7 mistakes to avoid while using food delivery services

7 mistakes to avoid while using food delivery services

Over the last few years, online food delivery services have experienced a massive boom. Whether it’s been a busy or lazy day, having food delivered right to one’s doorstep sounds rather convenient, and it is one of the key advantages of these apps. Despite a user-friendly interface, online ordering is not as foolproof as it seems. Here are seven common mistakes people make when ordering from online food delivery services and how to avoid them.

Ordering when hunger strikes
This may sound strange, but one must not wait until hunger strikes to order in. At this point, people are more likely to be impatient and irritable – and waiting for food to be prepared and delivered may not be the best idea. Therefore, one must order an hour before mealtime for a pleasant eating experience.

Calling for food that spoils quickly
Some foods can go bad or become unappetizing quickly. Many foods also require special containers or temperature control, which may not be a service every restaurant/app offers. Certain foods spoil quickly, for example, fruits such as berries, bananas, avocados, salad greens, fried or breaded foods, mushrooms, and fish. Leftovers should not be stored in the refrigerator for future consumption, as this can result in significant food and financial waste.

Sticking to big chains
Chain restaurants have become extremely popular for their food delivery. While there is the assurance of a certain quality of food, they may be putting local restaurants out of business.
One must skip fast foods from big chains and order from a local restaurant instead. Due to a lower order load, they can deliver faster. These small diners, cafes, and restaurants are also a great way to expand one’s palate and explore new foods around the area, all while supporting local businesses.

Forgetting about hygiene
One thing to remember when ordering food from any restaurant is hygiene. To ensure safe deliveries, try the following:

  • Avoid paying by cash. Choose to pay by an electronic payment method to keep the delivery contactless. This dramatically reduces the risk of transferring germs from banknotes and coins.
  • Wipe the doorbell with a disinfectant regularly. Since it is one of the most widely used buttons, it can foster infection-causing germs.
    Wash hands thoroughly after collecting the delivery and before eating the food.
  • Do not place the delivery containers on surfaces around the home. They may carry germs. Instead, place them on paper towels and serve the food on a plate.

Choosing the wrong delivery services
Many restaurants do not offer in-house delivery services. In such cases, customers end up ordering from third-party delivery companies. But there are certain things to remember when choosing such a delivery service.

  • Speed: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a delivery service is speed. Depending on the type of food and where it has been ordered, this may take anywhere between a few minutes to a few days. For instance, some apps promise food/meal delivery within an hour. This is generally true for pre-cooked meals coming from restaurants. Other foods, such as pre-portioned meals, snacks, and groceries, take longer to be delivered. To ensure timely deliveries and a steady flow of food, many people sign up for subscription boxes of their favorite snacks, meats, and more.
  • Reliability: It is crucial to ensure that the food delivery services are reliable. One should check if they take proper care of the food during the delivery process and avoid any risk of contamination. Overlooking this factor can significantly impact the quality of the food received. To understand the delivery company’s credibility, check online reviews and ratings from other customers.
  • Pricing: It is essential to consider other factors such as reliability, care, and speed. But food deliveries should not burn a hole through one’s wallet. So, one must look for delivery services that fit well within one’s budget.
  • Tracking: Waiting for food is not feasible in today’s fast-paced life. So, one must look for a delivery service that provides the order’s real-time tracking and regular updates.
  • Customer service: Lastly, check whether the delivery company offers 24/7 customer service. This acts as an extension of the company’s accountability and can be helpful in case of any mishaps or confusion.

Eating from/storing delivery containers
Eating straight from the bowl signals the brain to prepare for a big meal. In such a case, one is likely to overeat. Instead, one must serve a healthy portion of the food on a plate or a bowl. After eating, be sure to put the containers for recycling or toss them in the trash. Unless specified, these containers are not meant to be reused. Storing food in them later could lead to leeching microplastics, which can affect one’s health significantly.

Not thinking about the delivery agents
One must be considerate of the delivery agents when placing an order. To ensure on-time deliveries, help them with the complete address and details such as the passcodes, landmarks, or other information to help them reach the location easily. Seasoned delivery agents also recommend leaving a light on at the entrance since darkened gates can be difficult to find. Lastly, one must not forget to leave a tip for the delivery driver for their hard work.

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Top Mistakes Related to Buying and Using Smartphones

Purchasing a smartphone is a major monetary investment. Hence, it's essential to ensure that you make the right choice. With so many different brands and models available, it's easy to get overwhelmed and make common mistakes. This article highlights the top smartphone buying mistakes to avoid and smartphone habits to break. By avoiding them, you can make an informed decision and find the best smartphone that meets your work and entertainment needs. Top smartphone buying mistakes to avoid When buying a smartphone, avoiding common mistakes can help you make a more informed decision and ensure you get a phone that meets your budget and lasts for years. Here are the top smartphone-buying mistakes you should avoid: Not considering your needs Don't buy a smartphone because it has the latest features or is popular. Consider what you need from a smartphone and choose one that meets those requirements. Focusing on one aspect of the phone While having a great camera is important, there are other important factors to consider, such as battery life, storage, and performance. Considering all aspects of the phone before purchasing it rather than going for just one feature. Not reading customer reviews and ratings Before making a purchase, it's essential to read customer reviews and ratings to understand other people's experiences with the phone. It may help you make an informed decision and avoid potential problems other users may have faced. Overlooking the storage Don't buy a smartphone without considering the storage capacity. If you plan to take many photos, download apps, or store music and videos, you'll need a phone with enough built-in or extendable storage. Not comparing prices Smartphone prices vary widely, even for similar models. Don't be tempted to buy the first phone you see. Take some time to compare prices from offline smartphone retailers and online marketplaces. This can help you get the best deal and save money in the long run. Not ensuring compatibility with carrier networks Ensure the phone you're considering is compatible with your carrier's network, particularly if you plan to use a US cellphone wireless unlimited phone plan. Compatibility is crucial to ensure good connectivity and coverage wherever you go. Not considering future software updates It's essential to consider whether the phone you're eyeing will likely receive future software updates. Older models may not receive updates, limiting their functionality and compatibility with new apps and features. Therefore, checking the manufacturer's 'software update policy' before purchasing the smartphone is important. By avoiding these common mistakes and doing proper research before purchasing a smartphone, you can make an informed decision and get a phone that meets all your needs and lasts for years. Five habits to avoid after buying a smartphone Once you've paid for the phone, here are certain habits you must avoid while using your smartphone. These habits can significantly impact your phone's performance, battery life, and longevity. Moreover, they can lead to costly mistakes in the form of heavily expensive repairs and the effort, time, and worry involved in the entire process. Here are the top five smartphone-using habits to avoid: Using cheap or unverified chargers Using cheap or unverified (non-branded) chargers can have several negative consequences. These chargers may not meet safety standards, leading to overheating or electrical shorts. They may even cause a fire or electrocution. Moreover, using such chargers can result in battery degradation and significantly reduce your phone's lifespan. It is always recommended to use a verified charger specifically designed for your phone to avoid these risks and ensure that it charges properly, timely, and efficiently. Overcharging your phone Overcharging your phone can lead to battery degradation, reducing the device's lifespan. When a phone is overcharged, the battery continues to charge even after reaching its maximum capacity, which can cause it to overheat. Over time, this habit can decrease battery capacity and performance, resulting in shorter battery life and a slower charging pace. To avoid overcharging your phone, unplug it once it reaches 100% and avoid leaving it plugged in overnight or for extended periods. Installing too many apps Installing too many apps can lead to storage and performance issues. Each app takes up space on your phone's storage and can slow its performance down, especially if you have an older phone with limited storage and RAM. Moreover, running too many apps in the background can drain your battery faster. It is recommended to only install the apps you need and regularly delete apps you no longer use to avoid these issues. Ignoring software updates Procrastinating installing software updates can lead to security vulnerabilities and impact your phone's performance. Software updates typically include bug fixes, security patches, and new features that improve your phone's performance and functionality. It's recommended to regularly check for and install software updates to keep the device running smoothly and securely. Not using a protective case Not using a protective case or back cover can leave your phone vulnerable to physical damage. Accidents can happen anytime; a single drop or bump can cause scratches, cracks, or a shattered screen. A protective case can absorb impact and protect against damage, saving you from expensive repairs or replacing your phone. Investing in a high-quality protective case designed for your phone is recommended to ensure that it fits properly and provides adequate protection. Avoid these habits to maximize your smartphone's value and enhance your digital experience. In conclusion Smartphones have become integral to our lives, providing various functionalities and conveniences. However, to make the most out of your devices, it's important to be aware of the common mistakes people make when buying a smartphone. You must also know the careless habits that can reduce the overall quality of your mobile experience. By avoiding these mistakes and breaking these habits, you can ensure your devices work efficiently and protect your privacy.

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11 mistakes to avoid while repairing basements

Basements can be additional living spaces or could be converted into gyms, cafeterias, parking lots, and offices. Commercial and residential buildings often repurpose their basements for such fruitful purposes. However, these multifunctional spaces can often stay neglected. Basements require regular maintenance and repair to stay useful and well-frequented spaces. Further, any repairs in the space should be carried out with proper interior and budget planning and careful avoidance of the following mistakes: 1. Using fiberglass insulation Fiberglass insulation is common for homes and offices. However, using fiberglass to insulate basements is not a good idea, as moisture may seep into the material and lead to mold growth. It is better to use inorganic materials like ceramic to insulate basements because they can resist moisture better. 2. Failing to test the soil Adequate materials and technology may be used for basement repair depending on the type of soil in the basement. Understanding the soil’s constituents can help select the right materials to use for basement repair. So, testing the soil is a key step to avoid missing. 3. Not considering water-related emergencies Basements are most vulnerable to water emergencies in natural disasters like floods or even when sewer overflows. While repairing basements, one should prepare for these situations, as cleaning water from basements can be quite a task. For starters, one needs to have a reliable drainage system in the basement, which can be concealed with furniture or carpets if needed. Also, while digging or laying floors in basements, one needs to ensure that no pipes get damaged and burst open in the process. Further, waterproofing is an absolute must to minimize damage during natural disasters. One may need to engage the services of a professional to install pipes and other drainage systems in basements to properly prevent seepage. 4. the wrong materials for walls Selecting materials for basement walls should be a well-planned process because basements tend to be more humid than the rest of the building. Inorganic materials like ceramic are the best options for basement walls, as they prevent moisture from penetrating and keep the basement cool and airy. Spray foam insulation is another good option for these spaces. 5. Skipping soundproofing Basement repair should include soundproofing, especially if one is planning to use the space as a study room, movie theater, or for commercial purposes like conference rooms. So, if it is to be repurposed as a theater, sound may travel to other rooms and disturb occupants. But if it is for a conference, external noises may interrupt the meetings taking place in the basement. So, good soundproofing is important to ensure that sound doesn’t travel inside and outside the space. 6. Neglecting the stairs Basement stairways should be fixed before the basement is renovated because these stairs are usually steep and can cause accidents if left neglected. They should also lead to the basement without causing any inconvenience. Adding curving stairs can enhance the visual appeal of the space. Further, widening the entrance to add more headroom is another option to prevent accidents. 7. Poor lighting Basements usually do not get enough natural light, so adequate artificial lighting is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of inhabitants, apart from just brightening up the place. Recessed ceiling lights, namely, downlights, high-hats, and can lights, can help in creating a good ambience in basements. One may also opt for track lighting, which is more affordable than recessed lights. 8. Not setting a budget One can do a lot with basements, so it is easy to go overboard and overspend while renovating them. Sticking to a budget helps avoid this problem. One should set a definite budget after taking into account the cost of major repairs, including waterproofing, soundproofing, lighting, repairing existing damages, wall and floor laying, and stairway repair. The budget can help one decide if they are falling short of funds and need to make arrangements to cover essential repairs. 9. Poor ventilation Basements may not have wide windows to provide natural ventilation like other floors. So, the air in the space needs to be circulated in other ways, for example, by using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, or whole-house ventilation systems. This can enhance the utility of the room and keep any dampness at bay. 10. Inadequate research A common mistake while repairing basements is to jump into the task without enough research. All available options must be considered carefully while planning basement renovation or repair. So, one should speak with contractors and interior designers at length and ask for references and reviews of contractors from family members, neighbors, friends, and other trusted acquaintances. The credentials of these professionals should also be checked to ensure that they are licensed and authorized. Also, basement repair work requires the use of specific materials, so one should also look up the types of materials that should or should not be used. Warranties for supplies, fixtures, and equipment should also be checked before using them. 11. Not consulting a professional As much as one may want to repair a basement independently, having a professional’s perspective always helps. Professionals have considerable experience, so they can provide sound guidance and advice and help one prevent major mistakes. While consulting an expert, one should mention the ultimate purpose the basement will serve, based on which the professional can suggest suitable materials and repairs.

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