{
  "id": 19971429,
  "title": "Apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats rely on a small group of superusers, new federal data shows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/apps-like-doordash-or-uber-eats-rely-on-a-small-group-of-superusers",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-14T10:51:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/doordash-uber-eats-lean-small-circle-superusers-2026-11"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats are heavily dependent on a limited number of frequent users, according to fresh federal data. The survey, conducted by the Federal Reserve every three years, suggests that many consumers do not utilize these services at all. Food delivery companies have witnessed consistent growth with no signs of customer decline. Studies indicate that individuals aged 35 or younger, who order substantial amounts of food annually via delivery, form a crucial customer segment for these apps. These high-spending users are vital for the apps' revenue, and retaining them is of utmost importance. Jeremy Horpedahl, an economics professor, stated that these superusers significantly impact the apps' earnings. The data also highlights that a vast majority of people do not use delivery services. The survey, which covers 5,000 households, revealed that the bottom 80% of spenders on food delivery do not spend any money on it. However, those in the top 10% of spenders, particularly those under 35, spend considerable amounts on food delivery, with an average of $1,800 for those under 35 and $2,400 for those aged 35-44. This small group of high-spending users contributes to the strong performance of food delivery services, even as other retailers warn about consumers cutting back on spending. DoorDash and Uber have managed to attract these superusers, which has helped them maintain robust revenue. Companies can potentially attract these superusers from competitors, which could be highly beneficial.",
  "summary": "Federal Reserve survey data reveal DoorDash and Uber Eats growth relies on heavy delivery spenders while many US consumers sit out.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}