My neighbor called me out for always ordering from the same big delivery app

She pointed out last week that our local pizza place, Tony's on Maple, charges $22 for a pie in the app but only $16 if you call them directly. I felt pretty dumb for never checking, and I've switched to calling places first now. Do you guys try to support local businesses directly, or is the convenience of the app too hard to pass up?

3 comments

3 Comments

lunaw722mo ago

Tony's on Maple is a perfect example. I found the same thing with our Chinese spot, a $14 dish was $19 on the app before any fees. That extra cut the apps take really hurts these small places. I make a point to call now, it only takes a minute and the money goes straight to them. The apps are a last resort for me when a place doesn't have its own delivery.

avery3892mo ago

You're right about that extra cut really hurting small places. I used to order through apps without thinking, but seeing a $12 burrito jump to $16 before fees changed my mind. Now I check the menu online and call it in, just like @lunaw72 said. It feels better knowing the restaurant keeps all the money, and half the time it's ready faster. The apps are just too greedy.

victorross5d ago

Wait, does this mean I've been paying the "lazy tax" on burritos for like two years without realizing it? Because I just checked my app history and I've spent an extra $4 per order at least 30 times, which is like a whole new burrito I could have had in my life. That's embarrassing math I didn't want to do today.