How to reduce Zomato and Swiggy commission
Updated October 20, 2026
You can't usually negotiate Zomato or Swiggy commission down to zero, but you can cut what they cost you: understand the real rate (commission plus 18% GST), fix your menu economics, reduce discount dependence, and — the biggest lever — move your repeat customers to a 0%-commission direct ordering channel. Here's the honest breakdown and a worked example.
Menuthere is not affiliated with Zomato or Swiggy. Commission figures are from public reporting; your contracted rate is set with each platform.
In short
- Know the true cost: commission (widely reported 15%–30%) + 18% GST on the commission, plus ads and promos you opt into.
- Negotiate what you can (rate, ad spend, discount funding) — but platforms rarely move far on base rate.
- Fix menu economics: price in the commission, promote high-margin items, bundle.
- The real win: take 0% commission on repeat orders by running your own direct ordering page and moving loyal customers there.
stop paying commission on regulars.
First, know what the apps actually cost you
The headline commission is only part of it.
| Layer | What it is | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Base commission | % of order value Zomato/Swiggy keep | No published rate; reported 15%–30% (Business Standard, July 2026) |
| GST on commission | 18% GST on the commission (it's a service) | 18% on top of the commission |
| Ads / promotions | Paid visibility and funded discounts you opt into | Variable; often the hidden budget-killer |
| Payment/platform fees | Gateway and platform charges | Variable |
On the 5% restaurant GST scheme you can't claim input credit on that 18% GST, so it is a pure cost. Model your own orders on our Zomato and Swiggy commission pages.
A worked example
Take a ₹400 order at a 25% commission:
- Commission: ₹400 × 25% = ₹100
- GST on commission: ₹100 × 18% = ₹18
- Marketplace cost on that order: ₹118 — before any ads or funded discounts.
If 60 of your 100 daily orders are from regulars who'd happily order direct, moving them off the marketplace saves roughly 60 × ₹118 = ₹7,080 a day on commission alone — about ₹2.1 lakh a month. That's the lever that dwarfs any negotiation.
The tactics, ranked by impact
| Tactic | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Move repeat customers to a 0%-commission direct link | Highest | Regulars don't need discovery; they just need your link. See move repeat customers direct. |
| Cut funded discounts and ad spend | High | These often cost more than base commission. Measure ROI per campaign. |
| Price menu to absorb commission | Medium | Many restaurants keep marketplace prices a little higher than direct. |
| Promote high-margin items | Medium | Push items where the commission hurts least; bundle to raise order value. |
| Negotiate your contract | Low–Medium | Ask about rate, ad spend and discount funding at renewal; platforms rarely drop base rate far. |
| Use Smart Links wisely | Low | Remember Smart Links still charge commission; use your own link for regulars. |
The biggest lever: a 0%-commission direct channel
Marketplaces are for discovery — finding new customers. They are a bad deal for repeat orders, because you pay full commission every time a regular reorders. The fix is to give regulars a direct way to order from you:
- A free online ordering page and QR code menu on your own link — Razorpay, Cashfree and UPI into your own account.
- WhatsApp ordering on your own number.
- 0% commission on every direct order.
Print your direct ordering QR on bills and bags, add the link to your Instagram bio and Google profile, and offer a small direct-only perk. The regulars shift; the commission goes with them.
FAQs
Can I negotiate Zomato or Swiggy commission down?
You can ask — especially at renewal and around ad spend and funded discounts — but neither platform publishes a rate and both rarely move far on base commission. The bigger savings come from reducing how many of your orders flow through them.
What is the real cost of Zomato/Swiggy per order?
Base commission (reported 15%–30%) plus 18% GST on that commission, plus any ads, funded discounts and payment/platform fees you've opted into. On the 5% GST scheme you can't claim credit on that 18%.
What is the single biggest way to reduce commission?
Move repeat customers to your own 0%-commission ordering channel. Regulars don't need marketplace discovery, so every repeat order you take direct saves the full commission plus GST.
Should I raise my prices on Zomato and Swiggy?
Many restaurants set marketplace menu prices a little higher than their direct prices to absorb commission, and keep their best prices for their direct ordering link. Check each platform's current pricing-parity rules before you do.
Do Swiggy Smart Links reduce commission?
No. Smart Links drive social traffic to your Swiggy menu, but the order completes on Swiggy, so commission still applies. Use your own direct link for the customers you want to keep at 0%.
Sources (2)
- Zomato/Swiggy commission range (15%–30%, Business Standard July 2026) — Menuthere live commission pages: https://menuthere.com/en/delivery-app-commission/zomato-india and https://menuthere.com/en/delivery-app-commission/swiggy-india (accessed 2026-10-21)
- 18% GST on marketplace commission and 5%-scheme input-credit treatment — Swipe: https://getswipe.in/blog/article/gst-reporting-zomato-swiggy-gstr3b-compliance (accessed 2026-10-21)