With the onset of Covid-induced lockdowns globally, moms to millennials were heavily dependent on online grocery delivery portals. Though things have (almost) gone back to normal, we haven’t really parted ways with these convenient (read: lazy) options. E-commerce was upgraded to quick commerce when portals like Zepto and Blinkit promised instant delivery within 10 minutes. Yes, TEN.
Just like you, at times, we are in urgent need of ingredients in our Test Kitchen during reviews and rely on these apps for quick deliveries. Safe to say, these have proven to be nothing but a boon for us. To test which is the better portal, we collated delivery data over 8 weeks at our HQ. This data includes delivery time, customer service, quality of the product, and much more.
The next step was to take it to other locations. Let’s find out who fared better in our Zepto vs Blinkit review which is a collective experience of 100 + orders placed over several weeks.
Table of Contents
Zepto vs Blinkit Delivery Services: Quick Comparison
| Parameters | Zepto | Blinkit |
| Delivery Speed | 8 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Overall Quality | Decent | Poor quality packaging |
| Areas Serviced | Nine cities, limited pincodes | 18 cities |
| Customer Service | Fairly good | Smooth, cooperative |
| Order Tracking | Real-time tracking | Real-time tracking |
| Delivery Charges | Rs 35/- for orders under Rs 99/- | Free or Rs 9/-
Rs 30/- during peak hours |
| Delivery Slot | Instant | Instant |
| Delivery Partner Safety | Assured | Not assured |
Our Review Process
Zepto Delivery Services Review
Zepto has attracted top-profile executives like Amazon, Uber, Pharmeasy, Flipkart, and Dream 11.
Our experience (Gurgaon Sector 50) – The delivery person had covered her face and head. The pack of dal and lady’s fingers were wrapped and sent in a paper bag. The mangoes were safely placed in a carton. All items were handed over in a large paper bag.
Quality- The pack of dal was in good shape. The lady’s fingers and mangoes looked good too. The freshness was noticeable. Moreover, the mangoes had no spots or wrinkles.
Delivery time – Our order was at the doorstep within the estimated time. (8 minutes)
Our Experience (Gurgaon Sector 26) – Similar to location 1, the delivery guy had a mask on. The packaging was almost identical. The only difference was that the lady’s fingers were in a plastic pouch, not paper.
Quality- The mangoes and pack of dal were decent. The lady’s fingers did not look fresh.
We contacted the customer service executive to find out whether or not we could receive a resolution regarding this. After asking us to share images of the poor-quality product, the executive offered two options. Instant refund in the form of a coupon or a refund in the bank account which would be reflected in 3-5 days. We went with the first option.
Delivery Time- It was delivered within the time frame, in 11 minutes.
Pros
- The app can be used in low-data mode/without data (offline).
- Zepto provides prompt status updates on orders.
- They deliver from 7 am to 1 am.
- From kitchen essentials to personal care items, you would find almost everything needed.
- Delivery persons adhered to the mask mandate.
- Delivery time is under 12 minutes.
- The orders were packed decently.
- Products were economically priced.
- Smooth customer service!
- They provide certain products at commendable discounts.
Cons
- You can only place orders via the app.
- Zepto delivers to significantly fewer areas.
- The quality of products wasn’t consistent.
- The minimum order value must be Rs 99 or more to avail free delivery.
Blinkit Delivery Services Review
This instant delivery service was founded in December 2013 by Albinder Dhindsa and Saurabh Kumar.
The same items were ordered via Blinkit too. The following is more on our experience.
Our Experience (Gurgaon Sector 50)- The delivery boy had no mask on. Moreover, our items were packed inconsistently. The pack of dal had no additional packaging. The mangoes were sent in a recyclable plastic bag. The lady’s fingers were in a brown envelope.
Quality- We got no complaints in regards to the pack of dal. In terms of the fresh produce, it wasn’t the freshest.
The lady’s fingers did not have the crispness that fresh okra does. Moreover, the mangoes had spots that signified they were overripe. That said, we informed the customer service of the unsatisfactory quality of the veggies and they provided a refund the same day. We appreciate how convenient this was.
PS- the refund was reflected in our Blinkit wallet, as we paid in cash.
Delivery Time- The app said our order would reach us in 15 minutes and it did.
Our Experience (Mumbai)- Since wearing a mask is not a compulsion, we excused the fact that the delivery boy did not have one on.
Each item was wrapped in individual brown wrappers. While the lady’s fingers had a single layer of packaging, the mangoes and dal were first packed in plastic bags and then in the brown envelopes that read ‘Blinkit’ on the front and ‘Grofers’ on the back. This was handed to us individually without a larger bag.
Quality- The mangoes we received via Blinkit in Mumbai were TOO soft to touch. We contacted customer care asking for a replacement. This replacement was delivered in fifteen minutes.
Delivery Time- The initial order was at our doorstep in 28 minutes.
Our Experience (Gurgaon Sector 26)- With his face masked, the delivery boy handed over the items in a large, see-through, ready-to-be-recycled plastic bag. Additionally, the mangoes were covered in a separate recyclable bag and the lady’s fingers in a paper envelope.
Quality- All items looked fresh and ripe (ready to use), we got no complaints here!
Delivery Time- The order arrived quicker than anticipated, in 7 minutes.
Pros
- Orders can be placed from the app and website.
- The user interface is relatively easier to operate.
- Blinkit delivers from 6 am to 11 pm.
- The product options offered are vast.
- Goods are delivered within the specified time.
- Instant, real-time updates can be accessed.
- Full marks on customer service, very convenient.
- No minimum order value!
- Usually there are no-minimum delivery charges (Rs 0-9/-)
Cons
- The delivery time may exceed 10 minutes.
- The fresh produce may be stale.
- During high demand time slots, Blinkit applies a surge charge of up to Rs 30/-.
Zepto vs Blinkit Delivery Services: In-Depth Comparison
1. Delivery Time
Question of the decade – which delivers faster?
Before it was Blinkit, Grofers already had a widespread delivery network. And as we know, Zepto delivers to significantly fewer locations. In the areas where our reviewers are located, Zepto was not delivering. For a fair result, we took an average of 10 of our most recent orders at the Mishry HQ from both portals to check which is the quickest. This revealed…
This revealed, Zepto takes 11.08 minutes, whereas Blinkit takes 9.6 minutes on average.
Zepto- The average delivery time that Zepto takes is 11.08 minutes.
Blinkit- Blinkit takes 9.6 minutes on average.
Winner: Blinkit
2. Product Quality
Raw or ripe? Fresh, close to expiry, or stale?
Zepto- The lady’s fingers we received at one of the two locations were rotten.
Blinkit- While the mangoes received in Mumbai were overripe, the lady’s fingers delivered in Gurgaon via Blinkit were not fresh.
Winner: Tie
3. Areas Covered
Following is a comparison of where the portals currently offer deliveries.
Zepto- Zepto currently delivers to nine cities. But the areas and pin codes are limited.
Blinkit- Blinkit clearly covers larger areas as it offers its services in over 18 cities.
Blinkit covers a larger market area as it was founded almost a decade ago, in 2013. So it has the advantage of a pre-established delivery network.
Winner: Blinkit
4. Customer Service
We contacted the customer service executive due to unsatisfactory product quality. Both asked for images and resolved the issues almost instantly.
Zepto- Zepto does not offer the option to replace. You can get a refund which will either be credited back to the source or offered as a coupon.
Blinkit- With Blinkit, you can either ask for a replacement (which will be delivered the same day) or a refund (credited the same day)
Winner: Blinkit
5. Tracking Capability
Curious to know when your order will be delivered?
Zepto- Once the order is placed, you can get updates on how long it would take to arrive. The platform offers live tracking.
Blinkit- From order accepted to packing, and notifying once the delivery person has left, Blinkit lists all details.
Winner: Tie
6. Discount and Offers
Lower than the MRP? 50% off? First order?
Zepto- Zepto offers Rs 50/- off the first time you place an order with them. Additionally, for almost 60% of the products the prices are slashed by 5-10%.
Blinkit- Blinkit almost always offers products at prices lower than the MRP. The minimum discount starts at Rs 2 and goes as high as 60%.
Winner: Tie
7. Convenience
Services
Can these quick commerce portals be relied on for everyday household items?
Zepto- Right from kitchen staples to personal care and other everyday items can be ordered via Zepto.
Blinkit- Blinkit offers an array of products ranging from personal care to food and beverages.
Winner: Tie
Payment
Would opting for a certain payment mode result in a higher bill value?
Zepto- Zepto is compatible with most online payment portals, e-wallets, net banking, and pay later options. You also have the option of paying on delivery without any extra charges.
Blinkit- While the UPI options may or may not be available, e-wallets, meal cards, card payments, and payment on delivery can be used. If COD is opted for, you will have to pay via PayTM (Mumbai). For our Delhi and Gurgaon orders, we were able to pay in cash.
Winner: Tie
Ease of use
Zepto- Though the product categories and presentation are quite similar to the contender, Zepto’s application is not as convenient.
Blinkit- Orders on Blinkit can be placed via their app as well as the website. This is super smooth, quick, and very convenient.
Winner: Blinkit
8. Safety
This is one overlooked aspect when it comes to getting goods delivered, the safety of delivery partners, incentives, insurance, etc.
Zepto- At the time of making the payment, Zepto shows how they take the responsibility of their delivery partners. The partners are instructed to ride at a speed of 15 kmph. Further, there are no deductions or incentives in case orders are delivered later or on time, respectively. Finally, only the customer is shown a countdown of when their order would arrive.
Blinkit- Blinkit has no such policy.
Winner: Zepto
Though we cannot really corroborate this claim, we think this is a commendable initiative on Zepto’s part.
9. Dark Store Model
Dark store models are the essence of these quick commerce portals. Dark stores, also known as micro fulfillment centers are usually located in areas with high demand. Typically, these are retail stores that have been converted to fulfillment centers.
Zepto- Zepto was the first Indian grocery delivery portal that incorporated the dark store model delivery system.
Blinkit- Blinkit has partner stores located within two kilometers of their customers which enables delivery partners to pick up orders in under 2.5 minutes.
Winner: Tie
Zepto vs Blinkit Delivery Services – Verdict
Final Words
Had a different experience with Blinkit or Zepto? Share with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zepto and Blinkit both prioritize quick delivery of groceries to their customers. Zepto claims to deliver groceries within 10 minutes, focusing on super-fast delivery to meet urgent needs. Blinkit, on the other hand, initially started with a 10-minute delivery promise but has since adjusted its delivery times based on location and demand, generally aiming for a delivery window of around 10-20 minutes.
Zepto maintains the freshness of its products by sourcing from local suppliers and managing a network of micro-warehouses strategically located to minimize delivery times. Blinkit, similarly, ensures product quality through partnerships with local farms and suppliers, using a robust logistics network to keep transit times short and products fresh.
Zepto’s app is designed for simplicity and speed, with an intuitive interface that allows users to quickly select and order products. It emphasizes ease of use and efficiency, with features like quick reordering of frequently purchased items. Blinkit’s app offers a slightly broader range of features, including personalized recommendations, detailed product descriptions, and various payment options, aiming to enhance the overall shopping experience.
Zepto offers customer support through various channels, including in-app chat, email, and phone support, ensuring timely resolution of issues such as order discrepancies or delivery delays. Blinkit also provides robust customer support, with a dedicated team available via in-app chat, email, and phone, aiming to resolve any concerns promptly and effectively.
Zepto often offers competitive pricing on its products, with frequent promotions and discounts to attract and retain customers. They also provide membership programs with additional benefits and savings. Blinkit follows a similar strategy, regularly updating its discounts and offers, and sometimes providing exclusive deals for first-time users or during special occasions, ensuring customers find value in their purchases.
Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.
