Deliveroo adds new ‘service fee’ for all customers including those on its unlimited ‘free’ facility
DELIVEROO was blasted yesterday over a new “service fee” for all drop-offs — including on its unlimited “free” facility.
The loss-making firm will slap an extra 49p on orders to help maintain its “24/7 customer service and keep improving the app”.
It comes as Deliveroo overhauls its delivery pricing to reflect the distance from restaurant to customer. Rival Uber Eats already uses the method.
A spokesman said prices would be cheaper for most and start at 99p.
But customers on Deliveroo Plus, which offers unlimited free deliveries for a monthly fee, say they will lose out. Plus cost £7.99 when introduced in 2018 but is now £11.49.
'DEAL BREAKER'
Mum-of-two Wendy Whittaker, 49, a Plus user from Derby, said: “This is a big disappointment, a bit of a kick in the teeth.
“I find it expensive enough as it is and I don’t understand why they’d increase that with a service fee.
“It’s a competitive market and I think I’ll look to go elsewhere.”
Twitter user David Whitney called the charge a “deal breaker”. He wrote: “Which joker thought that was a good idea? Guess I’m cancelling.” Another punter branded it “appalling”.
Deliveroo has failed to turn a profit since its UK launch in 2013.
Revenues rose 72 per cent to £476million in 2018, but its losses jumped 16 per cent to £232million.
Investors continue to pump in cash and last year Amazon invested some £439million.
The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating whether the link-up could hike prices for customers.
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