According to industry data, only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy, even though both platforms provide clear in-app tipping options. This means the vast majority of delivery workers rely almost entirely on base pay and incentives rather than customer tips.
The trend reflects how tipping culture in India differs sharply from markets like the US, where tips form a significant portion of delivery earnings.
Platforms at the Center of India’s Food Delivery Boom
India’s food delivery market is dominated by Zomato and Swiggy. Together, the two platforms handle millions of orders daily across major cities and smaller towns.
While both companies allow customers to tip delivery partners directly through the app, usage remains extremely low.
Why Users Rarely Tip Delivery Partners
There are several reasons why only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy.
Weak Tipping Culture
In India, tipping is traditionally linked to restaurants and hotels, not app-based deliveries. Many users do not see tipping as necessary.
Assumption of Platform Pay
Customers often believe delivery partners are already fairly paid by the platform, reducing the perceived need to tip.
Added Costs for Users
With delivery fees, surge charges, and taxes already included, many users hesitate to add extra costs.
Impact on Delivery Partners’ Earnings
The fact that only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy directly affects gig workers’ income. Tips can provide small but meaningful boosts, especially during peak hours, bad weather, or long-distance deliveries.
Delivery partners often depend on incentives and order volumes to increase earnings, making income unpredictable.
What Zomato and Swiggy Say About Tipping
Both platforms have stated that tipping is optional and goes fully to delivery partners. They emphasize that base pay and incentives are structured to ensure minimum earnings.
However, worker groups argue that tips could play a bigger role if platforms promoted them more actively or educated users about delivery challenges.
Comparison With Global Markets
Globally, food delivery platforms rely heavily on tipping to support worker earnings. The reality that only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy shows how India remains an outlier in this respect.
Experts say cultural change takes time and may increase gradually as awareness grows.
Rising Debate on Gig Worker Welfare
The low tipping rate has renewed discussions around gig economy protections. Labor advocates argue that platforms should not depend on tips at all and instead ensure higher base pay, insurance, and social security benefits.
The statistic that only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy strengthens calls for clearer regulations in the gig economy.
What Could Change Going Forward
Possible steps that could influence tipping behavior include:
- Better in-app prompts explaining tipping impact
- Public awareness campaigns
- Higher transparency around delivery partner earnings
However, long-term improvement may depend more on platform pay reforms than customer tipping habits.
Final Thoughts
The fact that only 3–5% users tip delivery partners on Zomato, Swiggy highlights a key challenge in India’s gig economy. While food delivery apps have transformed convenience for consumers, delivery workers continue to face income uncertainty. Whether tipping culture evolves or platforms redesign pay structures, the debate around fair compensation is only set to grow.
