I like ordering ahead using the app for a lot of restaurants, especially when I have limited time on my lunch break. I can put my order in, top my burger the way I want, etc. I also would think that it would save me time. It also prevents me from forgetting to scan the app to get points; ordering in the app automatically adds the points for me. If I show up when my order is supposed to be ready and promptly send the notification that I'm there, I should only have to wait a few minutes for someone to bring it out. However, it seems like every time I do curdside, I end up waiting just as long as someone who goes through the drive through, if not longer. The last few times I did it, I watched the car at the end of the drive through line and they got to the speaker, ordered, waited and left before I got my order. The restaurant had my order before them, even if they don't start the order until I get there. I checked in before they got to the speaker, yet they're leaving with their food before me. That just doesn't make sense to me.
Do curdside orders not appear for preparation until the customer checks in? Is it faster to check in via the email or via the app, or does it not matter? Is there anything I can do to make the curdside experience faster?