LocalCircles Study: Quick-Commerce Fees Can Quietly Stretch Festive Budgets

A box of sweets, a diya set, or a few last-minute gifts may seem like a small order. But when an app adds delivery, handling, or small-cart charges, the amount due can exceed what a shopper had in mind.

A LocalCircles study found that six in 10 quick-commerce users said delivery, handling, small-cart or other fees often push their final bill above expectations. Forty-two per cent said this happens very often, and 18 per cent said it happens often. Another 12 per cent said sometimes. Only 26 per cent said the charges rarely or never increase the expected amount.

For households placing several orders before Diwali, these additions can accumulate. A fee that looks modest on one order may matter more when the basket is small or when shoppers place separate orders for sweets, puja items, décor and forgotten essentials.

The Final Bill Matters More Than A Quick Delivery

The survey suggests shoppers are weighing value more closely than speed. Asked what would influence their festive platform choice, 71 per cent named the best price or overall value. Product quality came next at 65 per cent, followed by availability at 46 per cent. Low or no additional charges mattered to 43 per cent; fast delivery was cited by 22 per cent.

The pattern was similar for everyday purchases. Three-quarters of respondents put product quality among their main considerations, and 72 per cent chose price. No hidden charges mattered to 41 per cent. A promise of delivery in minutes may not win an order if the checkout total differs from what the shopper expected.

Quick commerce remains largely a small-ticket habit: 69 per cent of respondents typically spend Rs 200 to Rs 999 per order. Just 16 per cent usually spend Rs 1000 or more. At these amounts, even a small cart or handling fee can make up a noticeable share of the total, particularly for orders below Rs 400.

Compare What You Will Pay, Not Just The Product Price

Charges vary by app and may depend on order value, time of day, demand, or weather. When comparing platforms, shoppers should check the checkout amount, including delivery, handling, platform and small-cart fees. A lower listing price may not mean a cheaper order.

It also helps to check whether an app requires a minimum basket for free delivery. Adding an item only to cross that threshold may cost more than paying the fee, especially if it was not on the shopping list. Shoppers can remove unwanted add-ons or memberships before payment and check whether a discount or cashback changes the final amount rather than relying on the offer shown beside a product.

The study collected more than 2,04,000 responses from quick-commerce users across 130 districts. In a separate ratings exercise, Amazon Now and Zepto shared the highest overall score, with strong ratings for value and transparency of charges. Blinkit scored highest on speed. These ratings reflect reported user experience and do not guarantee that a particular order will cost less on any app.

As festive orders rise, shoppers may be tempted to choose the fastest platform. But when several apps can deliver the same essentials, checking the complete bill before paying may do more to protect the festive budget.