[Lou L]

The DoorDash and Uber Eats business model fascinates me in a strange way--I simply don't understand how the model can be profitable or sustainable for either the sponsor company or the drivers.

The concept of paying whatever is charged to have someone drive to Taco Bell and pick up a couple burritos for you--how many people would actually do that? I'm not talking about a catered party...that's completely different. I'm talking about the idea that it's late, you have the munchies, so you're going to pay 2, 3 times what you normally would for a burger from 5 Guys.

I'm sure that 5 Guys appreciates the business--it's no skin off their back. But what about that driver? How far out of the way do they have to drive? How many miles are put on their cars? How much gas is used? How much are they reimbursed for their efforts? Are they still expecting a tip on top of whatever else the service costs the customer?

[Red Badger]

Are they still expecting a tip on top of whatever else the service costs the customer?

Yes. The fine print on their ads tell you that the cost of delivery does not include gratuity.............

[Trump.Deplorable]

People are willing to pay for convenience

Pizza delivery is still a thing

I can’t get pizza delivered to my unique location in NJ, an hour from Manhattan but I live in a very “remote” area where nobody delivers to.

[freedomlover]

"The DoorDash and Uber Eats business model fascinates me in a strange way--I simply don't understand how the model can be profitable or sustainable for either the sponsor company or the drivers."

[bgill]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2018/02/24/fast-food-coming-your-doorstep-but-can-cost-more/359219002/

Wow, these delivery services charge you more for the food than what the menu price is at the restaurant. Add in the $6-10 delivery charge and the tip and the potential of the dude scouting out your home.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

The concept of paying whatever is charged to have someone drive to Taco Bell and pick up a couple burritos for you--how many people would actually do that? I'm not talking about a catered party...that's completely different. I'm talking about the idea that it's late, you have the munchies, so you're going to pay 2, 3 times what you normally would for a burger from 5 Guys.

My family has become big customers of both DoorDash and UberEats. Restaurant food at the end of a long work day and a long commute home without having to get back into traffic. And it's certainly not worth it to use these services for Taco Bell or other fast food places - good restaurants which aren't particularly close are the sweet spot.