ETA: Forgot to name them, it's PiCo, the pizza chain
They don't accept phone orders, so online is the only way to order ahead, or using a platform like Uber Eats (gross). Walk in and order in person? No fee. But if you want to order ahead and just show up to collect your food (you know, the way takeout has worked forever) you're paying $3.99 for the privilege. Is this just the new normal and I'm out of touch, or is this as ridiculous as it sounds?
I asked them on their instagram why they do this now and they said:
Hi there, thanks for reaching out and we apologize for the confusion here! The service fee tied to the online ordering platform helps support the system and avoid higher menu markups like those typically seen on third-party order/pick-up apps. Orders placed in-store will not include this fee.
So essentially, by their own admission, you're not paying for a service, you're paying for their web-hosting/server bills? Mind you, this is a fee for ordering on their own platform.
If you couldn't tell, I hate it...