229 days ago
Many restaurants and small chains have direct order websites, or middleman sites that charge much less. Check for that first.
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