Uber launched its own food delivery service UberEats as a standalone app. The app has just been launched in Los Angeles, which the company consider a promising market despite its surplus of cars. Los Angeles is the first city in the U.S. that can enjoy the new service.
Previously, Uber has already launched a similar app called UberEats Instant. The old app's service was only available during specified lunch and dinner hours for some selected menu from featured restaurants. Those restrictions are now gone in the improved UberEats available in L.A. Business Insider reported that the app's availability will roll out in the rest of the U.S. throughout the month.
The app now claimed to be working with over a hundred of the best spots in L.A. and aim to pool the best local food all in one place. UberEATS also offers to deliver the full set of menu to choose from the restaurant of users' choice. Even though it's launched as a standalone separate app, users can use their existing Uber account to log in.
Users can place their order from the app's interface, that will show users the list of available options according to the user's location. After the order is placed, a special food-handling-certified Uber driver will pick it up from the restaurant and deliver it to the user's doorsteps. The driver will also carry lunch bags to keep the food warm or cold to offer a pleasant and fulfilling dining experience.
However, the company acknowledges that the delivery process is likely to take more than ten minutes to be completed. Uber estimates that deliveries will be around 30 minutes, including the picking up and delivery time. Uber is now seeking to expand its partnership with restaurants, as well as preparing to launch in other cities, as reported by Los Angeles Eater.
According to LA Weekly, the UberEats app will feature a transparent pricing, which means that all fees are bundled into menu prices, making the all-inclusive fee clear to the user. Uber will charge a flat rate of $5 for each delivery, regardless the order total or distance. "There is no need to tip the driver as it's already included, but it's ultimately up to the customer," UberEats Los Angeles general manager Allen Narcisse said.
UberEats is hardly the first food delivery app to operate in Los Angeles, but the company is optimistic that they have what it takes to thrive in the industry. The app has just launched in Los Angeles while Uber prepares to expand its location and restaurant partnerships.
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