Quick commerce has changed the way people shop for everyday essentials. Customers can now order groceries, snacks and household items and have them delivered within minutes. However, a survey conducted ahead of Diwali shows that fast delivery is not the only factor that matters to customers. They also pay attention to prices, product quality and additional charges.
According to a LocalCircles survey, nearly 69% of customers typically place orders worth Rs 200 to Rs 999, while only 16% spend Rs 1,000 or more. This suggests that quick commerce is still largely being used for everyday purchases.
Let us understand why these customer preferences matter for companies and investors.
What’s Happening?
The survey received more than 2.04 lakh responses from users across 130 districts. Its findings show that 71% of customers prefer platforms that offer better prices or good value for money. Meanwhile, 65% consider product quality important. In comparison, only 22% said fast delivery was their main priority.
Order values also offer insights into customers’ shopping habits. The survey found that 27% of users typically placed orders worth Rs 400-Rs 599, while 22% spent Rs 600-Rs 999. Only 7% of customers usually placed orders worth less than Rs 200.
These findings suggest that quick commerce is no longer just about getting products delivered quickly. Customers also expect reasonable prices, good product quality and a convenient shopping experience.
Pressure of Additional Charges and Price
On a quick commerce app, an item’s listed price may look attractive, but delivery, handling and small-order charges can push up the final bill. In the survey, 60% of users said such additional charges often make their bills higher than expected. Of these, 42% said this happens very often. Meanwhile, 43% of customers prefer platforms that charge low or no additional fees.
This matters because customers can compare prices across different apps. If an item appears cheaper on one platform but the final bill turns out to be higher, they may choose another platform instead. In such cases, transparent pricing can help companies retain customer trust.
During Diwali shopping, product availability, offers and reliable delivery also play an important role. Therefore, companies cannot rely on discounts alone. They need to ensure that customers get the right products at fair prices and enjoy a smooth shopping experience.
Competition Among Blinkit, Amazon Now and Zepto
The survey found that Blinkit remained the most-used platform for everyday shopping, with 31% of users choosing it. Amazon Now ranked second at 25%. However, the preference changed for last-minute festive shopping. Amazon Now led with 22% of users preferring it, followed by Blinkit at 19% and Zepto at 14%.
In the overall user ratings, Amazon Now and Zepto jointly secured the top position with 27.5 points out of 35. Blinkit received the highest rating for delivery speed, while BigBasket performed well in terms of product range and exclusive products. This suggests that customers choose platforms based on what matters most to them at the time of purchase.
The sector is also seeing strong business expansion. In July–September 2026, Blinkit’s net order value rose 79% YoY to Rs 20,940 crore. During the same period, Swiggy Instamart’s gross order value increased 31% to Rs 9,230 crore. However, rising sales alone do not guarantee profitability.
What Does This Mean for Investors?
The growth in orders and business activity points to rising demand for quick commerce. However, investors should look beyond sales growth. It is equally important to understand how much companies spend on deliveries, store operations and customer acquisition, and whether these investments are translating into better returns.
One important takeaway from the survey is that customers are conscious of both price and quality. If companies continue to offer heavy discounts to retain customers, or if additional charges lead to dissatisfaction, it could put pressure on their businesses over time. On the other hand, a wider product range, transparent pricing and reliable service can encourage repeat purchases.
Therefore, investors should track not just companies’ sales but also their costs, customer experience and ability to sustain growth. A sharp rise in orders may look encouraging, but understanding a company’s financial position is just as important when making investment decisions.
What’s Next?
The next phase of quick commerce growth in India may extend beyond large cities. Growing access to the internet and digital payment services in tier-2 and tier-3 cities could bring more customers into this market. According to an estimate cited in an IBEF report, India’s quick commerce market could grow from nearly Rs 65,645.40 crore in FY25 to approximately Rs 3.1 lakh crore by 2030.
The survey suggests that customers currently value price and product quality more than delivery speed. Companies will therefore need to manage the costs of dark stores, delivery operations and technology while keeping their services competitive. In the long run, platforms that balance fast delivery, fair pricing and sustainable operations are likely to be better placed.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. The companies mentioned are cited as examples within the context of market developments. Investors are advised to conduct their own due diligence and consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.
