What You Need To Know About Food Delivery Services
- Robert White
- Feb 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 19, 2024

In recent years, the rise of food delivery services has revolutionized the way we eat. With the click of a button, we can have our favorite meals from our favorite restaurants delivered directly to our doors. Among the most popular food delivery services in the United States are DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Postmates. In this article, we will explore the differences between these four services and help you determine which one is right for you.
DoorDash
Founded in 2013, DoorDash has quickly become one of the most popular food delivery services in the United States. DoorDash is known for its wide selection of restaurants and its user-friendly interface. The platform operates in over 4,000 cities in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and offers a variety of delivery options, including contactless delivery and curbside pickup.
One of the standout features of DoorDash is its DashPass subscription service, which offers free delivery and reduced service fees for a monthly fee. This can be a great option for frequent users who want to save money on their food delivery orders. However, it is important to note that DoorDash has faced criticism for its tipping policy, which has been accused of being misleading and unfair to drivers.
Uber Eats
Launched in 2014, Uber Eats is the food delivery arm of the popular ride-hailing service, Uber. Uber Eats operates in over 6,000 cities worldwide and offers a wide selection of restaurants, from local favorites to national chains. The platform offers a variety of delivery options, including contactless delivery and curbside pickup.
One of the standout features of Uber Eats is its integration with the Uber app. This makes it easy for users to switch between ordering food and requesting a ride, and can be particularly useful for those who are on the go. However, Uber Eats has been criticized for its fees, which can be as high as 30% of the order total, as well as its tipping policy, which some drivers have accused of being unfair.
GrubHub
Founded in 2004, GrubHub is one of the oldest food delivery services in the United States. The platform operates in over 3,200 cities and offers a wide selection of restaurants, as well as a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search for restaurants based on location, cuisine, and other preferences. GrubHub also offers a variety of payment options, including credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
One of the downsides of GrubHub is its fees, which can be as high as 30% of the order total. This can make it difficult for restaurants to make a profit, which has led some to call for more regulation of food delivery platforms. GrubHub has also been criticized for its customer service, with some users reporting long wait times and unresponsive support.
Postmates
Founded in 2011, Postmates is a food delivery service that also offers delivery of groceries, alcohol, and other goods. The platform operates in over 4,200 cities in the United States and offers a variety of delivery options, including contactless delivery and curbside pickup. Postmates is known for its fast delivery times, with many orders arriving within an hour of being placed.
One of the standout features of Postmates is its ability to deliver a wide range of goods, including items from local convenience stores and liquor stores. This can be particularly useful for those who need to quickly stock up on essentials. However, Postmates has been criticized for its fees, which can be as high as 30% of the order total, as well as its tipping policy, which has been accused of being unfair to drivers.
When it comes to choosing a food delivery service, there are a variety of factors to consider, including the selection of restaurants, fees, delivery options, and user experience. Each of the four services we have explored in this article has its own strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
If you are looking for a food delivery service with a wide selection of restaurants and a user-friendly interface, DoorDash may be the best choice for you. Their DashPass subscription service can also be a great option for frequent users who want to save money on their orders.
If you are an Uber user who values convenience and integration with the Uber app, Uber Eats may be the best choice for you. However, be prepared for potentially high fees and a tipping policy that has been criticized by some drivers.
If you are looking for an established food delivery service with a wide selection of restaurants and payment options, GrubHub may be the best choice for you. However, be aware of potentially high fees and a customer service experience that may not be as responsive as you would like.
If you need to quickly stock up on a variety of essentials in addition to food, Postmates may be the best choice for you. However, like the other services, be prepared for potentially high fees and a tipping policy that has been criticized by some drivers.
In conclusion, while each of these food delivery services has its own strengths and weaknesses, they all offer the convenience of having your favorite meals delivered right to your doorstep. By considering your personal preferences and needs, you can determine which service is the best fit for you and make the most of this innovative technology.