Deliveroo offers 20 per cent off all orders in metropolitan Melbourne during lockdown
As Melbourne settles into another round of lockdown, many are stepping back into the at-home routines refined during the first wave. But for those shunning the stove, a popular food delivery service has knocked 20 per cent off all orders.
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As Melbourne stares down another long lockdown, food delivery services are helping hungry families support their favourite restaurants by knocking 20 per cent off the bill.
More than 5000 restaurants across metropolitan Melbourne are included in the discount, which Deliveroo – not the restaurant – will cover the costs of.
As restaurants across Melbourne must now rely on takeaway trade to see them through until restrictions are eased, the commissions charged by global delivery companies such as UberEats and Deliveroo has been in the spotlight with restaurateurs struggling to make ends meet.
While delivery companies have lowered the commissions charged, many restaurants are now offering their own delivery options.
Deliveroo’s Ed McManus said the company was focused on supporting small, independent and mid-sized restaurants.
“We know the past few months have been especially tough as businesses have grappled with closures and restricted opening regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “With Melbourne now back in Stage 3 lockdown we are giving back to them at a time when they need it the most.”
Owner of popular burger restaurant Royal Stacks Dani Zeini welcomed the initiative.
“As a restaurant owner I am doing everything I can to limit the economic downturn as a result of these latest restrictions. Early and midweek is the quietest period so Deliveroo’s Lockdown Giveback offer will really help small to medium businesses like mine.”
However, the discount was only introduced after widespread calls from traders to food delivery apps to slash their commission rates as businesses struggled to survive during the first lockdown.
Back in March, Chapel Street Precinct traders’ association general manager Chrissie Maus called on apps like Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo to reduce the up to 35 per cent commission they charged businesses on each delivery.
“It’s pretty harrowing at the moment, it’s actually gut wrenching,” Ms Maus said.
“At this stage we’re asking the food delivery giants to at least halve their commissions during this pandemic. It will help them (businesses) survive … the government grant isn’t going to be enough to get them through.”
The new discount is available for all orders over $30 placed from Monday to Thursday for at least the next two weeks.
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