Zepto’s new free-delivery rule: Rs 199 normally, Rs 299 at peak

Quick-commerce platform Zepto has increased the minimum order value required for free delivery, raising the threshold from Rs 149 to Rs 199 during normal hours and up to Rs 299 during periods of high demand.

The normal-hour threshold represents an increase of about 33.5 per cent from the earlier Rs 149 limit. During peak-demand periods, customers have reported seeing a minimum order value of Rs 299 for free delivery, effectively doubling the previous threshold.

The move comes as quick-commerce platforms increasingly focus on improving the economics of individual orders while managing delivery costs and maintaining customer demand.

A higher minimum order value could encourage customers to add more items to their carts, potentially lifting average order values and improving contribution margins, particularly on smaller orders.

At the same time, the change could test customer appetite for low-value purchases. Quick-commerce services have traditionally relied on convenience, with customers often using them for small baskets and a limited number of urgently needed items.

Zepto's revised free-delivery threshold brings its pricing structure closer to that of rivals such as Eternal-owned Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, underlining the intensifying competition in India's quick-commerce sector.

The latest move follows a broader trend of online delivery platforms adjusting fees and pricing structures as they seek to improve profitability.

In March, food delivery platform Zomato raised its platform fee by around 19 per cent, or Rs 2.40 per order. The fee increased to Rs 14.90 per order on a pre-GST basis from Rs 12.50 earlier.

Swiggy subsequently raised its platform fee by around 17 per cent to Rs 17.58 per order from Rs 14.99. The revised billing visible on the app indicated an increase of about Rs 2.59, including pre-GST calculations.