Quick Comparison

Platform Score Refund Policy Fee Transparency Arbitration Notable
Instacart
65 - B- Moderate Variable Required Best in Category
Grubhub
58 - C+ Limited Fair Required
Uber Eats
52 - C Case-by-case Moderate Required
DoorDash
45 - C- Restrictive Poor Required Lowest in Category

Key Findings

Hidden Fee Stacking

All platforms add service fees, delivery fees, small order fees, and optional tips that can add 30-50% to your order total. Many fees are only shown at checkout.

Refund Limitations

Getting refunds for wrong or missing items often requires contacting support within tight windows. Platforms favor credits over actual refunds.

Mandatory Arbitration

Every platform requires binding arbitration and class action waivers. Your disputes go to private arbitration, not courts.

Dynamic Pricing Opacity

Surge pricing, busy fees, and variable service charges are applied without clear explanation. Menu prices may differ from restaurant prices.

Platform Reviews

Instacart

Grocery Delivery
65
Grade: B-
Best in Category
  • Shopper substitution policies
  • Variable service fees by retailer
  • Tip adjustment windows

Grubhub

Restaurant Delivery
58
Grade: C+
Consumer Fairness Index
  • Non-transparent pricing tiers
  • Subscription auto-renewal traps
  • Limited dispute windows

Uber Eats

Restaurant Delivery
52
Grade: C
Consumer Fairness Index
  • Complex refund appeal process
  • Surge pricing without caps
  • Cross-platform data sharing

DoorDash

Restaurant Delivery
45
Grade: C-
Lowest in Category
  • Aggressive arbitration clauses
  • Credit-only refund defaults
  • Opaque fee breakdown