Quick commerce startup Zepto has scrapped handling fees and surge charges across all orders, while also removing delivery fees for orders above ₹99, making it the most affordable option in India’s competitive 10-minute delivery market. The move comes as Zepto intensifies its battle with rivals Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing quick-commerce segment.
Under its new “All New Zepto Experience” initiative, customers will pay zero handling, rain, or surge fees on every order and enjoy free delivery for carts above ₹99. For smaller orders below ₹99, Zepto will charge only ₹30 as a delivery fee — without any extra small cart or convenience charges, even on cigarette or tobacco purchases. The ₹99 free delivery threshold is currently the lowest among all competitors.
A comparison of pricing structures shows Zepto’s aggressive strategy. For orders below ₹99, Zepto charges only ₹30 in total, while Blinkit levies around ₹54 and Instamart about ₹65 after accounting for delivery, handling, and small cart fees with GST.
For instance, an ₹84 item on Zepto costs customers ₹115.50 (including delivery and GST), while Blinkit charges ₹143 and Instamart ₹154 for a similar ₹89 item — highlighting Zepto’s significant cost advantage.
For orders above ₹99, Zepto waives all additional fees, meaning customers pay only for the items purchased. Blinkit still charges up to ₹34 until the order crosses ₹199, and Instamart maintains a ₹30 fee until ₹199, reducing it to ₹16 thereafter — waived only for Swiggy One members.
Industry experts see Zepto’s zero-fee policy as an aggressive bid to expand market share and strengthen customer loyalty during the ongoing price wars in the quick-commerce sector. However, analysts have cautioned that the sustainability of a zero-fee model remains to be seen, given the high operational costs and thin margins in this space.
