Zomato Launches Food Rescue Feature
Zomato Launches ‘Food Rescue’ to Save Cancelled Orders
In a bid to reduce food wastage and enhance customer satisfaction, online food delivery platform Zomato launched its Food Rescue feature on Sunday. This new initiative is designed to save more than 4 lakh orders that are cancelled on the platform each month for various reasons. The innovative feature allows nearby customers to claim cancelled orders at a discounted price and receive them in their original, untampered packaging within minutes.
How the Food Rescue Feature Works
Zomato’s Food Rescue feature operates by displaying cancelled orders to customers within a 3-kilometer radius of the delivery partner carrying the order. CEO Deepinder Goyal explained that when an order is cancelled, it will appear on the app for potential new customers who can then choose to claim it at an unbeatable price. The original customer and those in their immediate vicinity will not have the option to reclaim the cancelled order, ensuring fairness and preventing confusion.
To maintain food quality and freshness, the option to claim a cancelled order will only be available for a short time after cancellation. Zomato’s Food Rescue feature promises speedy deliveries, making it an attractive option for customers looking for a quick and affordable meal.
Revenue Sharing Model
A unique aspect of the Zomato Food Rescue feature is its revenue-sharing model. Goyal emphasized that Zomato will not retain any of the proceeds, except for applicable government taxes. The payment made by the new customer will be distributed between the original customer (if they made an online payment) and the restaurant partner. This ensures that both the original customer and the restaurant do not suffer losses due to cancellations.
“The amount paid by the new customer will be shared with the original customer, and with the restaurant partner,” said Goyal in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Exclusions and Limitations
Certain orders will not be eligible for the Zomato Food Rescue feature, particularly those that are sensitive to distance or temperature changes. This includes items such as ice creams, shakes, smoothies, and other perishable products. The feature is primarily aimed at non-perishable food items that can maintain quality during a quick redirection.
Restaurant Partner Involvement
The response from restaurant partners has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Zomato, 99.9% of its restaurant partners have shown interest in participating in the Food Rescue initiative. These partners will receive compensation not only for the original cancelled order but also a portion of the amount paid by the new customer when the order is claimed.
Goyal assured that most restaurant partners have opted in for the Zomato Food Rescue feature and can easily opt out through their control panels at any time.
Compensation for Delivery Partners
Delivery partners play an essential role in the successful implementation of the Zomato Food Rescue feature. Goyal noted that delivery partners will be fully compensated for the entire trip, from the initial pickup to the final delivery at the new customer’s location. This ensures that delivery partners do not face any financial losses due to redirected orders and remain motivated to participate in the initiative.
A Step Toward Reducing Food Waste
The introduction of the Zomato Food Rescue feature marks an important step toward minimizing food waste in the food delivery industry. By allowing cancelled orders to be claimed by nearby customers, Zomato aims to prevent perfectly good meals from going to waste. This innovative feature not only benefits customers looking for affordable meals but also supports restaurants and delivery partners.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Zomato Food Rescue feature, the company showcases its commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. The initiative creates a win-win scenario where cancelled orders are redirected to willing buyers, original customers are reimbursed, restaurants continue to profit, and delivery partners receive full compensation for their efforts. This bold move positions Zomato’s Food Rescue feature as a game-changer in the food delivery landscape.
Disclaimer: This content provides information about Zomato’s new ‘Food Rescue’ feature and its benefits. It is for informational purposes and should not be considered an endorsement or promotional content.