Quick Commerce
Zepto drops handling, surge fees; announces free delivery on orders above Rs 99
Quick commerce startup Zepto has announced a sweeping overhaul of its pricing model, scrapping all handling, surge, and rain fees across orders and offering free delivery on purchases above Rs 99.
The move places Zepto in a strong competitive position within India’s rapidly expanding 10-minute delivery sector, as it takes on rivals Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in an intensifying price war.
The company unveiled the changes under its new “All New Zepto Experience” initiative, promising customers zero handling fees, zero surge fees, and zero rain fees on every order.
Additionally, any order exceeding Rs 99 will now be delivered free of charge.
For smaller orders under Rs 99, Zepto will levy a flat Rs 30 delivery fee but has removed the small cart and convenience charges, including those previously applied to cigarette and tobacco deliveries.
Notably, the Rs 99 threshold for free delivery is the lowest among all major quick commerce players.
A fee comparison highlights Zepto’s aggressive pricing strategy.
For orders under Rs 99, Zepto’s total charges stand at Rs 30, while Blinkit customers pay roughly Rs 54 (Rs 30 delivery, Rs 4 handling, and Rs 20 small cart fee), and Swiggy Instamart users face around Rs 65 in combined charges (Rs 30 delivery, Rs 9.80 handling, Rs 15 small cart fee, plus GST).
When order values exceed Rs 99, Zepto waives every additional fee, meaning customers pay only the listed product price.
By contrast, Blinkit still applies at least Rs 34 in charges (Rs 30 delivery plus Rs 4 handling) until orders cross Rs 199, while Swiggy Instamart continues to charge Rs 30 for delivery up to Rs 199.
Even beyond that threshold, Instamart levies a Rs 16 delivery fee, which is waived only for Swiggy One subscribers.
Analysts say Zepto’s new approach signals a bold, customer-focused push to grab market share amid intensifying competition and slowing consumer spending.
The elimination of nearly all ancillary fees could help the company lure price-sensitive customers away from established rivals.
However, experts also warn that sustaining a zero-fee model may be financially risky, given the thin margins and high logistics costs that continue to challenge the quick commerce industry.
For now, Zepto’s move has shifted the momentum in the pricing battle, making it the most affordable option among India’s leading 10-minute delivery platforms.
The company has yet to issue an official comment on the long-term financial implications of its strategy.
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