Channel 5 viewers were left shocked after a new documentary revealed that one customer spent £2,500 on takeaways at Deliveroo.
The revelation was made during on Deliveroo: How do they really do it?, which goes behind the scenes at the online delivery company. The programme follows delivery riders in action and provides interviews with experts and ex-employees, giving viewers a glimpse of the hidden workings of Deliveroo.
The company works by allowing customers to order food and groceries through its app or website. The food is then picked up by self-employed bicycle or motorcycle couriers who then deliver the meals or shopping to the customer's door.
Read more: Sainsbury's offers home delivery via Deliveroo across 300 stores
Deliveroo is mostly used for takeaways but some people are more attracted to the convenience of the app than others. The programme shared the story of one Deliveroo user, Maddie, who spent roughly £2,500 in six months on the app.
One viewer was bewildered by this fact. @JanChat56 tweeted: "£2,500 over six months on Deliveroo. I thought everyone was broke?? @channel5_tv."
Many viewers were shocked by Maddie's spending but it soon became apparent that customers were using the app to order everyday items, which ended up costing them much more. At one point a Maddie ordered a carton of milk and the cost soared.
Andy (@affable_andy) commented on the extra costs. He said: "£5.58 to get four pints of milk dropped off by #Deliveroo! Delivered in eight minutes. Customer then timed a trip to her local shop. It took three minutes longer but cost only £1.09.
"She still prefers paying to have it delivered. Is this what people are spending their money on?"
But some people still felt the desire to use the service. @Nabyllionaire tweeted: "Watching the Deliveroo documentary on channel 5... while eating my Deliveroo."
Ángela (@AngelaCahill17) didn't understand why people were shocked that using Deliveroo was more expensive. "Stop press... it costs more to get food delivered than picking it up from the restaurant. Who would have thought it?"
Deliveroo: How do they really do it? also offered a closer look at the company's branding and marketing campaigns, some of which have got them into hot water. Since it launced in the UK in 2013, the company has reached other locations in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and more.
Alongside its delivery function, the company also manages a subsidiary operation called Deliveroo Editions, which focuses on growing a network of ghost or dark kitchens. These types of kitchens don’t operate out of an existing restaurant, but instead, deliver food cooked in space rented from a third party. Deliveroo has not made a profit from this part of the business.
