New Delhi: Quick-commerce platform Zepto has raised the minimum order value required for free delivery. The threshold has been increased to ₹299 for high-demand periods, while for normal periods, it has been raised by 33.55% to ₹199—bringing it in line with other companies.
Previously, the limit was ₹149. According to many customers, the minimum order value during high-demand periods was already ₹299.
Reports suggest this move aims to improve order-level economics as quick-commerce companies seek to balance delivery costs with customer demand.
This increased threshold could encourage customers to add more products to their baskets, potentially raising the average order value and improving contribution economics for smaller orders.
However, the hike may also test customers’ willingness to place low-value orders, particularly for convenience-driven purchases where they typically seek rapid delivery of just a few items.
Zepto’s new limit aligns it with the free-delivery thresholds of Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy’s Instamart, reflecting the intensifying competition in India’s quick-commerce market.
In March of this year, food delivery platform Zomato raised its platform fee by approximately 19%, or ₹2.40 per order. The pre-GST platform fee rose to ₹14.90 per order, up from the previous ₹12.50.
Similarly, following Zomato, Swiggy increased its platform fee by 17% to ₹17.58 per order, up from ₹14.99. According to in-app billing details, the new rates reflect an increase of about 17% (or ₹2.59) on the pre-GST amount. Online delivery platforms are constantly experimenting with delivery charges, order limits, and other pricing measures to improve margins while retaining customers.