A startling revelation by Bengaluru-based Instagram user Pooja Chhabda has brought attention to alleged pricing discrepancies on the popular quick-commerce platform, Zepto. According to Chhabda, prices for the same grocery items vary significantly depending on whether the platform is accessed via an iPhone or an Android device. Her findings have triggered widespread debate and raised critical questions about e-commerce practices.
Credits: PUNE PULSE
The Experiment That Exposed the Gap
Pooja Chhabda conducted a simple yet revealing experiment. She compared the prices of everyday grocery items on Zepto using an iPhone and an Android phone. To her shock, the price differences were not just minor but strikingly large.
Grapes (500 grams): Rs 65 on Android vs. Rs 146 on iPhone.
Capsicum: Rs 37 on Android vs. Rs 69 on iPhone.
Other staples: Items like cauliflower and onions exhibited similar disparities.
Chhabda documented her findings and shared them with her Instagram followers, urging others to investigate whether they were experiencing the same issue. “Why are you doing this @zeptonow?” she questioned in her post.
Online Reactions: Outrage and Theories
The internet was quick to react to Chhabda’s discovery, with users expressing shock, frustration, and even humor. Several theories emerged to explain the alleged pricing discrepancies:
Demographic Profiling: Some users speculated that e-commerce platforms might associate iPhone users with higher disposable incomes. This demographic profiling could lead to assumptions that these users are willing to pay a premium.
Apple’s App Store Fees: Another popular theory suggested that Apple’s higher developer fees might be indirectly passed on to iPhone users. “It’s not shocking, but a premium charged by Apple to the developer, which is indirectly paid by us,” one user noted.
Device Type Discrimination: Beyond the iPhone-Android divide, some commenters argued that the disparity could be part of a broader trend of charging higher prices based on the perceived value of the device being used. “It’s not an iPhone vs Android but cheap phones vs premium phones,” another user theorized.
Public Outrage: A Serious Concern
The pricing discrepancies have led to a mix of outrage and introspection. Many users have called out the practice as unethical, questioning the transparency of Zepto’s pricing algorithms.
“It’s a very serious issue, and if this continues, I will surely rethink continuing with iPhone,” one user commented, expressing frustration.
Others, however, chose to inject humor into the debate. “Status comes at a cost,” joked one commenter, while another quipped, “You wanted an iPhone, so you have to pay Apple’s price.”
Larger Implications for E-commerce
This controversy underscores a critical issue: how transparent are e-commerce platforms when it comes to pricing? If the allegations are true, Zepto’s practices may reflect a growing trend of dynamic pricing based on user demographics and perceived purchasing power.
Dynamic pricing isn’t new—it’s used by airlines, hotels, and ride-hailing apps. However, its application in grocery delivery, a daily necessity, raises ethical questions. Should consumers pay different prices for the same item based on their choice of device?
Zepto’s Silence Raises Eyebrows
As of now, Zepto has not issued a statement addressing the allegations. The company’s silence has only fueled speculation and frustration among its users. A clear and transparent explanation could go a long way in restoring trust.
Conclusion: What Consumers Can Do
Chhabda’s experiment has empowered consumers to scrutinize their own experiences on e-commerce platforms. If you’re using quick-commerce apps, it may be worth checking prices across different devices or accounts to ensure fairness.
The broader conversation around pricing algorithms and transparency in e-commerce is far from over. This incident serves as a wake-up call for both consumers and platforms to prioritize accountability and fairness in the digital age.
In the meantime, keep your eyes open and your devices ready—your choice of gadget might be costing you more than you think!
