A savvy diner has exposed a staggering pricing glitch on food delivery giant Just Eat after securing a full gourmet meal for less than the price of a high-street coffee.
The customer, who ordered from a restaurant on the platform, was charged a mere £3.50 for a feast that would normally cost well over £40. The incredible bargain included a starter, main course, side, and dessert, leaving her in a state of disbelief.
The unbelievable order consisted of:
- Starter: A portion of halloumi fries
- Main Course: A full rack of barbecue ribs
- Side: A serving of coleslaw
- Dessert: A sticky toffee pudding
Upon receiving the order, the woman was so convinced a mistake had been made that she immediately contacted the restaurant to clarify. To her astonishment, the restaurant confirmed the order was correct and that the error originated from the prices listed on her Just Eat app.
A System-Wide Glitch
Further investigation revealed this wasn't an isolated incident. Other customers reported similar pricing anomalies for the same restaurant on the delivery platform, suggesting a significant technical error in how menu prices were displayed and processed through Just Eat's system.
The restaurant owner expressed frustration, confirming that the prices on their own system were correct and that the fault lay with the third-party delivery app. This incident highlights the potential financial risks for small businesses that rely on these platforms for orders.
Just Eat's Response
When confronted about the pricing blunder, a spokesperson for Just Eat stated, "We're aware of a technical issue which led to incorrect pricing at a handful of restaurants on our platform. This has now been resolved. We're working directly with the restaurants affected to ensure they are correctly reimbursed for any orders placed."
While the customer enjoyed an unexpected luxury meal for a laughable sum, the event raises serious questions about the reliability of third-party delivery systems and their impact on the profitability of local restaurants already operating on thin margins.
