Users of food delivery apps like Chowdeck and Glovo are facing a dilemma between increased costs and convenience, as these services become more essential in their daily lives.
At the start of 2025, *Anita, a marketer based in Lagos, made a resolution to cut back on her usage of food delivery apps to better manage her expenses. Despite recognizing her excessive use of Chowdeck in 2024 with 168 orders, Anita found it challenging to stick to her resolution due to the convenience these apps offer.
Just two weeks into January, Anita had already placed 20 orders, mirroring her usage from the previous year. Juggling a busy schedule, Anita found it difficult to resist the convenience of food delivery apps, which saved her time amidst her hectic lifestyle.
For users like Anita, these apps have become indispensable tools for managing the chaos of modern life, despite the financial implications. Data shows that Nigerian households spend a significant portion of their income on food, making users question the value of these apps against their cost. However, for many like Anita, the time-saving benefits outweigh the financial concerns.
While some users like Anita question the cost, others like Ada, who placed 283 orders on Chowdeck in 2024, prioritize the time-saving aspect of these apps. Ada, a product designer with a busy schedule, values the reliability and efficiency of Chowdeck, which saves her precious time every day.
Although some users are content with the service, others like Fayokunmi, who encountered issues with his orders, are considering alternatives like Glovo. Despite frustrations, many users are hesitant to completely abandon food delivery apps due to their integral role in saving time and enhancing productivity.
As the dependency on food delivery apps grows, users are demanding improved functionality and reliability from these services. Platforms must strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality to retain their user base in a competitive market.
These apps have evolved from being luxury services to essential productivity tools for many users, who are willing to invest in them to streamline their daily routines. Despite facing challenges, food delivery apps continue to adapt to meet user expectations and remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Super users, who consistently spend on these apps, are driving innovations like subscription plans to provide cost savings and incentivize more orders. By offering discounts and enhancing convenience, platforms aim to retain loyal users while attracting new customers in a competitive environment.
As these apps become deeply ingrained in daily routines, users prioritize time-saving benefits and convenience, making them willing to invest in these services despite the associated costs. The evolving nature of food delivery apps reflects a broader trend of users valuing efficiency and productivity in a fast-paced world.
While challenges persist, food delivery apps are striving to meet user demands and expectations to remain indispensable tools for users seeking to optimize their daily routines and productivity.