Instamart goes Zepto way, scraps handling, surge fees

DAYS AFTER QUICK commerce major Zepto did away with handling and surge charges, Swiggy’s Instamart is doing much the same.

- ANEES HUSSAIN

It is waiving delivery, handling and surge fees for orders valued above ~299, compared with Zepto’s threshold of %99. Instamart’s offer, however, is for a limited duration under the Mega Savings Festival running until November 7.

While Swiggy One subscribers continue to enjoy free delivery starting at orders of %199,non-subscribers are also eligible for zero-fee delivery at order values above %299. Handling and surge charges have been suspended for all users above the ~299 threshold. The company has also waived the convenience fee previously charged on cigarette and tobacco products above this threshold.

The changes at Instamart appearto bea direct and urgent response to Zepto’s aggressive pricing restructure, experts said. Zepto’s ‘All New Zepto Experience’ initiative spared customers of all handling and surge fees across all orders, irrespective of the cart value. Zepto’s threshold for free delivery, which has always been %99, continues to be in effect.