Uber Eats is a marketplace app where customers place food orders, restaurants receive and prepare them, and delivery people on the Uber platform pick up and deliver the order. Understanding how Uber Eats works starts with knowing that it connects three groups: hungry customers, partner restaurants, and drivers or couriers who handle the final mile.
How does Uber Eats work?
Uber Eats operates as a three-sided marketplace. A customer finds a restaurant and places an order through the Uber Eats app. The restaurant receives the order, prepares the food, and hands it off to a delivery person on the Uber platform. That delivery person brings the order to the customer’s address. Restaurants can also choose to use their own staff for delivery or offer customer self-pickup.
How to get started with Uber Eats
Download the Uber Eats app from your device’s official app store. If you already have an Uber account, you can sign in with those credentials. New users will need to create an account using a working email address and a valid phone number. The specific steps for downloading and signing up vary by device and operating system.
How to order food on Uber Eats
- Enter your delivery address, this determines which restaurants are available in your area.
- Search by restaurant name or cuisine type, or browse the available options.
- Select a restaurant and browse its menu. Customize items where options are offered before adding them to your cart.
- Review your cart to see the order details, service fees, and delivery fees.
- Place the order when everything looks correct.
Adding a payment method
To add a payment method, go to your account settings. Tap ACCOUNT at bottom right, select WALLET, then click ADD PAYMENT METHOD and choose CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD or PayPal. This path is documented for merchant accounts and works similarly for consumer ordering.
Tracking your order and receiving delivery
After placing the order, you receive notifications when the restaurant starts preparing your food. Real-time tracking shows the driver’s progress from pickup to your location, along with the estimated arrival time. When the driver is nearby, you get a notification to go meet them.
Tipping your driver
After the food is delivered and the order is complete, you have the option to tip your driver. This is done through the app after delivery.
Pickup orders on Uber Eats
In some cases, customers can choose pickup instead of delivery. This option lets you order through the app and collect the food yourself from the restaurant, skipping the delivery step entirely.
Uber Eats features that improve your experience
Uber Eats uses Smart Curation AI to suggest food based on your previous orders and your vicinity, helping you discover new options. You can pre-order food for delivery at a later time. Orders can be delivered to non-standard locations like parks, hospitals, and offices. The app also provides complete dish information, including ingredients and preparation time. The app integrates with wearables and fitness apps so you can track orders without pulling out your phone.
Becoming an Uber Eats driver
If you already have an active Uber driver account, you can opt into delivering food through the Driver app. Prospective drivers should check Uber’s website for current requirements in their area. In some regions, such as Australia, you must be 18 or older to become a delivery partner. In Germany, prospective couriers need to join one of the Fleet Partners already operating with Uber Eats.
Partnering your restaurant with Uber Eats
To become a restaurant partner, fill out the Interest Form on Uber’s website. Provide your restaurant name and details, number of locations, and estimated weekly to-go orders. If your restaurant is a fit, Uber may reach out to set up a partnership. Next steps include signing up, choosing a delivery option (using delivery people on the Uber platform, your own staff, or customer self-pickup), and starting to take orders.
How restaurants manage Uber Eats orders
Restaurants use the Restaurant Dashboard on a separate tablet. When a new order arrives, the tablet shows a flashing green screen with a sound alert and a circled number indicating new orders. If printing is enabled, a Print option appears. Staff tap Confirm after the kitchen starts preparing the order.
Pros and cons of Uber Eats
Uber Eats is easy to use and integrates with your existing Uber account, so you only need one login. However, geographic availability is limited, not every city has Uber Eats service. Restaurant selection is also restricted to partner restaurants, so you cannot order from every local eatery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split the bill with friends on Uber Eats?
Uber Eats does not offer a built-in bill-splitting feature for a single order. Each person would need to place their own order or use a third-party payment method to divide the cost afterward.
What happens if my order is wrong or missing items?
Contact Uber Eats support through the app’s help section. They may issue a refund or credit for missing or incorrect items, depending on the situation and the restaurant’s policies.
Can I schedule a delivery for a future time?
Yes. Uber Eats allows you to pre-order food and set a preferred delivery time. You can track the order to ensure it arrives at your chosen location when expected.
Do I need to be home to receive the delivery?
You can specify delivery instructions in the app, such as “leave at the door.” The driver will follow your instructions, so you do not need to be physically present.
Is Uber Eats available in every country?
No. Uber Eats operates in hundreds of cities worldwide, but coverage is not global. You can check the app to see if service is available at your delivery address.
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