In the past few years, we have seen several food businesses and restaurant chains opening their services to the public, thanks to better online food ordering and home delivery services available today. Because of these advanced and smart online food delivery apps, we can enjoy our favorite dishes at home, even at odd hours.
After a busy workday, all we want is a platter of delicious meals on our dinner tables. Sometimes we may not feel energized to cook ourselves a full meal, especially after a tiresome day. On such days, home food delivery services are a savior. However, to have a more satisfying online food ordering experience, here are some dos and don’ts of using online food delivery apps.
Dos
1. Double-Check Your Contact Details and Order Details
Although this is a no-brainer, there’s no harm in recalling this step. Double-check all your contact info and order details before hitting that Checkout button. Check that all the details, such as the dishes you have added to the cart, their quantities, your phone number, delivery address, and other delivery or cooking instructions, are accurate.
Many delivery mishaps occur due to incorrect contact info, such as addresses or phone numbers. It’s our responsibility to make the life of the delivery persons easier by providing them with working phone numbers, as they have more orders to deliver.
2. Understand the Importance of Tipping
Many customers believe that online food ordering services charges or delivery fees account for the delivery messenger’s gratuity. But the truth is, no part of these service charges goes to the driver.
Drivers do receive a nominal salary or commission for their services, but only tipping amounts can make up a significant part of their income. It’s because the rider’s wage is below the standard rate of other corporate jobs.
Therefore, we should show some compassion by thanking them for their hard work and service, even in extreme weather. While they are overcoming all the challenges on the road to bring our food safely to our doorstep, the least we can do is tip them with a considerable amount as a token of gratitude.
3. Add Clear Delivery Instructions
Many advanced home food delivery apps have a separate section to record voice instructions about the address location and directions. You can use this feature to guide your delivery agent to make it easier and faster for your messenger to reach your location.
Even if your delivery driver is familiar with your neighborhood and is someone who has delivered to your address before, always provide detailed directions. Because you cannot expect the person to remember. The more information you provide regarding the shortcuts, the best paths or lanes, the entry gate, etc., the better.
4. Seek Variety
Add more variety to your meal orders to make it interesting. Try different dishes from different restaurants. It will reduce monotony and help you experiment with various delicacies to find the perfect dish for every mood.
Besides, variety is not limited to ordering a range of dishes or eateries. It also means that you should keep a good balance between healthy and fast food options. For example, in between your fried chicken, pizza parties, and dessert cravings, throw in an alternative basket of healthier food choices, including soups, salads, healthy sandwiches, and more, on alternate days.
It will help your body balance out the extra calories earned while having a change of taste once in a while. Moreover, healthy foods will help improve your immune system and gut health and reduce the risks of obesity, high blood pressure, sugar, heart disease, and other health conditions.
5. Say No to Plastic Utensils
Firstly, plastic utensils are not good for your health. They may react to hot food. Secondly, it is not good for the environment. So, say no to disposable cutlery, straws, and chopsticks, unless you absolutely need them because you have no other alternative, such as at the office. Every year, Americans throw away 40 billion plastic utensils. Let’s not contribute to such alarming damage caused to Mother Nature.
Many renowned food delivery apps have an option that says “Don’t Send Cutlery”. Even if the option is not there, you can add it in special instructions for the restaurant. Yet others have a default rule of not sending cutlery to anyone unless they require it. Hence, some food delivery apps have an option saying “Send Cutlery”.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Worry About the Food’s Temperature
There’s a common misconception that hot food can kill the coronavirus. And a few others think it is necessary to microwave the food ordered online before eating. However, researchers and food safety experts have confirmed that the virus is not transmitted through food.
Besides, the study was true many years back when a similar virus was proven to be killed after heating the food at 149 degrees for 3 minutes. But that virus is not the current coronavirus we are facing now. So, there’s no clear evidence that hot food is safer than cold ones as far as COVID safety is concerned.
2. Don’t Opt for Cash on Delivery
Unless it’s urgent and you are not tech-savvy to use online payment methods, try to avoid paying for your order in cash. That’s because cash carries millions of unseen germs and is not a safe option for both parties. In fact, many delivery services don’t accept cash due to security and safety concerns.
Today, numerous quick and simple payment modes are available, such as UPI, e-wallets, online card payments, netbanking, payment apps, and more. If you don’t feel comfortable with these options, start by learning the easiest online payment mode. Plus, you are going to need it in times of need. And you can enjoy traveling cashless.
3. Don’t Forget the Mask
While receiving orders from your delivery agent, ensure to wear a mask for the safety of both parties. While the driver is taking all the necessary precautions, like getting regular temperature checks, sanitizing their hands, and wearing masks, they deserve the same from the customers. They have to deal with numerous customers each day. Therefore, they, too, want to stay safe and healthy.
4. Don’t Ignore the Phone
Many delivery mishaps happen because customers fail to pick up the call to provide address directions. So, be more attentive to your phone and keep it nearby so you don’t miss any call from the driver. Don’t keep the person waiting for too long. On occasions when you cannot pick up the call, such as while seeing a patient or attending an important meeting, leave detailed delivery instructions for the driver on the app.
5. Don’t Blame the Driver
Don’t blame the delivery agent if you feel there is a mistake with the order. Most of the time, it is not the mistake of the messengers. They are simply carrying what is received from the restaurant or kitchen against your name and order number.
So, if there is an error with any item or ingredient, talk to the restaurant directly or the home food delivery app through which you have placed an order. The support team will try to fix things by issuing a refund or offering a special discount coupon for your next purchase.
Key Takeaways
We hope the above dos and don’ts will help you maximize your food ordering experience and avoid possible delivery errors. All you need is a nice dishful of your favorite delicacies whenever you have cravings or you are too tired to prepare a meal. So, use food delivery apps wisely to have a more satisfying experience.
Read more: Sort Your Dinner Time with The Home Food Delivery Choices
