Students and other Domino’s Pizza customers might have to pay more for their pies when their doorbells ring.

The Ann Arbor-based pizza chain has been testing a $1 delivery fee at 350 locations and will decide whether to expand the charge to all 4,800 U.S. stores by the end of the year.

Students who live near campus needn’t worry, though.

Jonathan Yost, owner of the Domino’s at 143 N. Harrison Road, said he would keep delivery free. As a franchise owner, Yost said he decides the policy for his store.

“This is actually the first I’ve heard of it,” he said.

“It could be an option, but I’m not going to exercise that option myself.

“I don’t want to charge students extra.”

Journalism and criminal justice freshman Michele Castleman said she doesn’t like the idea of a delivery charge.

“I would probably go somewhere else first,” she said.

Despite the possible fee, Castleman said the pizzeria’s CinnaStix might overpower her desire to save money.

“I’d get over it every now and then,” she said.

A company spokeswoman said rising costs, including gas, labor and insurance, forced the company to look at its options, which also include raising pizza prices, skimping on ingredients and laying-off employees.

If Domino’s executives decide to implement the charge nationwide, stores will likely see a drop-off in deliveries - at least for a while.

Some customers might turn to stores like Gumby’s Pizza, 311 W. Grand River Ave., which has no plans to change its free delivery.

Gumby’s General Manager Bethany Gephart said a Domino’s fee might help her sales, but she doesn’t think it would cause a large increase.

“Who’s going to not order a pizza because of a dollar?” she said.

Other pizzerias have added delivery fees in the past, including Pizza Hut, 135 E. Saginaw St., which now charges $1.25 for delivery.

Ryan Zimmerman,who worked for a Pizza Hut, said any decrease in business was only temporary. He is now an assistant manager of the Domino’s at 3330 E. Lake Lansing Road.

“After a few months, I think people will get used to it,” Zimmerman said.

The 42-year-old company grew rapidly during the 1980s, promising free delivery in 30 minutes or less. The 30-minute guarantee was discontinued in 1993.

Zimmerman said the extra charge would allow his store to keep up with rising wages for drivers.

“I’m not sure if it’s going to stick or not because Domino’s is based on free delivery,” he said.

Pre-nursing sophomore Brandee Pierce said students who don’t understand the reason for the charge might think Domino’s is just looking to make more money.

Still, Pierce said if the charge is put into place she will still order from Domino’s.

“A dollar isn’t that bad,” she said. “I used to work at a place that charged $3.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.