In a move aimed at enhancing the convenience of cash payments for home deliveries, Zomato has introduced a new feature that addresses the common issue of needing exact change. Announced by Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal on August 7, 2024, this feature allows customers to pay their delivery charges in cash and have any excess amount credited instantly to their Zomato Money account.
Previously, finding exact change for cash-on-delivery (COD) orders often posed a problem. Delivery agents might not always have sufficient change, forcing customers to either return home to find the difference or switch to online payment methods. Zomato’s new solution aims to eliminate these hassles by enabling customers to receive the remaining balance as Zomato Money, which can be used for future orders or dining experiences.
For cash on delivery orders, finding exact change can sometimes be inconvenient. Starting today, our customers can pay delivery partners in cash, and ask for the balance amount to be added instantly to their Zomato Money account. This balance can be used towards future delivery… pic.twitter.com/X7HcGQZird
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) August 7, 2024
Goyal’s announcement on social media highlighted that this feature was inspired by a similar service offered by online grocer BigBasket. “Thank you @bigbasket_com for the inspiration for this solution, and our delivery partners (three of whom are working as product managers with us) for their push to implement this feature,” Goyal wrote.
The update includes a visual guide showing how the system works. For instance, if a customer pays ₹600 for an order totaling ₹530, the ₹70 balance will be credited to their Zomato Money account.
Reactions to the new feature on social media have been largely positive. Users have praised Zomato for adopting and adapting ideas from competitors and for improving the COD experience in India. One user commented, “So simple and nice feature. Learning from others and acknowledging publicly is commendable.” Another added, “Building convenience for COD in India is a significant step forward.”
Zomato’s initiative reflects its commitment to enhancing user experience and addressing common pain points associated with cash payments. As the feature rolls out, it is expected to streamline the payment process and offer greater flexibility for customers.
