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If you add an item to your DoorDash basket that is likely out of stock, they’ll suggest a substitute as a back-up.
Behind this Bite
To be clear, it'd be better if it actually knew if it was out of stock.
But assuming that there's some technical limitation here, this is a nice UX back-up plan. It gives people reassurance that the reserve item won't be awful.
AI insights
Insights
The Scarcity Effect is when limited supply nudges people to act fast. Here, "Likely out of stock" signals scarcity, so users may buy now or accept a substitute to avoid missing out.
Cognitive Load is the mental effort needed to complete a task. DoorDash lowers cognitive load by suggesting a substitute right away, so users don’t have to search for alternatives themselves.
Familiarity Bias means people trust what feels known. Showing the chosen substitute up front reassures users that their order is still in good hands, which can keep them from abandoning the cart.
Uber Eats lets users pick their backup item if out of stock. Both DoorDash and Uber Eats reduce frustration and churn by giving clear, fast options for unavailable products.
ASOS shows in-stock status for your size as you shop. Both DoorDash and ASOS use clear badges and real-time cues to cut decision time and help users feel more confident about their purchases.
Impacts:
UI Components:
Posted 10/10/2025
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