This Zomato loophole may help you avoid platform fee, commission
What's the story
A viral post on X has raised concerns over a possible loophole in Zomato's delivery system. The post claims that customers can bypass platform fees and restaurant commissions by combining app-based ordering with direct payments. The workaround, shared by user Prem Soni, involves placing a small order through Zomato while simultaneously ordering more food directly from the restaurant via phone or WhatsApp.
Mechanism
How does the hack work?
Soni's post explained how a customer could order one roti worth ₹40 on Zomato, while directly ordering six rotis, paneer butter masala, malai chaap, dal makhani and gulab jamun from the restaurant. The customer would pay for this larger order via UPI and ask the restaurant to pack it with their Zomato order. This way, most of the transaction happens off-platform, avoiding commissions and taxes on both ends.
Impact
'If this spreads, the unit economics of food delivery bleed'
Soni argued that this practice turns Zomato into a subsidized logistics service, where it pays delivery costs but earns only a fraction of the expected commission. Restaurants keep full margins on the off-platform part of the order, avoiding the typical 25-30% aggregator cut. Customers also benefit from lower prices without any surge or platform fees. "If this spreads, the unit economics of food delivery don't just dip—they bleed out from the inside," Soni warned.
Response
Users suggest ways to plug loophole
Soni's post garnered over a million views, sparking a debate on X about the scalability of this loophole and whether Zomato is already aware of it. Some users suggested measures like invoice verification against app orders or photo-based delivery confirmations. Others highlighted that restaurants could be suspended or removed from the platform if such practices are reported. "The key here is the integrity of the delivery person and the restaurant's willingness to take the risk," one user wrote.