Southwala Shorts
- Ordering food online looks simple.
- You select dishes, check the menu price, and expect the same to reflect in your final bill.
- But when the payment page opens, the amount is often much higher.
- This difference comes from hidden charges that many customers ignore or do not understand.
Ordering food online looks simple. You select dishes, check the menu price, and expect the same to reflect in your final bill. But when the payment page opens, the amount is often much higher. This difference comes from hidden charges that many customers ignore or do not understand.
Delivery Fee and Packaging Cost
Almost every app adds a delivery fee. In some cases, the delivery fee is higher than the cost of one dish. On top of that, a packaging charge is added, which is not shown on the menu card.
Example: If a biryani costs ₹200, the final bill may include ₹40 for delivery and ₹20 for packaging. Your actual cost is now ₹260 instead of ₹200.
Restaurant Price vs Online Price
One common surprise is the difference between a restaurant’s in-house menu price and the same item listed on food delivery apps. Restaurants often mark up prices slightly on apps to adjust for commissions paid to the platform.
Example: A dosa may cost ₹90 if you eat at the restaurant, but the same dish is ₹110 on an app. This difference is before adding delivery or packaging charges.
Platform Fee or Convenience Charge
Most food apps have now started adding a “platform fee” or “convenience charge.” This is a fixed amount added for every order, regardless of size. Customers rarely notice this small amount, but for the company, it adds up to millions in revenue.
Example: Even if you order a ₹100 dosa, a platform fee of ₹5 to ₹10 is charged. This is separate from taxes and delivery costs.
Offers and Discounts on Apps
There is another side to this story. While menu prices can be higher, apps sometimes run heavy discounts. In many cases, food can be available at almost half the restaurant price because of promotions, cashback, or partner offers.
Example: A burger costing ₹200 at a restaurant may show up as ₹100 on the app after discounts. This attracts customers but also makes pricing confusing.
Taxes on Top of Hidden Charges
GST is applied not just on food but also on delivery and packaging. This means you are paying tax on extra costs as well.
Example: If your order value is ₹200 and delivery plus packaging is ₹60, GST is applied on ₹260, not only on ₹200.
Surge Pricing During Peak Hours
During late-night orders, festivals, or rainy days, delivery fees are often higher. Customers end up paying extra without being told clearly that this is due to “surge pricing.”
Impact on Customers
While each charge may look small, together they can raise the bill by 30 to 40 percent. A meal that looked affordable on the menu becomes much costlier by the time you pay. This lack of transparency often leads to mistrust among users.
Smarter Choices for Consumers
- Check the full bill breakdown before paying
- Compare costs across apps
- Look for discounts and wallet offers to reduce charges
- If possible, order directly from the restaurant when they provide delivery
FAQs
- Are hidden charges legal on food apps?
Yes, most charges are legal but they must be shown clearly. The problem is that they are often displayed in small print. - Is GST applied on delivery charges?
Yes, GST is applied on the total bill including delivery and packaging. - Can customers refuse to pay packaging charges?
No, once the app includes packaging in the bill, you have to pay. But you can give feedback to the app or restaurant. - Why do apps add platform fees separately?
It is a way to increase revenue. Even a ₹5 fee per order creates huge income when millions of orders are placed daily. - Do all restaurants add the same charges?
No, charges vary by restaurant and app. Some may charge higher delivery or packaging, while others may keep it low to attract customers.
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