Fast, cheap and chic: 3 apps that deliver the (almost) impossible

by Colin Morris
October 20, 2015

It’s an exciting time to be alive, especially for those of us who don’t plan well. It seems like a new startup launches every week to help you avoid waiting in lines and consume on demand. Here are three of our favorites right now.

 

FastBook by LivingSocial

Anyone who’s ever needed to freshen up fast for a date or a job interview knows it can be tough to book salon appointments at the last minute. And it’s a struggle for salons to make the most of their time when some customers cancel or don’t show up at all. LivingSocial has a solution for both problems, and it’s an Austin-only pilot program called FastBook. Download the app, book an appointment. Not only can you book the same day, but you can compare prices and reviews all in one screen.
 
 

DemandFood

These days, it seems like everyone is inventing new apps to deliver food to you fast and cheap. But when DemandFood introduced the idea in Austin back in 2011, the idea was more novel. They’ve kept it fresh since then with a menu that changes daily and a gourmet twist. Rather than picking up food from other restaurants and delivering it cold, they make it themselves using a network of chefs and drivers while still managing to keep every entrée at or below $10. 

DemandFood also focuses on healthy and vegetarian options, which aren’t always easy to find when ordering something fast and cheap from your phone.
 
The service is definitely geared toward the working crowd: DemandFood is only available in the area surrounding downtown Austin, and only available on weekdays. But if you’re within those boundaries, you might want to see what all those five-star Yelp reviews are about.
 

Silvercar

At 10 airports throughout the U.S., ballers on the go can use the slick mobile app to rent an Audi A4 at a reasonable daily rate. Not only is the premium car impressive and fun to drive, but the whole Silvercar experience is engineered to eliminate the headaches of rental cars. You only pay for the gas you use and the tolls you incur, and you never wait in line at a desk. Unlock the car with the mobile app, and lock it up when you return it.
 
Having to pick up a car at the airport can be a drag if you're a local. But if the company's location in Manhattan is a sign of things to come, you may soon be able to pick up an A4 right in town.

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