After the controversial allegations against ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber, the quick-commerce sector now finds itself in the hot seat for similar price discrepancies based on the device a customer uses. Earlier today, X user Shark (@fintech_shark) posted a tweet that has since sparked outrage online, revealing a glaring price difference on the Zepto app between Android and iPhone users for the same product, under identical conditions. According to the tweet, capsicum on Zepto was priced at Rs 21 for Android users, while iPhone users were charged Rs 107 for the same item.
This revelation has reignited concerns regarding price discrimination based on mobile platforms. The tweet quickly went viral, with social media users questioning the fairness of such pricing practices. One user even sarcastically remarked, “What are Zepto engineers smoking?” highlighting the absurdity of the stark price difference for the same product in the same location. This incident comes on the back of previous complaints regarding similar price inconsistencies on Zepto, where products like curry leaves, coriander, and even packaged sunflower oil were priced differently depending on whether the customer was using an iPhone or an Android device. A Bengaluru resident, Pooja Chhabda, had also uncovered this trend earlier, finding that the price of items like grapes and capsicum varied significantly between Android and iPhone users, with iPhone users often paying much higher prices.
Why is the price different for Android and iPhone?
While some speculate that these pricing practices are linked to the 30% commission charged by Apple on in-app purchases, others believe it’s a tactic used by businesses to capitalise on the perceived higher disposable income of iPhone users. However, many users have expressed their frustration, with some even contemplating switching from iPhone to Android due to these unfair price hikes.
The Uber-Ola scandal
In a related development, the Department of Consumer Affairs has launched an investigation into Ola and Uber for similar practices, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi denouncing the device-based pricing as a potentially unfair trade practice. The government has issued notices to both companies, urging them to clarify their pricing models. As the Zepto controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the quick-commerce platform will address the issue or face greater scrutiny from regulatory authorities.