Rapido Launches ‘Ownly’ A Zero-Commission Food Delivery App Promising Affordable Meals

Rapido, the popular bike taxi operator, has entered the food delivery segment with the launch of its brand-new platform, 'Ownly'. The app has vowed to revolutionize the way food delivery operates in India by providing cost-effective meals and a transparent pricing mechanism that favors customers and restaurants alike. In contrast to current giants like Swiggy and Zomato, Ownly will function on a zero-commission system, so restaurants won't lose a significant portion of their revenue in percentage-based commissions. Rather, they will have to pay a flat delivery charge, so they can maintain improved profit margins and also their menu prices affordable.

Affordability for customers is one of the strongest selling points of Ownly. The platform vows to list a minimum of four meals for ₹150 or less, targeting students, working professionals, and financially aware foodies. Rapido states that the food on Ownly will cost customers approximately 15% lesser than usual prices on Swiggy or Zomato, adding yet another reason to switch. This difference in price, combined with the zero-commission model, might enable the app to find a distinct place in India's highly competitive food delivery space.

Transparency is another front where Ownly is seeking to gain customer confidence. Rather than fluctuating or concealed delivery charges, the company has a straightforward flat-fee model. For orders over ₹100, the customers will have to pay a delivery fee of ₹25. Smaller orders, up to a 4-kilometre distance, will incur only ₹20 as delivery charges. This transparency means that customers are well aware of what they will be paying before actually ordering, and thus get to avoid the nasty shocks that are more typical of other food delivery platforms.

Ownly is currently being launched in chosen areas of Bengaluru. Byrasandra, Tavarekere, Madiwala (BTM Layout), and Hosur Sarjapura Road (HSR Layout) are the pilot launch areas. A targeted launch plan enables Rapido to pilot and tune its service before launching in other neighborhoods and cities. People in these areas can download the Ownly app and begin trying the affordable food options immediately.

Ownly's launch represents Rapido's foray into a competitive but rapidly expanding industry. By solving two of the largest pain points within the industry high restaurant commissions and artificially high prices for consumers Ownly is working to build a more equitable ecosystem for all parties involved. If the site is able to fulfill its commitments of value, openness, and high standards of service, it will be the go-to destination for customers and restaurants alike very soon. Until then, Bengaluru dwellers can revel in the joy of a new way of ordering their most loved meals without sacrificing too much from their budgets.