Wendy’s Menu Prices on Food-Ordering Apps

Recently, TINA.org received a tip from a reader who discovered a subtle way that she was being charged extra for ordering Wendy’s delivery on DoorDash.

When comparing the delivery and pickup prices on DoorDash for the exact same Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo, our reader noticed that, before any additional fees were tacked on, the price of the meal itself  increased when delivery was selected. Same sandwich, same fries, same drink — but about 25% more expensive simply because it was being delivered.

TINA.org put it to the test with the Classic Chicken Sandwich Combo and got the same result — a menu price 25% higher for delivery:

And the checkout process on DoorDash doesn’t do consumers any favors. When ordering delivery, the fact that menu prices “may vary” depending on whether you choose delivery or pickup is only mentioned through easy-to-miss disclaimers tucked behind tiny icons or buried at the bottom of a long menu page.

And this hidden delivery premium isn’t exclusive to DoorDash. TINA.org also found inconspicuous price hikes for Wendy’s deliveries through Grubhub, UberEats and Postmates.

Who’s to blame, you ask? Both DoorDash and Grubhub disclose during the checkout process that Wendy’s sets menu prices (though consumers need to click on links or scroll to the bottom of long menu pages to read the disclosures so they can easily go unnoticed). DoorDash reiterated this in response to a request for comment by TINA.org. A company spokesperson told us:

Marked-up menu prices are one of the top customer complaints DoorDash receives. This can discourage customers from ordering and lead to decreased sales and lower reorder rates for restaurants and fewer earning opportunities for Dashers. While we encourage menu prices that more closely reflect in store, DoorDash does not require delivery prices to match in-store. Restaurants make their own delivery menu pricing decisions and assess the trade-offs between volume and unit margins.

DoorDash also stood by its menu pricing disclosures.

Similarly, a Grubhub spokesperson told TINA.org that:

Restaurants generally set their own menu prices, and delivery, pick up, and in-store menu prices can differ. This may vary from merchant to merchant and is disclosed on the menu page.

Uber, meanwhile, states in a post that restaurants “decide how much they want to charge for their food” on UberEats. The same policy seemingly applies to Postmates, which is also owned by Uber. (Uber and Wendy’s did not respond to a request for comment.)

On the Wendy’s app, however, the Classic Chicken Sandwich Combo has the same price ($10.59) whether you choose delivery or pickup.

In addition to these stealthy price differences, if you choose to get your Wendy’s delivered, either through the fast-food chain itself or through a third-party delivery app, you’ll also be on the hook for delivery and service fees, which, combined, can cost you between $5+ and nearly $10, on top of whatever meal price you get.

Of note, both DoorDash and Grubhub have been sued in the past for hiding delivery fees from consumers.

The bottom line

If you’re hungry and trying to decide if delivery is worth it, consider comparing the price of a meal for pickup to the price for delivery to see exactly how much is being tacked on. And watch out for hidden fees.

Find more of our coverage on hidden delivery fees.