Is Grubhub Worth It? Pros, Cons, And Alternatives
Craving takeout but don’t want to leave the house? Grubhub makes it easy to order food for delivery from local restaurants right from your phone or computer.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Grubhub is worth it for the convenience of quick delivery from a huge variety of restaurants, but fees can add up and service can be spotty in some areas. Cheaper or more reliable options may be better depending on your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using Grubhub and look at potential alternatives. You’ll learn about Grubhub’s fees, delivery capabilities, food options, and customer experience so you can decide if it’s the best food delivery service for your needs.
Pros of Using Grubhub
Massive Restaurant Selection
One of the biggest advantages of using Grubhub is its massive selection of restaurants. With thousands of options available, you can explore a wide range of cuisines and discover new places to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or anything in between, Grubhub has you covered. From local favorites to popular chain restaurants, you’ll have no shortage of choices when it comes to ordering food through Grubhub.
Easy Online Ordering
Grubhub makes the process of ordering food incredibly convenient. With just a few clicks, you can browse menus, customize your order, and have it delivered right to your doorstep. The user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to easily navigate through different restaurants and their offerings.
Additionally, you can save your favorite orders and payment information for even quicker reordering in the future. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the go, Grubhub makes it easy to satisfy your hunger.
Frequent Discounts and Promos
Grubhub offers frequent discounts and promotions, making it a cost-effective option for ordering food. They often have deals such as buy one get one free, percentage-off discounts, or free delivery on certain orders. These discounts can help you save money while still enjoying your favorite meals.
Additionally, Grubhub has a loyalty program called Grubhub+, which offers members exclusive perks like unlimited free delivery and access to special offers. These promotions and loyalty rewards make using Grubhub even more enticing.
Cons of Grubhub
High Fees
While Grubhub offers the convenience of delivering food right to your doorstep, one of the main drawbacks is the high fees associated with using the service. Grubhub charges a delivery fee, service fee, and sometimes even a small order fee.
These fees can quickly add up, making your overall meal cost more expensive than if you had ordered directly from the restaurant.
Delivery Issues
Another downside of using Grubhub is the potential for delivery issues. Some customers have reported long wait times for their food to arrive, while others have experienced orders being delivered to the wrong address or not arriving at all.
While these issues may not be common, they can be frustrating when you’re hungry and expecting a timely delivery. It’s important to note that these problems can also occur with other food delivery services.
Occasional Order Errors
Occasionally, Grubhub users may encounter errors with their orders. This can include missing items, incorrect dishes, or even receiving the wrong order altogether. While Grubhub has a system in place to address these issues and offer refunds or replacements, it can still be inconvenient and disappointing when your meal doesn’t meet your expectations.
It’s important to weigh these cons against the convenience and variety that Grubhub offers. If you’re willing to pay the higher fees and accept the occasional delivery or order error, then Grubhub can still be a convenient option for getting food delivered to your doorstep.
However, if these cons are deal-breakers for you, there are alternative food delivery services available such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates that may offer a better experience for you.
Grubhub Alternatives
While Grubhub is a popular food delivery service, there are several alternatives that offer similar convenience and variety. Here are three popular alternatives to consider:
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a well-known food delivery platform that operates in many cities around the world. With a user-friendly app and a wide range of restaurant options, Uber Eats is a great alternative to Grubhub.
One of the advantages of Uber Eats is its integration with the Uber ride-sharing service, allowing you to easily order food while on the go. Additionally, Uber Eats often offers promotions and discounts, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious diners.
DoorDash
DoorDash is another popular food delivery service that offers a wide selection of restaurants and cuisines. With its easy-to-use app and reliable delivery service, DoorDash is a strong competitor to Grubhub.
One of the unique features of DoorDash is its DashPass subscription, which offers unlimited free delivery and reduced service fees for a monthly fee. This can be a great option for frequent food delivery users who want to save on fees.
Postmates
Postmates is a delivery service that not only delivers food from restaurants, but also offers delivery for groceries, alcohol, and other goods. With its extensive network of couriers, Postmates can deliver a wide range of items quickly and efficiently.
The app is user-friendly and allows you to track your delivery in real-time. Postmates also offers a subscription service called Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery on orders over a certain amount for a monthly fee.
It’s worth noting that the availability and pricing of these alternatives may vary depending on your location. It’s always a good idea to compare the options and read reviews before deciding on the best food delivery service for your needs.
Tips for Saving Money on Grubhub
Use Promo Codes
One of the easiest ways to save money on Grubhub is by using promo codes. These codes can be found on various websites, social media platforms, or even through the Grubhub app itself. Promo codes typically offer discounts on your total order or provide free delivery.
Be sure to keep an eye out for these codes before placing your order to maximize your savings. Some popular websites to find Grubhub promo codes include RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Groupon.
Order Pickup vs Delivery
While the convenience of having your food delivered right to your doorstep is undeniable, opting for pickup instead can help you save money on Grubhub. Many restaurants offer discounts or lower prices for orders that are picked up rather than delivered.
Additionally, you can avoid delivery fees and reduce the chance of tip inflation. So, if you’re looking to cut costs, consider picking up your order instead of having it delivered.
Pay with Rewards Credit Card
If you have a rewards credit card, consider using it to pay for your Grubhub orders. Some credit card companies offer cashback or rewards points for dining purchases, which can help offset the cost of your meals.
Check with your credit card provider to see if they offer any dining rewards and take advantage of them when ordering through Grubhub.
Conclusion
Grubhub makes getting takeout delivered extremely convenient thanks to its huge network of restaurant partners. However, fees can add up quickly and delivery mishaps happen on occasion.
Looking at your options for food delivery in your area, weighing costs, and trying out different services can help determine if Grubhub is your best choice or if an alternative like Uber Eats or DoorDash would better suit your needs and budget.