We like to get takeout food and bring it home instead of eating out. Many national chains (Red Robin, etc.) have their own online ordering and payment system. No big deal.

Tonight I bought dinner for the three of us from a small local Pho place. When I went to order online and had the following options to order from:


All of them said No Fee. We've ordered - usually by phone from this restaurant - before, but I just chose the top one "Storefront by DoorDash". I ordered our food which came to $62.78 and included a 10% tip. I didn't pay much attention to the amount as we've eaten from there many times. But when I went to pick up my order - the printed receipt said $45.49. I didn't pay much attention to it until I got home and noticed the discrepancy. After eating I called the restaurant and asked why there was the difference - literally $17+. They said that's what the online order firm charges for using their service. The guy said - if you call us and order through us you won't pay the extra fees.

Holy cow. Normally I don't order online like that so I was totally taken aback by how much the fees were. Is this normal pricing activity for smaller restaurants? I haven't noticed it with other restaurants, but I'll be paying much closer attention now. Should I now make sure to be calling in my order instead of ordering online?