Ruchi Gupta, Kiran Nair
The online food delivery industry in India is growing due to the changing lifestyles, eating habits of people, their busy work schedules and increased disposable income, particularly in urban areas of the country. Our research investigates how people used food delivery apps (FDAs) during the COVID-19 outbreak in India. The study particularly aims to determine the influence of the safety concerns of people on the intention to use FDAs during the COVID-19 outbreak. The factor structure of our research model was confirmed using exploratory factor analysis. The model's validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to measure the intention to use the FDA. Results revealed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use had a positive and substantial impact on intention to use a FDA. However, people's safety concerns about dining out versus ordering food at home were found to have no effect on their intention to use the app. In simple words, customers will use a FDA if it offers a variety of food options, quick navigation through the numerous food options, restaurants, and convenience of food selection and transaction processing. Not only that, but the study claims that another motivation for people to use a FDA is to relieve themselves from cooking so they can spend their time on other work or leisure activities, as well as to acquire a variety of meals while sitting at home without having to cook the same. Our research adds to the body of knowledge about the usage of FDAs during the COVID-19 outbreak. It also examines the implications in terms of key features of a FDA and important elements in designing such an app.