A McDonald’s customer recently expressed frustration after a $9 meal quickly spiked to $19.60 when ordered through DoorDash, calling the price increase “ridiculous” and demanding changes from both the fast food giant and the delivery service.
The Sticker Shock
The incident began when a McDonald’s fan shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), showing a snapshot of their DoorDash order. The order consisted of a Double Cheeseburger Meal, a large Hi-C Orange fountain drink, and large French fries, which totaled $9.39, close to the price one would pay in-store at any of McDonald’s 13,600 locations nationwide.
However, the customer soon noticed a sharp increase in the price due to delivery charges. The $2.49 delivery fee, combined with $4.22 in additional fees and taxes, brought the meal’s total up to $16.10. Adding a tip of $2.50 for the DoorDash driver pushed the final price to $19.60, over double the cost of the meal itself, even with a $1 off promotional coupon.
Customer Reactions and Complaints
The high price left the customer outraged, posting on social media: “You not lying!!! Shit like this is ridiculous!!!” The post also called out McDonald’s and DoorDash, saying both companies “should be ashamed of this!!” While neither McDonald’s nor DoorDash has responded directly to the complaint, it highlights a growing concern among customers about the rising costs of delivery.
This isn’t the first time McDonald’s customers have voiced concerns over price hikes due to delivery services. Another customer shared their frustration on X, revealing that a $10 meal had inflated to $25 after fees and other charges through DoorDash. “Imagine instead of $10, you pay $25 for 2 McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Absolutely insane,” the customer fumed.
The Growing Trend of High Delivery Costs
As more customers opt for the convenience of food delivery, many have noticed the soaring prices that come with it. DoorDash, like other delivery services, charges fees to pay its drivers (called “Dashers”) and sustain its business model, but these costs are adding up for consumers. A meal that would typically cost $9 at a McDonald’s location can end up costing almost double when ordered through a delivery app, prompting backlash from customers who feel the cost is excessive.
McDonald’s Efforts to Improve Affordability
McDonald’s, which has faced increasing scrutiny over rising prices in recent years, is focusing on value offerings for 2025. CEO Chris Kempczinski and CFO Ian Borden have emphasized the company’s mission to support low-income customers, with Kempczinski noting that the company will focus more on “affordability” going forward. McDonald’s has introduced value-focused options like the $5 Meal Deal and the McValue Menu to try to address concerns over pricing.
However, despite these efforts, customers are still raising complaints. A viral incident in 2023 highlighted the high cost of a Big Mac meal in Connecticut, priced at $18, while a 40-piece Chicken McNuggets Bundle costing $25.39 also faced significant pushback.
Fast Food Workers Struggle Too
Interestingly, fast food workers are also feeling the effects of rising prices, with some claiming they struggle to afford meals at the very restaurants where they work. As fast food prices continue to climb, experts have pointed to several factors, including rising ingredient costs and inflation, contributing to the overall price increase in the industry.
While McDonald’s continues to introduce affordable options for customers, delivery charges and inflation are causing frustration for many. As costs continue to rise, both McDonald’s and DoorDash may need to reevaluate their pricing strategies to meet customer expectations and avoid backlash.
