Zomato, a well-known online food delivery and restaurant discovery platform, connects users with a variety of dining options. Recently, a Zomato customer highlighted the price differences between Zomato’s online food delivery charges and direct restaurant orders on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter).
The customer provided a detailed comparison, revealing the extra charges imposed by Zomato for the same meal, which sparked a significant online debate.
Customer Highlights Price Discrepancy between Zomato and Actual Restaurant
A Zomato customer recently exposed a notable price discrepancy between ordering food via the app and directly from Murugan Idli Shop in Chennai. According to the user’s post, six pieces of Idli cost Rs 198 on Zomato, while the restaurant charged only Rs 132. Similarly, 2 Ghee Podi Idlis were Rs 132 on Zomato, but just Rs 88 at the restaurant. The Chettinad Masala Dosa was Rs 260 on Zomato compared to Rs 132 at the restaurant, and the Mysore Masala Dosa was Rs 260 on the app but only Rs 181 directly from the restaurant.
Including tax, the total cost on Zomato amounted to Rs 987, whereas ordering directly from the restaurant totaled just Rs 803, revealing a price difference of Rs 184 for the same food items when ordered offline.
My uncle ordered food from Murugan idly shop . See the Price difference between @zomato and actual . pic.twitter.com/R83rVHKJhZ
— Kannan (@Kannan__TS) July 16, 2024
Zomato Responds
As the post gained traction online, Zomato responded with a statement: “We can understand your concern and would like to get this checked.” This prompt reply suggests that the company is taking the issue seriously.
Hi Kannan, we can understand your concern and would like to get this checked. Could you please DM us your order ID or registered contact details? https://t.co/jcTFuGT2Se
— Zomato Care (@zomatocare) July 16, 2024
Netizens React
The user’s complaint has garnered over 200,000 views on X, leading to diverse reactions. Some users expressed frustration over the additional charges, highlighting the significant markup for convenience, while others defended the platform, noting that the extra costs cover services like delivery and commissions.
In the name of convenience they take almost 25% extra from us….and also take anywhere from 30% to 50% from the restaurant….wah….gajab dhandha hai….super loot macha rakhi hai convenience provide karne ka sirf platform hone ke naam par….if we stop ordering maybe then they…
— Yogesh Goel (Review Wala) (@ygoel) July 17, 2024
The whole point of using an app to order food is that you get to eat your favorite junk food at home. These are basically operational charges. Can’t say they are more or less, but these charges are always going to be different than the original restaurant charges.
— Amrit (@AmritHallan) July 17, 2024
I do not think it’s too much of a difference for the Convenience. Incase the restaurant has free delivery you can order from them
— Punita Toraskar (@impuni) July 17, 2024
Swiggy / Zomato not an NGO , they need minimum 20% profit .
— Sarvan Pillai 🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@sarvanhindustan) July 16, 2024
The mixed response showcases the divided opinions on the fairness and necessity of such price differences in online food delivery services. What are your thoughts? Are the service charges justified, or should they be reduced? Share your opinions in the comments below.