11 Key Results from Our Food Delivery Apps Comparison

4. Partnership and Direct Ordering Effects: Direct links can beat third-party markups

Partnerships between delivery platforms and large chains influence pricing and promotions. When a restaurant integrates direct ordering via a platform, some menu markups are reduced, or promotions are offered that aren’t available elsewhere. DoorDash’s partnership arrangements with some chains are a good example—direct ordering can route customers through the partner’s system with promotional pricing that beats third-party listings. For consumers, this means checking a restaurant’s own ordering page or the chain’s preferred platform can pay off. Don’t assume that the app you usually use gives the best deal for every chain; when a restaurant advertises “order here for the best price,” it may well be accurate for that location.