Zomato 10-minute food delivery: What is the catch?
What is the first thing you do after ordering food online? Yes, we all desperately open the app a million times to check the status of the order. Even 30 minutes feels like hours after placing an order. But now, Zomato is planning to reduce this time to just 10 minutes, making our lives simpler. The food delivery app has announced 10-minute food delivery system for its customers.
REALLY? IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?
Let’s break it down for you.
In a blog post yesterday, Zomato explained that it will set up finishing stations; initially 4 stations in Gurugram, next month. Under the project Zomato Instant, these stations will be located in close proximity to high-demand customers.
With 1.35 billion customers across the country, Zomato can easily calculate customers’ preferences. With the help of this in-house data, Zomato will keep 20-30 bestseller dishes from different restaurants.
Not just time, Zomato Instant will also focus on the price of the food items. In the blog, the brand has mentioned that there will be at least a 50% reduction in cost to the end customer.
Zomato has also clarified that this new initiative will not affect delivery partners. The new model is supposed to fulfill 10-minute delivery without any pressure on delivery partners or any penalties for late deliverables.
Zomato is likely to use in-house robotics to execute this plan.
THE CRITICISM
The CEO of Zomato, Deepinder Goyal took to Twitter to make this big announcement. Unexpectedly, this received massive criticism across social media.
Some called this new venture “unnecessary.” Many focussed on the pressure and life risk the delivery guy is likely to face.
In order to fulfill deliveries on time, food delivery apps have been risking deliverly agents' lives for long. Here's an indepth report by India Today that brings you the complete picture of the dangers and dilemmas of food delivery agents.
Some also questioned the quality of the food.
NOW, THIS CALLS FOR SOME CLARIFICATION
This morning, the Zomato CEO clarified how this is going to work.
Goyal again clarified that this system will not put delivery agents’ lives at risk. He wrote, “Again, 10-minute delivery is as safe for our delivery partners as 30-minute delivery.”
The Zomato CEO further clarified the following points:
1. The 10-minute delivery system will be available for nearby locations only.
2. The system will cover only a few food items. Yes, you won’t get everything in under 10 minutes. Food items that are popular and that can be dispatched within 2 minutes will only be on the list.
He also listed a few in replies and comments. Some of these are: Maggi, bread omelette, poha, coffee, chai, biryani, momos and more.
3. Delivery agents will not be informed about the time promised.
4. There will be no penalties for late deliveries and similarly, no perks for on-time deliveries.
5. Zomato will cut the time spent on the road by setting up finishing stations nearby.
6. Delivery partners will receive safety training and accidental and life insurance.
Here are some differences between 10-minute and 30-minute delivery systems:
This is not the first time that Zomato is using this quick delivery system. Zomato-backed Grofers, which is now Blinkit, delivers essentials in 10 minutes. In terms of groceries, Zomato is not the first one to do so. Many other apps promise to deliver essentials within 10-15 minutes.
Zepto: Zepto also offers a similar format. The Mumbai-based grocery delivery app promises to deliver essentials in 10 minutes. The app was developed in 2020. Zepto is available in Delhi, Chennai, Gurrgram, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Noida. It will soon deliver essentials in Kolkata.
Swiggy Instamart: Zomato’s biggest competition Swiggy also promises to deliver groceries within 15 to 30 minutes.
BigBasket Now: With too many apps offering instant deliveries, BigBasket also joined the league in 2021. BB Now offers delivery within 10-20 minutes.