Millions to get compensation from takeaway apps over hidden fees

Food delivery apps Thuisbezorgd and Uber Eats have been forced to stop hiding fees and advertising fake discounts after a complaint by consumer watchdog Consumentenbond.

Millions of customers will also receive a payout voucher in compensation ranging between €5 to €30, the watchdog said.

The companies were putting “small order fees” and other surcharges only at the end of orders, and were advertising misleading discounts for some takeaways.

The Consumentenbond accused Thuisbezorgd in July of hiding charges that often added €2 to €4 to an order. Fake discounts were also show; in one example, Indian snacks priced at €3.75 were later shown as “reduced” from €7.50 to €6.

Both companies told news agency ANP the changes followed “constructive” talks with the Consumentenbond. Uber Eats had already adjusted its charges in June.