How to Challenge Inaccurate Food Delivery ‘Priority’ Fees

Understanding Priority Delivery Fees

Food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub often offer "priority delivery" as a premium service. For an additional $1–$5, customers are promised faster delivery times. However, many users report being charged these fees without consent or despite orders arriving late. This article explores how to identify and challenge inaccurate charges.

Why Do Priority Fee Errors Happen?

1. Technical Glitches: App updates or payment processing bugs may tack on unintended fees.
2. Dark Patterns: Some apps design checkout pages to nudge users into opting in accidentally.
3. Partner Restaurant Policies: Third-party vendors might override default app settings.
4. Delivery Delays: Charging priority fees for late orders violates FTC guidelines on truthful advertising.

Step 1: Review Your Receipts

Always scrutinize your order confirmation emails. Priority fees are typically listed under "Service Fee" or "Delivery Fee" sections. Compare charges across multiple orders to spot inconsistencies.

Example of a Suspicious Charge:

• Base Delivery Fee: $3.99
• Priority Delivery: $2.99
• Total Fees: $6.98
  If you didn’t actively select priority delivery, this $2.99 charge is disputable.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

1. Screenshot the checkout page showing no selected priority option.
2. Record Delivery Time: Use timestamps from confirmation emails and delivery notifications.
3. Check Promotional Terms: Some apps waive fees during promotions but charge anyway.

Step 3: Contact Customer Support

Most platforms resolve disputes within 48 hours if you provide:
- Order ID
- Screenshots of unauthorized charges
- Delivery time discrepancies (if applicable)

Sample Message:

"Hi [Platform Name], I was charged a $X priority fee for Order #12345 on [date], which I did not select. Attached is proof from my checkout screen. Please refund this amount promptly."

Step 4: Escalate If Necessary

If the app refuses to refund:
1. File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
2. Report to FTC: Use their online complaint form.
3. Dispute via Bank: Credit card companies often side with consumers for unauthorized sub-$50 charges.

Preventing Future Issues

• Disable One-Click Purchasing: Adjust app settings to require payment confirmation.
• Use Fee-Tracker Apps: Tools like Rakuten or Trim monitor recurring charges.
• Leave Feedback: Public app store reviews pressure companies to fix systemic issues.

Legal Protections

Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, consumers have 60 days to dispute billing errors. Additionally, Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibits deceptive fee practices. Class-action lawsuits against DoorDash (2020) and Postmates (2021) have forced apps to revise unclear fee structures.

Case Study: How Jane Recovered $87 in Wrongful Fees

Jane, a frequent Uber Eats user, noticed $2–$3 priority fees on 12 orders over six months. She:
1. Compiled all receipts into a spreadsheet.
2. Submitted a batch refund request via Uber’s support portal.
3. Threatened BBB escalation when initially denied.
Result: Full refund + $10 credit for the hassle.

FAQs

Q: Can I sue a delivery app for hidden fees?

A: Small claims court is an option for damages under $10,000, but mediation via BBB is faster.

Q: Do priority fees guarantee faster delivery?

A: No. Apps like Instacart state priority fees only "prioritize your order in the queue" but don’t promise specific timelines.

Q: How common are these errors?

A: A 2023 Consumer Reports study found 19% of users experienced unauthorized priority fees on at least one order.

By staying vigilant and using these strategies, you can avoid subsidizing apps’ unethical revenue tactics. Always document transactions and assert your rights under consumer protection laws.