Domino's Pizza Charges Delivery Fee In Some Markets

The convenience of pizza at your door is soon going to cost you more in some areas.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that Domino's Pizza stores in the area will begin charging a $1 fee for every order starting next week.

The president of Team Washington, which owns 59 Washington-area Domino's stores, said higher prices for gas, rent, insurance and food supplies are to blame.

David Carraway said the company is not happy with the decision but it's the reality of what it is dealing with.

The additional fee does not apply to all Domino's locations around the country, however.

An e-mail from the corporation in response to an inquiry said that the fee is in place in 45 percent of the stores across the country, particularly in high cost, urban markets. The fee is not imposed by the corporation, but is set by franchisees.

Customers are told of the extra charge when ordering.

Some other competitors are already charging a fee in D.C. Pizza Hut charges an average of 75 cents for delivery, the Post reported.

Papa John's said it does not charge a delivery fee but isn't ruling it out. A spokesman for Papa John's said if fuel prices continue to rise, the company might consider it.

Domino's pointed out that although drivers are paid in wages and per trip, they must purchase their own fuel. A company spokeswoman encouraged generous tips.