A simple McDonald’s meal can easily exceed $20, especially when considering delivery fees. Many customers are voicing their concerns online about the increasing costs associated with ordering fast food, which include delivery and service fees along with heightened menu prices. One of the more frustrating aspects for some is the “small order fee,” which applies if a customer’s order doesn’t meet a minimum threshold.
A Reddit post captured a customer’s annoyance over a $3.50 “small order fee” that was tacked onto their total. They expressed disbelief that even with an employee discount, the order was cheaper through a delivery service like DoorDash. The total amounted to approximately $20.91, with about $8 just for delivery.
The post gained significant traction, receiving more than 1,700 upvotes and eliciting a wave of frustrated reactions. One commenter pointed out that shipping fees accounted for a third of the order cost, questioning the notion of discounts. Others reminisced about how, for the same price, they used to feed an entire family.
Customers ordering through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats are experiencing additional costs, which can include service fees that might edge toward 15% of the order value, along with penalties for smaller purchases.
In one instance, an $8.99 order ended up costing over $20 after adding in associated fees, while another customer saw a $5.29 McChicken jump to $12.74. This growing concern with escalating prices comes as McDonald’s is trying to entice diners with new menu items listed at under $3 amidst economic uncertainty.
As one financial expert noted, fast food prices have become comparable to concert ticket prices, where the promotional cost masks more significant costs at checkout. Yet, even before considering fees, many items on delivery apps are marked up compared to in-store prices.
Issues have peaked around the “small order fee,” which varies from $2 to $3.50, and appears when orders are under a certain minimal value. Initially introduced in the McDonald’s app in 2022, this fee has drawn criticism from customers who feel compelled to overspend to avoid it. Reports have emerged indicating that up to $15 of an order can now be just fees.
Users have been vocal about their frustrations, some questioning the logic behind high delivery fees when drivers receive only a fraction of the payment. Criticism also extends to broader menu price hikes, with some users vowing to stop ordering entirely to avoid inflated costs.
Amid all the backlash, advocates for the fees argue that ordering delivery inherently brings higher prices. Some commenters noted that opting for delivery could indeed lead to unexpected expenses.
The Post has reached out to McDonald’s, DoorDash, and Uber Eats for additional comments.
