Over the last few years, online food delivery services have experienced a massive boom. Whether it’s been a busy or lazy day, having food delivered right to one’s doorstep sounds rather convenient, and it is one of the key advantages of these apps. Despite a user-friendly interface, online ordering is not as foolproof as it seems. Here are seven common mistakes people make when ordering from online food delivery services and how to avoid them.

Ordering when hunger strikes
This may sound strange, but one must not wait until hunger strikes to order in. At this point, people are more likely to be impatient and irritable – and waiting for food to be prepared and delivered may not be the best idea. Therefore, one must order an hour before mealtime for a pleasant eating experience.

Calling for food that spoils quickly
Some foods can go bad or become unappetizing quickly. Many foods also require special containers or temperature control, which may not be a service every restaurant/app offers. Certain foods spoil quickly, for example, fruits such as berries, bananas, avocados, salad greens, fried or breaded foods, mushrooms, and fish. Leftovers should not be stored in the refrigerator for future consumption, as this can result in significant food and financial waste.

Sticking to big chains
Chain restaurants have become extremely popular for their food delivery. While there is the assurance of a certain quality of food, they may be putting local restaurants out of business.
One must skip fast foods from big chains and order from a local restaurant instead. Due to a lower order load, they can deliver faster. These small diners, cafes, and restaurants are also a great way to expand one’s palate and explore new foods around the area, all while supporting local businesses.

Forgetting about hygiene
One thing to remember when ordering food from any restaurant is hygiene. To ensure safe deliveries, try the following:

• Avoid paying by cash. Choose to pay by an electronic payment method to keep the delivery contactless. This dramatically reduces the risk of transferring germs from banknotes and coins.
• Wipe the doorbell with a disinfectant regularly. Since it is one of the most widely used buttons, it can foster infection-causing germs.
  Wash hands thoroughly after collecting the delivery and before eating the food.
• Do not place the delivery containers on surfaces around the home. They may carry germs. Instead, place them on paper towels and serve the food on a plate.

Choosing the wrong delivery services
Many restaurants do not offer in-house delivery services. In such cases, customers end up ordering from third-party delivery companies. But there are certain things to remember when choosing such a delivery service.

• Speed: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a delivery service is speed. Depending on the type of food and where it has been ordered, this may take anywhere between a few minutes to a few days. For instance, some apps promise food/meal delivery within an hour. This is generally true for pre-cooked meals coming from restaurants. Other foods, such as pre-portioned meals, snacks, and groceries, take longer to be delivered. To ensure timely deliveries and a steady flow of food, many people sign up for subscription boxes of their favorite snacks, meats, and more.
• Reliability: It is crucial to ensure that the food delivery services are reliable. One should check if they take proper care of the food during the delivery process and avoid any risk of contamination. Overlooking this factor can significantly impact the quality of the food received. To understand the delivery company’s credibility, check online reviews and ratings from other customers.
• Pricing: It is essential to consider other factors such as reliability, care, and speed. But food deliveries should not burn a hole through one’s wallet. So, one must look for delivery services that fit well within one’s budget.
• Tracking: Waiting for food is not feasible in today’s fast-paced life. So, one must look for a delivery service that provides the order’s real-time tracking and regular updates.
• Customer service: Lastly, check whether the delivery company offers 24/7 customer service. This acts as an extension of the company’s accountability and can be helpful in case of any mishaps or confusion.

Eating from/storing delivery containers
Eating straight from the bowl signals the brain to prepare for a big meal. In such a case, one is likely to overeat. Instead, one must serve a healthy portion of the food on a plate or a bowl. After eating, be sure to put the containers for recycling or toss them in the trash. Unless specified, these containers are not meant to be reused. Storing food in them later could lead to leeching microplastics, which can affect one’s health significantly.

Not thinking about the delivery agents
One must be considerate of the delivery agents when placing an order. To ensure on-time deliveries, help them with the complete address and details such as the passcodes, landmarks, or other information to help them reach the location easily. Seasoned delivery agents also recommend leaving a light on at the entrance since darkened gates can be difficult to find. Lastly, one must not forget to leave a tip for the delivery driver for their hard work.