Is Food Delivery Purchase Protection Worth It? What You Need to Know
Order Guard
December 17, 2024
You may be wondering if it's worth it to purchase food delivery purchase protection.
Experiencing issues with food deliveries—such as missing items, incorrect orders, or delayed arrivals—can be frustrating and honestly, a PITA (not to be mistake for the animal rights group). Well to be honest, Order Guard was developed to address these issues, since in many cases food delivery services will not. 80%+ of people report issues with their orders. But how many actually get a full refund back? Let's explore common assumptions about food delivery purchase protection and the reality behind them.
Assumption 1: "I rarely have issues with my food orders; I don't need purchase protection."
While you may have had positive experiences, data suggests that problems are not uncommon. For instance, over 80%1 of consumers have reported issues with food delivery services, ranging from incorrect orders to missing items. Having purchase protection ensures you're covered when such issues arise, providing peace of mind with every order. Consider this, even if you only have ~3 issues in a year, the protection pays for itself.
Assumption 2: "If there's an issue, the restaurant or delivery service will fix it promptly."
Nope. Most restaurants will tell you, though they strive for excellent customer service, resolving issues on third-party delivery can't be one of them. The delivery service collects the money and doesn't double pay the restaurant if there is an issue with the order. So typically the response is going to be, "take it up with the XYZ service". However, some restaurants like Sbarro's offer satisfaction guarantees on direct delivery. Food delivery purchase protection offers a streamlined process for addressing problems, often resulting in quicker resolutions and refunds, saving you time and frustration. On top of that, it covers all 3rd party restaurant delivery services so you're covered just about every time you order. Ask this poor soul if the 3rd party resolution works.
The Sun & NY Post cover in depth the issues folks seeking refunds experience.
https://www.the-sun.com/money/11680969/doordash-customer-rages-refund-missing-item
Let's face it, sometimes it's the restaurant, sometimes it's the driver, and sometimes it's the platform. No matter who's at fault you ultimately are the one that suffers.
Assumption 3: "Purchase protection adds unnecessary cost to my order."
The additional fee for purchase protection is typically minimal compared to the total cost of your order. The average order for food delivery is $362, according to Doofinder. The small investment of $9.99 can save you from the full expense of a lost or incorrect order, making it a cost-effective option for safeguarding your meals. Do the math you pay $10 to save $25. A single claim results in a payback of the entire amount.
Assumption 4: "I can dispute charges with my bank or payment service if something goes wrong."
While your beloved credit cards like AMEX, Capital One, and Chase offer guarantees, getting money services like PayPal offer purchase protection for eligible transactions, initiating disputes through banks or payment platforms can be a lengthy process and may not always result in a favorable outcome. Opting for purchase protection directly through the food delivery service often provides a more efficient and reliable resolution process. You can also request a refund, however, if the resolution is not favorable, then the chargeback is the only alternative. (pppsssttt....unless you have Order Guard).
Assumption 5: "I don't order food online frequently enough to justify purchase protection."
Even infrequent online food orders can encounter issues. Just one issue results in the payback of one month of the protection plan. Imagine a single order of $50 comes damaged. If you're an infrequent delivery purchaser, then it's very likely you also don't have a food delivery subscription, so your delivery fees & overall cost of the food would be higher. If there's no incentive to, you might get a partial credit, however, it's unlikely. Don't be left upset and haggling with one off situations. Did you know that if you don't file a claim there is an end of year no-claim bonus Visa Gift Card with Order Guard?
Assumption 6: "The claims process for purchase protection is too complicated."
Get with the times. You submit the claim online and send in the claim details. That's it! Our claims & processing team handle the rest and keep you up to date with each step. We don't ask for a bunch of pictures or your first born child. It's as simple form, then send in a copy of your receipt with the claim details.
All-in-all, food delivery purchase protection serves as a valuable safeguard against the unpredictable nature of third party delivery. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not destroyed. Instead of pointing fingers or dealing with chargebacks and missing out on the meals you love, get Order Guard and be covered when the inevitable mishap happens.
1 Restaurant HQ, https://www.therestauranthq.com/trends/food-delivery-statistics/#:~:text=37.,Drivers%20needing%20assistance