The pricing disparity of the meal order on Zomato infuriated a number of social media users. A post by Nalini Unagar, who said she was “blatantly overcharged” when the platform demanded ₹655 for an item of ₹320, set off the outcry.
Zomato pricing row sparks outrage on social media
“Dear @zomato, the real price of my order is ₹320, yet on Zomato it is ₹655,” she said in a post on X. I still have to pay ₹550 even after applying discounts. This pricing disparity is really unbelievable. There is a clear overcharging of customers.
In response to the allegation, Zomato, a meal delivery service, defended itself.
Zomato responds to pricing allegations
“Hi Nalini, the pricing on our platform are purely established by our restaurant partners, since Zomato works just as a mediator between clients and restaurants,” said Zomato Care. Nevertheless, we will definitely share your comments with the restaurant partner and ask them to investigate. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions. Zomato said, “We are here to assist.
Social media users reacted angrily to the ad, citing the platform’s purported ban against “displaying a restaurant in thumbnail.”
Users accuse platform of hidden charges
A person commented on X, saying, “You fraud, if we restaurant start exposing our sales board and the charges you cut from showing restaurant in thumbnail, then people will stop using such app and will ride their bike and go to restaurant directly.”
💰 Zomato Pricing Transparency Debate
- Issue: Large gap between in-store and app prices
- User Claim: ₹320 order shown as ₹655
- Platform Stand: Prices set by restaurant partners
- Public Reaction: Accusations of overcharging
- Core Concern: Lack of pricing transparency
What is the commission that Zomato charges eateries?
Numerous additional users on X insisted that Zomato reveal the percentage it charges eateries for each order.
Transparency is much more important if pricing are determined “solely by restaurant partners.” One user asked, “What percentage of commission + ad fees + payment costs does Zomato collect every order?”
“Because restaurants do not increase prices for fun—they do it to overcome platform economics,” it said.
Commission and platform economics questioned
When incentives are uneven, calling oneself a “intermediary” does not absolve oneself of responsibility. “This occurs because you take a cut of 35% on the price therefore eateries are obligated to include that amount in their pricing,” one user said.
Another user said, “The arithmetic is easy. The more a restaurant charges, the larger amount Zomato gets as a percentage. Zomato may even push eateries to overcharge to enhance their earnings.”
⚠️ Impact on Customers & Delivery Partners
- Customers: Forced to pay significantly higher prices
- Affordability: Delivery becomes last option for sick users
- Delivery Partners: Incentive payment delays reported
- Trust Issue: Repeated complaints across social media
- Key Debate: Fair pricing vs platform profits
After sharing their experience, one user criticized Zomato for their response to Nalini Unagar’s article.
“What a ridiculous response, @zomatocare. For instance, I recently bought a lunch since I did not have enough money and I had a fever, so the only way to acquire food was to have it delivered. Pitty, the remark said, “The thing was supposed to cost 350, however it is really just 140.”
“Apple pie cost 110 in store, but on Zomato it is 148 and over and above that other sorts of costs. This is the business strategy everything you get from them is 50% more than what is available in the restaurant and extra expenses,” another user said.
Delivery partner also raises payment issue
One delivery partner voiced a criticism in between the dozens of remarks.
“I am a delivery partner and I did not get my incentive pay of 500rs for the period from December 23rd to January 1st,” the individual wrote to Zomato. I have sent your support staff many tickets about this, but I have not heard anything. I am providing my Zomato ID, or FE ID. Please verify… (sic)
Zomato also addressed the grievance. “Hey, we can assist you! It said, “Our team will investigate this for you and provide you with an update.”
Frequently asked questions
1. Why did Zomato display a ₹320 meal order as ₹655?
Zomato menu prices are often higher than in-store costs, which is why there was a price discrepancy. In order to pay for platform commissions, advertisements, delivery, and operating expenses, restaurants may raise their rates.
2. Does Zomato set the food prices shown on its app?
No, Zomato claims that restaurant partners alone determine menu pricing, with the site serving just as a middleman.
3. What is the commission that Zomato charges eateries?
Although Zomato does not publicly provide precise numbers, industry estimates indicate that commissions, excluding advertising and payment gateway costs, may vary from 20% to 35% per purchase.
4. Why do eateries impose higher fees on meal delivery apps?
In order to cover exorbitant commissions, advertising fees, packing expenses, and taxes levied by food delivery services, restaurants often raise their pricing.
5. Are Zomato consumers experiencing this price problem for the first time?
No, this is a long-standing problem in the food delivery ecosystem, since many consumers have previously noticed comparable pricing differences between in-store menus and app prices.
Conclusion
The uproar around Zomato’s pricing has rekindled the discussion about meal delivery businesses’ transparency. Users contend that excessive commissions and platform fees indirectly drive price inflation, burdening consumers, despite Zomato’s insistence that eateries set their own prices. The controversy draws attention to the rising need for more transparent information about commissions, fees, and pricing schemes in order to guarantee equity for patrons, eateries, and delivery partners.
Disclaimer
User claims and public social media postings served as the basis for this report. Different restaurants, locations, and times may have different prices, commissions, and experiences. The data provided does not represent financial, legal, or business advice.
