Why Your Bill Keeps Getting Bigger
It’s not just your imagination; the cost of ordering food online is steadily climbing. The primary reason is the layered fee structure. Beyond the price of the food itself, your bill is a combination of Goods and Services Tax (GST), delivery fees, packaging
charges, and a relatively new addition: the platform fee. This fixed charge, introduced by platforms like Zomato and Swiggy in 2023 at a nominal ₹2, has seen significant hikes. As of March 2026, both major platforms have increased this fee, which now amounts to around ₹17.58 per order, inclusive of taxes, after a series of steady increases. These fees are the platforms' strategy to improve profitability as market growth moderates after the pandemic-era boom.
The Restaurant's Side of the Story
While customers feel the pinch, restaurant owners are caught in a difficult position. For every order you place, delivery platforms charge the restaurant a commission that can range from 15% to as high as 30%. When you add GST, advertising costs, and charges for promotional discounts, the total deductions can be substantial. According to restaurant associations, on a ₹1,000 order, a restaurant might only receive between ₹450 and ₹500. This has led many restaurant owners to increase their menu prices on the apps just to break even, a cost that is ultimately passed on to the consumer. The tension has escalated to the point where restaurant associations in cities like Bengaluru have threatened to boycott major platforms, demanding more transparency and fairer terms.
The Anatomy of Your Delivery Bill
Let’s break down what you're actually paying for. First, there's the menu price, which is often higher on the app than in the restaurant. Then come the additions. The platform fee is a flat charge for using the service. The delivery charge covers the logistics of getting the food to you, though restaurants argue this fee is often much higher on apps than if they were to arrange it themselves. Packaging charges are also frequently added, even though the restaurant handles the packaging. All these components, plus GST, create a final bill that can sometimes be significantly higher than the cost of dining in or ordering directly. Some studies have found that customers pay an average premium of 11% when using delivery apps compared to ordering direct.
Is Ordering Direct the Cheaper Option?
In many cases, yes. When you order directly from a restaurant's website, over the phone, or via WhatsApp, you often bypass several of the charges levied by aggregator apps. Restaurants have more control over their pricing and are not forced to inflate menu items to cover hefty commissions. The trade-off, of course, is convenience. You lose the ability to easily compare different restaurants and cuisines in one place. However, for your favourite, frequently visited eateries, establishing a direct line could lead to significant savings over time. Some restaurants are actively encouraging this shift by tucking flyers into their delivery bags, offering discounts for direct orders. This hybrid model—using apps for discovery and ordering direct for loyalty—is becoming a popular strategy for both restaurants and savvy consumers.
How to Be a Smarter Customer
Navigating this complex landscape requires a bit of strategy. Before placing an order, take a moment to compare. Check if the restaurant has its own website or takes orders via phone. A quick search can reveal if the menu prices are lower for direct orders. For repeat orders from a place you love, it’s almost always more cost-effective to order direct. Pay attention to the breakdown of your bill on the app before you confirm payment; understand what portion is the food cost versus various fees. Finally, consider the value of your time. While ordering direct may save money, the convenience of an app might be worth the premium on a busy night. The key is to make an informed choice rather than tapping 'order' on autopilot.
