This is a rant post
I have decided to not buy or order anything from online websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Blinkit etc. These services are not meant for convenience anymore, these websites have started charging convenience charges if you order something from them. I can let the convenience charges pass, but charging extra money for Cash On Delivery option is not good and, these charges changes according to the order's cost. One more ridiculous charge is the handling fee; they're charging Rs 100-200 as a handling fee and when the package arrives, the packaging isn't even that great.
Yesterday, I purchased a soundbar from Flipkart. It came without the Flipkart carton box, they charged all kinds of fees at the time of order checkout like a "super secure" fee, handling fee, breathing fee but still the package came without any carton box. So if they're not going to pack my package properly, than why are they charging these ridiculous fees?
I tested the soundbar, and it was little underpowered for my usecase, so I decided to return it. All the return options were related to faulty product, meaning you can only return the product if there is a fault and even then, they will schedule a call with you to solve the "problem". You can't even return your order without going through interrogation. All these sites boast about their 7days easy replacement/return policy but reality is very different. I ended up not returning it because I don't want to go through this hell of a system.
Now, let's talk about Zomato. They charge double and sometimes triple the price of dish. They also have ridiculous "platform fee" and the GST charges makes your regular order 3-4x more expensive if you go to the restaurant directly. For example, the restaurant where I eat momos sell 1 plate (10 pcs) for Rs 70, but if I order from Zomato I have to pay Rs 190-200. It's almost 3x expensive than, if you eat in the restaurant.
So, I have decided that I will buy the things from local market only. These companies will not be getting my money anymore. I may use Amazon for ordering books, as I don't have a good bookstore near me. But Flipkart and Zomato are dead to me.