Consumer Preferences for Quick Commerce

The headline highlights the competition among quick commerce apps during the Diwali season. A recent survey indicates that consumers prioritise value for money, product quality, and minimal extra charges over speed of delivery. According to LocalCircles, 71 per cent of users favour platforms that provide the best prices, while 65 per cent emphasise the importance of product quality. Additionally, 43 per cent of respondents prefer platforms that impose little to no additional fees.

As the festive season approaches, shoppers are increasingly relying on these apps for last-minute purchases, including sweets, gifts, and decorations. This shift reflects a growing trend where consumers are not solely focused on delivery speed but also on the overall shopping experience.

Amazon Now Leads in Last-Minute Shopping

Amazon Now has emerged as the leading choice for last-minute festive shopping, with 22 per cent of survey participants selecting it as their preferred platform. Blinkit follows closely with 19 per cent, while Zepto and BigBasket secure 14 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. Other platforms such as Swiggy Instamart and Flipkart Minutes garnered 9 per cent and 8 per cent of preferences, while JioMart Quick received 4 per cent. An additional 12 per cent of respondents remained undecided.

Despite Amazon Now’s popularity for festive shopping, Blinkit remains the most frequently used app for everyday purchases, with 31 per cent of users opting for it, compared to 25 per cent for Amazon Now. This indicates that consumer choices may vary based on specific needs, particularly during the festive season.

Concerns Over Extra Charges

The survey reveals that additional fees are a significant concern for quick commerce users, often overshadowing delivery speed. Sixty per cent of respondents reported that delivery, handling, and other charges frequently inflate the final bill beyond expectations. Among these, 42 per cent indicated that this occurs very often, while 18 per cent noted it happens often.

This concern for unexpected costs may explain why 43 per cent of users prefer platforms that offer low or no additional charges. Given that many consumers place relatively small orders, even modest fees can substantially impact the total cost.

Most users typically spend between Rs 200 and Rs 999 per order, with 69 per cent falling within this range. Specifically, 20 per cent spend Rs 200–399, 27 per cent spend Rs 400–599, and 22 per cent spend Rs 600–999. Only 16 per cent of users tend to spend Rs 1,000 or more, indicating that these platforms are primarily used for smaller purchases rather than large shopping baskets.

Ratings for Quick Commerce Platforms

In a separate consumer ratings assessment of seven platforms, Amazon Now and Zepto achieved the highest overall score of 27.5 out of 35. BigBasket followed closely with a score of 26, while Blinkit and Flipkart Minutes each received 23.5. Swiggy Instamart garnered a score of 22, and JioMart Quick scored 19.5. Blinkit was rated highest for speed, while Amazon Now and Zepto excelled in transparency regarding charges.

The study, which collected over 204,000 responses from quick commerce users across 130 districts, highlights a clear shift in consumer priorities as the festive season progresses. Shoppers are increasingly seeking quality products at fair prices, without unexpected fees at checkout. For quick commerce platforms, success in securing festive orders may hinge on building trust and transparency alongside delivery efficiency.

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