Food Delivery: Convenience or cost trap?

The rise of quick commerce delivery platforms has undeniably transformed how we access food. But are these services creating real value, or are they simply adding an extra layer of cost and environmental impact?

Let's consider the pricing. A simple dal khichdi online can cost Rs. 190-210, compared to Rs. 110 at the restaurant itself (and that's not including potential delivery fees!). This inflated price reflects the commission taken by the delivery platform, which restaurants are forced to factor in. This commission is meant to be a marketing expense for restaurants, attracting new customers through online orders. However, the reality is that the customer pays more, not less.

The problem doesn't stop there. Restaurants facing high commissions might eventually raise dine-in prices to maintain margins. Additionally, the environmental cost of disposable packaging, increased delivery traffic, and fuel consumption is significant.

So, do these platforms truly deserve their success?

Here's an alternative vision: what if these platforms empowered budding food entrepreneurs? Imagine if, instead of solely profiting from established restaurants, they fostered a space for home cooks and smaller businesses that lack the resources for a physical dining space. This could create a more diverse and exciting food scene while offering genuine value to both customers and smaller vendors.

The question remains: are quick commerce delivery platforms facilitators or simply cost-adders? It's time for a conversation about how they can evolve to create a more sustainable and equitable food delivery ecosystem.

#fooddelivery #quickcommerce #convenience #sustainability #entrepreneurship.