What Is Uber Eats? Here’s What You Need to Know
Have you ever wanted to order food from your favorite local restaurant but didn’t want to make the trek over there to pick it up yourself? As someone who loves trying new foods but isn’t always in the mood to get dressed up for a proper meal out, I was thrilled when food delivery services started popping up. Uber Eats has become my go-to for satisfying my cravings without leaving the comfort of my couch.
If you’re not familiar with Uber Eats, it’s a food delivery service that partners with restaurants in major cities to bring people their meals, snacks, and drinks. You place an order through the Uber Eats app or website, and a delivery person will pick up your food and bring it right to your door. It’s perfect for when you have a hankering for pizza, tacos, or pancakes but would rather stay in your pajamas.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Uber Eats. From how to place an order to tipping your delivery driver and saving money on your favorite meals, you’ll be an Uber Eats pro in no time. So get comfortable, open the app, and let’s start exploring some menu options! Your craving cure is only a few taps away.
What is Uber Eats?
Uber Eats is the convenient, go-to way to get your grub fixit’s like manna from heaven! This innovative service allows users to order food online and have it delivered straight to their doorsteps.
The platform has been designed with convenience in mind, allowing users to quickly browse through dozens of restaurants and place orders at the tap of a button. In addition, Uber Eats also offers advantages such as discounts on select items and special promotions throughout the year.
Also, there's no denying the sheer number of options available via Uber Eats; whether you want Italian, Chinese, or something entirely different, you can rest assured knowing that there's always something new each day thanks to their vast selection of diverse menus and daily specials tailored specifically for those who love trying out new flavors.
The History of Uber Eats
Explore Uber Eats’ amazing journey from the start. It began in Los Angeles and grew worldwide, making it easy for millions to order from local restaurants. Now, in 2023, Uber Eats is a global food delivery service with diverse dining choices and clever delivery options. Take a look at its timeline to see how it all happened.
- 2009: Uber Technologies is founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp in San Francisco, California. The ride-hailing service quickly gains popularity.
- 2014: Uber Eats is launched as a standalone food delivery service, initially available in Los Angeles and later expanding to other cities. It leverages Uber’s existing network of drivers to deliver food.
- 2016: Uber Eats expands globally, entering markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The app gains traction by offering a convenient way for users to order from a variety of local restaurants.
- 2017: UberEats introduces the “Instant Delivery” option in select cities, allowing users to receive their orders in under 10 minutes, setting a new standard for convenience in food delivery.
- 2018: Uber Eats partners with McDonald’s, one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, solidifying its presence in the fast-food delivery sector.
- 2019: The service continues to expand, covering over 500 cities worldwide. Uber Eats also introduces a feature called “Eats Pass,” offering subscribers free delivery and other perks.
- 2020: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber Eats sees a surge in demand for food delivery services as people stay home. The company introduces contactless delivery options to ensure safety.
- 2021: Uber Technologies sells Uber Eats’ delivery business in India to Zomato as part of a strategic move to focus on profitable markets.
- 2023: Uber Eats continues to thrive as a global food delivery service, serving millions of customers worldwide with a diverse range of restaurant options and innovative delivery solutions.
How Do I Order With Uber Eats?
Ordering with Uber Eats is a breeze – in fact, over 600,000 restaurants have partnered with Uber Eats in over 6,000 cities as of 2020. Whether you’re ordering from your favorite local spot or trying something new, it’s easy to find what you love on the app. To get started, simply open up the Uber Eats app and begin browsing for whatever cuisine you fancy.
Types Of Restaurants Available
With Uber Eats, you have the opportunity to access a variety of restaurants and cuisines from all around the world right at your fingertips. Fast food or gourmet cuisine, there is something for everyone on this platform.
- Fast-Food Restaurants
Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut and more are available through Uber Eats. These restaurants offer quick service and affordable meals that can be delivered to your door quickly.
- Gourmet Cuisine
For those looking for higher quality dining options, there are also plenty of upscale restaurants offering gourmet dishes on Uber Eats. From fine Italian fare to sushi and ramen bars, you can get high-end cuisine delivered straight to your home or office.
- Local Favorites
If you're looking for local eats that may not be as widely known beyond your area, Uber Eats is your answer! This app allows users to search by city or zip code for unique restaurant offerings near themperfect for discovering new favorites without ever leaving home.
- Vegan/Healthy Options
Finally, if you're looking for healthier meal choices on the go, you can find vegan eateries as well as other establishments providing healthy menu items made with fresh ingredients, giving you more control over what type of food you put into your body.
- Viewing Menu Details
Once I’ve found a restaurant I’m interested in, I can easily view its menu details to get a better sense of the dishes it offers.
With Uber Eats, there are plenty of options for exploring different cuisines and food varieties:
- Menu Variety: It’s easy to browse through an extensive range of entrees, sides, desserts, beverages and more with clear visuals and descriptions that make it easier to decide what you’re craving.
- Food Quality: Photos included on the menus provide an idea of how each dish looks like before ordering so customers know exactly what they’ll be getting when their order arrives.
- Price Points: Prices are clearly stated along with nutritional information such as calories per serving and allergens present in certain ingredients which is particularly helpful for those who have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Delivery Times: Estimated delivery times also appear alongside the items on menus so customers can plan accordingly depending on how long they're willing to wait for their meal.
When all these factors are taken into consideration together, Uber Eats makes it incredibly simple to find something that best suits your tastes without having to leave home!
Customizing Orders with Uber Eats
What's one of the best features? I love being able to customize my order with Uber Eats – it’s so convenient to have the option of tweaking my meal exactly how I like it!
With a few simple taps, you can adjust the quantity of items ordered, add extras such as condiments or toppings, and even substitute certain ingredients for something else.
Customizing preferences is especially helpful if you’re ordering from an eatery that offers multiple versions of the same dish. For example, let’s say you want to get tacos from a restaurant, but they offer hard-shell or soft-shell options. You can simply choose your preference in the app before completing your order.
The convenience doesn’t stop there, though; many restaurants also provide adding extras and substituting items sections on their menus. This means that you don’t need to settle for what’s already included in each dish; instead, feel free to customize them however you’d like!
Group Orders with Uber Eats
As someone who frequently orders food for work events or friends coming over to watch the big game, Uber Eats group ordering feature has been a game changer. Instead of calling multiple restaurants to place an order for 10 or more people with different tastes and dietary needs, I can do it all in one place on the Uber Eats app or website.
Uber Eats allows you to add items from different restaurants in the same group order. So if some people want pizza, others want tacos, and a couple want sushi, no problem. I just add their selections to the group order and check out once everything has been added. Uber Eats also provides an easy way for people to specify any special instructions or requests with their order.
When the order is placed, I receive updates on the progress of every item so I know exactly when to expect each restaurant's delivery. The delivery fees are also bundled together, so I don't have to pay multiple delivery charges. Everything arrives at the scheduled delivery time, packaged separately by restaurant, so there's no mixing up of orders.
Schedule an Order Ahead of Time
Scheduling an order ahead of time with Uber Eats is super convenient, especially if you know you'll be busy or away from home during mealtimes. You can plan out and pay for your order up to 6 days in advance so your food arrives right when you want it.
To schedule an order ahead of time, just open the Uber Eats app like you normally would. Browse restaurants and choose where you want to eat from, and you'll see an option to "Scheduletap that. Pick the date and time you want your order delivered. Uber Eats will place the order with the restaurant around 30 minutes before your selected delivery time.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you'll be available to receive the delivery at the scheduled time. Drivers can only wait a few minutes after arriving before canceling the order.
- Choose a restaurant with a delivery time within Uber Eats' scheduling window. Some places don't open early enough or are too far away for a 6 day lead time.
- Double check that the restaurant will still have the items you want in stock for your scheduled delivery date. Menus and availability can change.
Payments, Promotions and Tipping on Uber Eats
When using Uber Eats, there are a few things you should know about payments, promotions and tipping.
Payments
Uber Eats accepts all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Uber gift cards. Unfortunately, they do not accept cash. Once you place your order, Uber Eats will charge your payment method and send a receipt to your email. They do have a payment issue policy in case there are any errors or disputes.
Personally, I prefer to use a credit card when ordering delivery since it's convenient and provides purchase protection. However, some people like using PayPal or gift cards to avoid credit card fees or for budgeting reasons. Either way, Uber Eats aims to make the payment process quick and easy.
Promotions and Discounts
Uber Eats offers promo codes and discounts to help you save money on your orders. They email exclusive promo codes to members, and also post current discounts on their website and social media. Some examples are codes for $5-$10 off your first order, 25% off orders over $15, or free delivery.
I try to always check for promo codes before placing an order. Why pay full price if you don't have to? Uber Eats makes it so easy to find deals, you might as well take advantage of them. The codes are always changing, so be sure to look for the latest ones each time you order.
Tipping
You have the option to leave a tip for your delivery person when paying for your order. Tips are greatly appreciated by drivers and go directly to them. Uber Eats suggests a tip of at least $2 per order. I always make sure to leave at least a $3 tip, or 15-20% of my total bill for larger orders. These delivery drivers work hard to provide fast and friendly service, so tipping well is the courteous thing to do.
Leaving a tip, using promo codes, and choosing your preferred payment method are all part of the seamless Uber Eats experience. By understanding how each component works, you can get the most out of their service and save money on all your future food deliveries.
What is the Uber Eats Pass?
As an Uber Eats customer, one of the best ways to save money on delivery fees is to sign up for Uber Eats Pass. Uber Eats Pass is a subscription service that provides free delivery on orders and other exclusive benefits for a monthly fee.
How It Works
When I place an Uber Eats order over $15, I don't pay any delivery fees. My membership fee of $9.99 a month covers unlimited free delivery. I easily make up for the membership cost in just a couple of orders. Plus, there are additional perks like 5% off all pickup orders and special member-only promotions.
Is It Worth It?
If you use Uber Eats regularly like I do for meals a few times a week, Uber Eats Pass will save you money in the long run. The more you order, the more you save. For casual users that only order once in a while, the membership fee may not make sense. It really depends on how often you rely on Uber Eats for food delivery.
Personally, I've found Uber Eats Pass invaluable. No more worrying about meeting delivery minimums or paying high fees, especially for smaller orders. My go-to for a quick and easy meal is just a tap away with no added cost. The savings and convenience make it an essential subscription for me. If you frequently get takeout delivered, I highly recommend giving Uber Eats Express a try. You might just become as big of a fan as I am!
Uber Eats' Gift Cards
Gifting someone an Uber Eats gift card is like giving them a key to a world of delicious possibilities; it opens the door to countless culinary adventures! There are many great benefits that come with giving or receiving this type of gift
Gift Card Benefits
The recipient can enjoy having access to thousands of restaurants around the world for up to one year after purchasing the card. It's also easy to redeem all you need to do is enter the code from the back of the card into your Uber Eats account when ordering food.
Plus, if they don't end up using all their credit within 12 months, any remaining balance will be stored on their account until they use it.
Gift Card Expiration and Redemption
The expiration date for each card will depend on the country where it was purchased but generally speaking they last between 1-3 years depending on local regulations. As mentioned before, redemption requires entering a unique code found on the back of each physical or digital card into your account during checkout.
Tips to Save on Your Uber Eats Order
As an avid Uber Eats user, I've picked up a few tips over the years to save money on my orders. Here are some of my tried-and-true tricks:
Check for promo codes
Before placing your order, do a quick search for "Uber Eats promo codes and you'll likely find an active code to save a few bucks. Uber Eats regularly runs various promotions. To find the latest ones, head to the "Promotions section on their website or app.
Order a little less
Uber Eats charges additional fees for small cart sizes, so make sure you're ordering enough to feed everyone. But don't go overboard either. Only order what you can eat to avoid wasting food and paying for items you end up throwing out.
Take advantage of weekly deals
Uber Eats features special weekly deals and discounts on certain types of cuisine each week. You may find deals like 50% off sushi on Mondays or Taco Tuesdays. Check what's on sale each week and plan your meals around the deals to maximize your savings.
Don't forget the snacks and add-ons
If you're just a bit hungry, consider ordering some snacks, appetizers or sides instead of full meals. Uber Eats offers lots of options like french fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and chips and guac that can satisfy your gut. You can also add extras like drinks, desserts or salads to round out your snack order.
Uber Eats’ Refund Policy
As with any food delivery service, things don't always go as planned. Maybe your order was incorrect or didn't arrive at all. In those cases, Uber Eats has a refund policy in place to make things right.
Uber Eats wants you to be satisfied with your order, so don't hesitate to report any issues. I've had to request a refund a couple times, and the process was quite easy. Within the Uber Eats app or website, I selected the order in question, tapped 'Report an issue' and selected the appropriate option like 'Incorrect item' or 'Missing item'. I then provided some details about what went wrong.
Typically, Uber Eats will process the refund within 3 to 5 business days. The funds are returned to the original payment method, so if I paid by credit card, the money goes back to that card. Uber Eats may offer me a credit for the amount of the refund to use on my next order. While credits are appreciated, I prefer the refund.
For any inconvenience, Uber Eats may also provide a promo code for 10-30% off my next order. I've found Uber Eats to be very understanding about mistakes and quick to make things right. Their efficient refund policy and friendly customer service keep me coming back, even when something goes awry.
Contact Uber Eats Customer Support
Fortunately, there are a number of ways that one can get in touch with them. The most convenient option is usually through their Live Chat feature on their website or app. This allows you to quickly and easily reach out for help without having to call or wait for an email response. Additionally, it’s also helpful to read through previous customer reviews, as they may provide answers or advice regarding your particular issue.
Becoming an Uber Eats Delivery Driver: Requirements and Pay
To become an Uber Eats delivery driver, you need to meet a few basic requirements.
Requirements
As an Uber Eats driver, you must be at least 19 years old, have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and auto insurance in your name, and access to a 4-door vehicle in good working condition from the year 2000 or newer. Uber Eats does background checks, so you’ll need a clean driving record and criminal background. You’ll also need a smartphone to receive delivery requests and directions.
How it works
Once you sign up and get approved as an Uber Eats driver, you’ll receive delivery requests through the Uber Eats app. You pick up meals from local restaurants and deliver them to customers. You get paid for each delivery, earning a base fare plus tips. The pay can vary depending on your city. You get to choose your own hours by going online whenever you want to start receiving delivery requests.
Uber Eats Restaurant Partners – How to Join and Benefits
As a restaurant owner, joining the Uber Eats platform is an easy way to reach more customers and increase your revenue. Here are the key steps to become an Uber Eats restaurant partner:
- Meet the basic requirements: You must have a valid business license or permit to operate, commercial kitchen, and staff to fulfill Uber Eats orders.
- Submit an application on Uber Eats’ website: You’ll provide details about your restaurant including name, address, cuisine type, and menu. Upload photos of your food, restaurant exterior and interior.
- If approved, sign an agreement with Uber Eats: This establishes the terms of your partnership like delivery fees, commission rates, and payout schedule.
- Onboard your restaurant and staff: Uber Eats will walk you through their systems and provide materials to train your staff on how to process Uber Eats orders. You must designate staff members to handle packaging Uber Eats orders for delivery.
- Market your restaurant: Uber Eats will list your restaurant on their app and website, but you should also promote your Uber Eats partnership on your own website, social media, and in-store. Offer promotions like free delivery or discounts to attract new customers.
Benefits of joining Uber Eats:
- Reach more potential customers: Many people now prefer to order delivery from restaurants they discover on Uber Eats.
- Increase sales and revenue: On average, Uber Eats restaurants see a 20-30% increase in revenue.
- Expand your reach: Uber Eats delivers up to 15 minutes away from your restaurant so you can reach customers outside your normal range.
- Save on operational costs: Uber Eats handles the delivery logistics so you can focus on making great food without the cost of hiring delivery staff.
- Gain valuable data: Uber Eats provides data on your top selling items, customer locations, and peak ordering times so you can optimize your menu and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I save a favorite restaurant?
Uber Eats allows you to save your favorite restaurants for easy access. To do this, simply open the app and select a restaurant of your choice; then click on the heart icon at the top right-hand corner. This will enable you to quickly order from that restaurant in future with all its ordering options, payment methods, delivery fees, customer service and meal customization available at once.
2. Does Uber Eats offer delivery to my area?
Uber Eats offers delivery to most areas, and you can easily check if it’s available in your area by entering your address into the app. Once you have done this, you can order food using Uber Eats’ easy ordering process and choose from a selection of restaurants, with different payment options and delivery fees depending on where you are located.
3. Does Uber Eats offer any discounts or promotions?
Uber Eats offers various discounts and promotions for their customers. From time to time they will offer coupon codes that can be used during checkout, or reduced delivery fees. They also have an expansive menu selection with varying food quality. The ordering process is simple as well, making it easy to get your favorite foods delivered quickly.
4. How Can I Make Changes to My Order After I Place It?
Once you place your order on Uber Eats, it will be sent to a restaurant for preparation. You can track the status of your order in the Order Tracking section of the app or website. If you’d like to make changes, contact the restaurant directly as soon as possible.
There You Have IT!
Uber Eats makes it so easy to order from your favorite local restaurants or try some new places without ever leaving the comfort of home. The next time hunger strikes or you have a craving pang you just can’t shake, don’t hesitate to open the Uber Eats app. Your food will be on its way before you know it.
Happy eating! I’m off to go order something delicious for myself.
