In an effort to support local restaurants and eateries, Uber Eats has announced that they will be waiving delivery fees for eateries to help increase demand for takeout food amid COVID-19.
The move to help drive takeout orders towards independent eateries is meant to help sustain local businesses as the public begins self isolating, leading to a decline in the number of people eating out at restaurants.
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According to a statement from the company, delivery fees are being waived for over 100,000 restaurants across U.S. and Canada.
“We know the success of every restaurant depends on customer demand. That’s why we’re working urgently to drive orders towards independent restaurants on Eats, to help make up for the significant slowdown of in-restaurant dining,” reads the statement.
The company is also offering dedicated in-app and email marketing campaigns to promote delivery from local restaurants.
Moreover, restaurants across both countries will now be able to opt in to daily payments on all Uber Eats orders, rather than the standard weekly billing cycle, as a way to help restaurants make up fixed costs.
The company also encourages people to request deliveries be left on doorsteps in order to minimize contact in a time when social distancing must be prioritized.
In addition, Uber Eats is committing 300,000 free meals on the app to first responders and healthcare workers in US and Canada, in coordination with local and state and provincial governments.
