I spent a lot on drinks at the restaurant

[Goldy1]

So we get a coupon for a pizza place ("gourmet" pizza chain) It is for buy one get one free pizza, but dine in only and with a 2 drink purchase.

We opted to eat in although we prefer to carry out with a new baby.

So the drinks are $2.19 each for sodas, and there is 6% tax in Michigan and I tip 20% so the drinks cost me about $5.50 or more. Then I had to tip on the price of both my pizzas. So I didn't really save too much compared to ordering carry out.

(I don't mean to sound cheap but I don't buy drinks anywhere unless out with buds and letting my frugalness take a night off which I do on occasion (people before money))

[disneysteve]

Obviously, the chain knew that when they issued the coupon with the 2-drink requirement.

That's why we almost always drink water when we go out to eat. It is also why when we order take-out, I go pick it up instead of having it delivered. No delivery fee and no tip for the driver.

[Bimmer]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

It is also why when we order take-out, I go pick it up instead of having it delivered. No delivery fee and no tip for the driver.

What's your value on time, though? If we are have friends or family over, are working on a project at the house or in the yard, etc, the convenience of delivery can be very nice. Also, no gasoline used, and no wear and tear on your car.

[Goldy1]

I can see delivery if people are over. Often I plan carry out around my errands ie I pick up Asian food near a store I am going to.

The coupon I used is great if you are getting drinks anyway. I suppose the marketing realized people who will bother to use coupons may also be the type to "just order water" The corn syrup in soda is unhealthy and too sweet for me anyway, and iced tea which I love brewed at home is like buying water practically being so cheap to make. lol

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Bimmer

What's your value on time, though?

There are only a couple of places that we order take-out from and they are within 5 minutes of our house so time and gas really aren't an issue. I prefer pick-up anyway because that way we get the food quicker and fresher. It doesn't sit around waiting for the delivery guy to come back from his last run and get our food to us. One of the last times we ordered delivery from Domino's, it took nearly an hour to arrive and when it did, the order was wrong so he had to go back and get the correct food which took another 20 minutes.

[JohnSaveOn]

Delivery is not as expensive as people think. If you think about it, the tip you pay the delivery guy should be about the same as the tip you would give to a waiter or waitress. Also, as Bimmer pointed out, you save time and gas money. Often times, ordering delivery can end up being cheaper than dining in at a restaurant.

[GREENBACK]

I occasionally order from a pizza joint that's about 10 mins away and have it delivered. I know some of those drivers are doing what's often suggested here i.e., working a second job. I'm sure they would get plenty of buisness otherwise, but it's only occasionally for me.

[jIM_Ohio]

The markups on drinks are higher than markups on anything else when you order at a restaurant.

Your two drink minimum didn't even have beer LOL

[BillysSavingsClub]

Yeah I thought beer when I read this -- but soda!! Always look for the fine print on deals like these.. if the deal is "Costs x But You Need to do That to Get X" and they don't immediately give you the price for X.. be suspicious!! These little markups is where they either maintain profit or make sure they don't lose money on the deal!

[wincrasher]

There isn't anything carry-out that you can't make at home that is better and well as cheaper. It can be fun too.

I recently found a recipe for making Chicago style pizza dough and sauce. Made two 16" pizza's for about 10 bucks. All the best ingredients. We had fun making it and everyone loved it. It was so filling I had a few pieces left over for lunch the next day.

Americastestkitchen.com

[curtis.lesa]

Getting food delivered to the house is a cheaper option than dining out. You restrict yourself on food and drinks are at a cost price. You tend to indulge more when you are out with your friends and family.

[tulog]

Water is definitely the best drink available. For your budget and your health.

[m.f.walters]

I own a restaurant and I will tell you the reason we do offers is because we're trying to get new customers to try us with less risk to them. The hope is they will love us and come back and enjoy our food for years to come, with or without a coupon. If one of our regulars uses the coupon I think of it as a "thank you" to them for their loyalty and frequent business. The reason we put restrictions on the offers is that there is a type of person who will only eat at restaurants with discounted offers. They have no loyalty to my business, they don't care about the service or the quality of my product. That customer will only be back the next time you put out a coupon. These customers are frequently the type who take the most advantage of the discount as possible, and argue with you if the wording isn't drafted by a team of lawyers covering all the penny pincher bases! I am a frugal person, and I use coupons, and I love this site. I'm only giving you my perspective on the reason for restrictions.

[nick__45]

Originally Posted by tulog

Water is definitely the best drink available. For your budget and your health.

Not around here, it may kill ya.

[cicy33]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

There isn't anything carry-out that you can't make at home that is better and well as cheaper. It can be fun too.

I recently found a recipe for making Chicago style pizza dough and sauce. Made two 16" pizza's for about 10 bucks. All the best ingredients. We had fun making it and everyone loved it. It was so filling I had a few pieces left over for lunch the next day.

Americastestkitchen.com

You are assuming two things here:

1. That one is good cook

2. That one wants to cook this item

Now in reference to these two things. I am a good cook, however, I suck at pizza crust. and gravy. don't know why, but just can't get these two right no matter what I do. and I have tried everything. So, I would prefer to pay someone to make it the way I like it and it taste right and I have no dishes to do! I do think that $10 would be a low number to make two large pizzas though. But it does depend upon what you put on it.

[nick__45]

Originally Posted by cicy33

You are assuming two things here:

1. That one is good cook

2. That one wants to cook this item

Now in reference to these two things. I am a good cook, however, I suck at pizza crust. and gravy. don't know why, but just can't get these two right no matter what I do. and I have tried everything. So, I would prefer to pay someone to make it the way I like it and it taste right and I have no dishes to do! I do think that $10 would be a low number to make two large pizzas though. But it does depend upon what you put on it.

Making pizza requires a special skill. It is not that hard because kids at CiCi do it all the time. However, it is a not worth the trouble. I would recommend people mow their grass and cut back somewhere else instead of learning how to cook everything they see. My wife is a good cook and likes to cook but we don't tackle all the dishes we like. Even at that rate, it is mostly more trouble than it's worth.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Well, nick_45, many people already do mow their own grass and continue to look for additional ways to save money. I hope you can understand that some people want (or perhaps need) to save everywhere they possibly can, including on food. Besides, some people enjoy preparing foods they've not cooked before.

[AmySL]

Here's a frugal tip for you: don't tip 20%

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I've started delivery during the winter. Love it. Gotta say love coming home once a week and getting delivery in a snow day even better.

[MrPolarZero]

perhaps that is considered as the chain's strategy. They still wanted to earn money even through offering a “buy one get one” promo.