When food delivery apps like DoorDash first gained popularity, many saw them as an easy way to occasionally have large quantities of food delivered to their doorsteps at a relatively low price.
Some have now found that food delivery apps have become an essential part of their daily lives. A January 2023 Fundera report found that “60% of American consumers order takeout or delivery at least once a week” and “online ordering is growing 300% faster than in-restaurant ordering.”
At the same time, consumers are reporting higher prices for using these delivery services. One customer noted that a meal delivery from Chick-fil-A costs over $21, while another said an order from KFC would cost around $70.
Still, the proliferation of these apps has led to many people now ordering whatever they want – even if the order quantity is small. Now, a TikTok user is calling out those who place small orders in a video with over 18,000 views.
A delivery order for French fries
In his video, TikTok user Kobe Jo (@kobejo) asks: “Where did DoorDash go?”
“I just picked up this DoorDash at McDonald’s and it’s literally for a medium-sized portion of fries. That’s all – just a medium-sized portion. A medium-sized portion,” he says. “So, so dainty, so small.”
The TikToker then shows that he was paid $3.55 for the delivery. He did not receive a tip.
“I mean, if you don’t tip, you don’t tip. It doesn’t matter if you order a little or a lot, but if you order something so small and tiny, you’re clearly not spending a lot of money on it,” he says.
Previously, the TikToker sparked a similar discussion after claiming to have picked up an order from Steak N’ Shake and brought it across the street.
@kobejo It might not be worth ordering a small portion of fries from DoorDash for a few reasons: Delivery fees: The cost of delivery can be more than the fries themselves, especially for small orders. Service fees: DoorDash typically charges service fees, which can make a small order disproportionately expensive. Tipping expectations: You might still WANT to tip the delivery driver, which can increase the overall cost. Packaging costs: The cost of packaging and handling a single item might not be economical. Convenience factor: The convenience of delivery might not justify the cost if it’s just a small item. Potentially cold food: With a short delivery route, the fries might not be hot and crispy by the time they arrive. Overall, the extra fees and potentially suboptimal quality might outweigh the benefit of just getting a small portion of fries delivered. #DoorDash #DoorDasher #Instacart #Instacarting #doordashing #doordashingadventures #doordashdriver #doordashlife #doordashfail #kobejodeliveries ♬ Original sound – Kobe Jo
In the comments section, users recalled the smallest orders they had seen on DoorDash or other food delivery services.
“I just had a cookie thrown away,” wrote one user.
“I had one once, it was for a medium Sprite! And of course without a tip,” added another.
“I know a guy who orders a Md. Dr. Pepper every day,” said a third.
Others questioned those who don’t tip on DoorDash orders.
“Door Dash shouldn’t allow tipping,” one commenter explained.
While some felt this could have been a comeuppance for the McDonald’s app, it only strengthened the TikToker’s resolve on the matter.
In a comment he wrote: “If you don’t pay, you can at least tip your Dasher.”
The Daily Dot contacted Kobe Jo via TikTok and Instagram direct message and DoorDash via email.
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