11 Realities: A Blinkit vs Zepto Comparison

5. Pricing and discounting reality

Promotional messaging can mask actual costs. Industry snapshots suggest Blinkit’s discount rate sits around 11% with an average order value of about ₹614, while Zepto often advertises free delivery above thresholds like ₹99, which undercuts some competitors. Those headline figures don’t capture the full checkout: handling fees, surge pricing, or minimum-order mechanics can alter the final price. In some cases, coupon-driven discounts don’t beat a neighbourhood kirana’s total price after factoring in delivery or platform fees. The competitive dynamic has pushed platforms to shift how they subsidise orders and structure loyalty programs. For shoppers, the practical approach is to check the final checkout price and factor in recurring costs—like monthly subscription programs that waive fees—before deciding if an app is genuinely cheaper for your shopping habits. Analysts also note rising costs on quick commerce platforms, which puts pressure on discounting strategies and may change how aggressively platforms subsidise orders.