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In a surprise move, Zepto has eliminated all platform fees, surge charges, and handling costs, while cutting its free delivery minimum to Rs 99. But what pushed this change, and how will it shake up the battle against Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Instamart?
Zepto removes all handling, surge, and convenience fees.
New Delhi: Quick commerce startup Zepto has made a landmark announcement, doing away with all platform-related charges, including handling, surge, and convenience fees. In addition, the company has lowered its minimum order value for free delivery to Rs 99, making it the most affordable option among India’s top delivery apps.
The decision comes amid growing criticism of “hidden” fees charged by online delivery platforms. Zepto now stands out as the only quick commerce company offering zero platform fees, signaling a bold effort to build customer trust through transparency and affordability.
Founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is a Mumbai-based quick commerce (Q-commerce) platform that promises 10-minute deliveries of groceries, essentials, and daily-use items. The company operates across major Indian cities, using a network of micro-warehouses, or “dark stores,” to fulfill orders rapidly.
Zepto’s success stems from its focus on speed, reliability, and urban convenience, targeting time-crunched consumers who want instant doorstep delivery. Within just a few years, it has become a key player in India’s $1.2 billion quick commerce market.
Zepto’s primary competitors are Swiggy Instamart, Zomato-owned Blinkit, and BigBasket’s BB Now, all vying for dominance in the ultrafast delivery space.
Currently, competitors continue to levy handling and small cart fees, Blinkit charges ₹4 as a handling fee and ₹30 for deliveries under ₹199, while Instamart users pay about ₹55 extra on smaller orders. Swiggy also imposes platform fees, ranging between ₹2 and ₹10, depending on demand and location.
In contrast, Zepto customers now pay nothing extra for orders above ₹99. Orders below that amount incur only a flat ₹30 delivery fee, still significantly lower than its rivals.
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By removing platform fees, Zepto is directly addressing one of the biggest pain points for online shoppers, hidden costs. Customers will now see greater price transparency at checkout, making Zepto’s platform appear more honest and customer-centric.
For frequent users, especially those who place multiple small orders, this move translates into real savings. With no hidden add-ons, customers can enjoy more value for their money, potentially encouraging repeat purchases and brand loyalty.
Additionally, this step could push competitors to rethink their pricing models, potentially igniting a price war that benefits consumers. In a cost-sensitive market like India, Zepto’s approach could help it capture a larger share of urban users seeking both convenience and affordability.
This bold decision aligns with Zepto’s broader strategy to build a long-term relationship of trust with its users. By prioritizing customer value over short-term profits, the company is positioning itself as the most transparent quick commerce brand in India.
Industry experts suggest that this move could significantly boost Zepto’s user base and order frequency, especially as consumers grow weary of rising delivery costs across competing apps.
As of now, Zepto’s approach seems clear: simplify the checkout, remove the hidden fees, and deliver value at speed.
Zepto’s decision to scrap all platform fees and reduce its free delivery limit marks a pivotal moment for India’s quick commerce industry. In a market dominated by hidden costs and competitive pricing, Zepto’s bold, customer-first approach may redefine how Indians shop for everyday essentials online—proving that transparency can indeed be the ultimate differentiator.
