The classic film Back to the Future envisioned that we would have hoverboards by now, and while that didn't quite pan out, the future has brought us some amazing conveniences. There's an app for anything—translate a sign, track your heart rate, or get everything from next week's groceries to your favorite curry delivered.
Prepared food delivery, however, presents challenges. Quite frankly, not all food delivers well. Is there a way to hack the system and get your food a little quicker? There is! Use the tips below and you will be enjoying your favorite restaurant dish in no time.
1. Order From a Restaurant Near You
Obviously, the closer a restaurant is to you, the less distance your food will have to travel, and the less time it will take to get to you. It’s worth considering whether waiting an hour for food from the restaurant across town is worth it when there is a gratifying choice within a few minutes of your house.
But the internet has brought you the incredible gift of food delivery. Why would you limit yourself to nearby restaurants when the whole city is your oyster? If ordering from nearby spots isn't in the cards, try some of these additional tips.
2. Order From Partnered Restaurants
Here's a lesser-known secret: not all restaurants partner with every food delivery service. When you order food from a non-partnered restaurant, the driver may have to walk into the restaurant to place your order, then wait for it to be prepared.
On the other hand, partnered restaurants have a tablet or access to a system that transmits your order as soon as you place it. The driver, ideally, arrives at the restaurant just as your order is completed.
To tell whether restaurants partner with the food delivery platform, look for a badge or verification symbol. For example, some apps display a checkmark next to partnered restaurants.
If you aren't sure, order through Menufy! All restaurants in the Menufy network are officially partnered.
3. Consider Using the Restaurant's Delivery System
If your preferred restaurant operates its own delivery service, use that whenever possible. If they offer delivery, they might not be partnered with any of the major apps, which means your food may get to you faster if you use their in-house system.
4. Tip Ahead
If your app allows it, submit a generous tip ahead of your delivery. This will incentivize the driver to deliver your food fast and ensure it’s correct.
For example, drivers from some delivery apps can see the order total and may not accept the delivery if the pay is too low, particularly if they are currently far from you or the pick-up location.
5. Give Clear Delivery Instructions
If you want your food fast, make sure that you give the driver clear delivery instructions. If anything is confusing about finding your place, spell it out clearly in the notes section or by texting the driver through the app.
For example, if you are in an apartment, give the name on the buzzer, especially if it's different from your name in the app. At a hotel? Give the name of the hotel and the room number in the notes section. Some drivers also say that providing cross streets can make it easier to find locations.
6. Make Delivery Easy
Sometimes, food delivery is a thankless job. Do your part to make drivers' lives easier by making sure your home is accessible and easy to reach.
Turn on your porch light so they can see the street number, make sure your sidewalk is shoveled and salted in the winter, and keep large dogs inside and away from the door.
The true trick to getting your delivery faster is making life easier for your delivery driver. Bon appétit!
Order delivery online from thousands of restaurants at www.menufy.com.