Rapido’s Ownly Expands Zero-Commission Food Delivery to Hyderabad

Rapido has introduced Ownly, a zero-commission food delivery platform, in Hyderabad following a pilot in Bengaluru. The service aims to reduce the price gap between offline and online meals by eliminating commissions for restaurants and leveraging Rapido’s logistics network.

Ownly Launches in Hyderabad with Zero-Commission Model

Rapido, a mobility and logistics platform, has expanded its zero-commission food delivery service, Ownly, to Hyderabad after a pilot in Bengaluru. The platform aims to address the price disparity between offline and online meals in India’s food delivery market.

According to Mint (Technology), a meal priced at ₹100 in a local restaurant can cost ₹250–300 when ordered online due to commissions, mark-ups, and delivery fees. Ownly’s model keeps menu prices at offline levels, charging delivery costs separately to reduce the final price for customers.

How Ownly Plans to Disrupt the Market

Ownly operates on a zero-commission basis for restaurants, a departure from the traditional food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. Aravind Sanka, co-founder of Rapido and Ownly, has stated that the goal is to bring more consumers into the online food delivery ecosystem rather than competing for existing users.

The platform leverages Rapido’s existing logistics network to manage delivery costs, a key factor in sustaining its zero-commission model. With over 25,000 restaurant partners and approximately 50,000 daily orders in Bengaluru, Ownly appears to be gaining traction.

Ownly’s expansion to Hyderabad marks the beginning of a broader rollout. Rapido plans to scale the service to all major metropolitan cities in India starting October, with the aim of making food delivery more accessible and affordable.

Challenges and Opportunities

The success of Ownly’s model hinges on its ability to maintain affordability while scaling rapidly. Reports suggest that the high cost of online meals—driven by commissions, mark-ups, and fees—has limited the market’s growth potential. Aravind Sanka has reportedly highlighted that India’s online food delivery market could reach 100 million users within three years if pricing barriers are addressed.

However, sustaining a zero-commission model without compromising service quality or profitability will be a critical challenge. Ownly’s reliance on Rapido’s logistics network may provide a competitive edge, but it remains to be seen whether this advantage can be maintained as the platform scales.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Ownly’s zero-commission model is a direct challenge to India’s dominant food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy. By eliminating commissions, Rapido is betting that restaurants will pass on the savings to customers, making online meals as affordable as eating out. This could attract price-sensitive users who’ve been hesitant to order online due to markups. However, sustaining a zero-commission model long-term will depend on Rapido’s ability to scale its logistics efficiently and monetize without alienating restaurants or customers. If successful, it could force incumbents to rethink their pricing strategies.

Key takeaways

• Ownly is a zero-commission food delivery platform launched by Rapido, currently operating in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
• The platform aims to reduce the price gap between offline and online meals by maintaining restaurant menu prices.
• Rapido’s existing logistics network is being used to control delivery costs, enabling the zero-commission model.
• Ownly has partnered with over 25,000 restaurants and handles around 50,000 daily orders in Bengaluru.
• Expansion to all major Indian metropolitan cities is planned for October, targeting a broader consumer base.

FAQ

What is Ownly?

Ownly is a zero-commission food delivery platform launched by Rapido. It aims to make online meals more affordable by keeping restaurant menu prices at offline levels and charging delivery separately.

How does Ownly differ from Zomato and Swiggy?

Ownly charges zero commission to restaurants, while Zomato and Swiggy typically charge commissions, which can increase the final price of meals for customers.

Where is Ownly currently available?

Ownly is currently available in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to all major Indian metropolitan cities by October.

How does Ownly sustain a zero-commission model?

Ownly leverages Rapido’s existing logistics network to control delivery costs, which helps sustain its zero-commission model for restaurants.

What is the goal of Ownly’s expansion?

Ownly aims to bring more consumers into the online food delivery market by making meals more affordable, rather than competing for existing users of platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.

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