Comment by autoexec

> gratuities in advance are an incentive and bait to claim orders. They are not tips, they are bribes.

Exactly. And not even bribes that give lasting benefits. I used to make sure when I moved into a new place to tip a little extra at the door, especially when the restaurant is close by, because drivers would remember and it could make the difference between being the first or last house they stop at, but now even when you place your order directly with the restaurant it's often some random app using non-employee who shows up. All the food delivery apps are scammy. I've increasingly resorted to driving out to order and pick up food myself. The food is hotter, the prices are lower, and there's zero fees.