Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Apologizes for Veg-Mode Fee

In a recent turn of events, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal issued an apology for imposing a Rs 2 fee for enabling the veg-mode feature on their platform. Acknowledging the mistake, Goyal stated, "This is absolutely stupid on our part. I am super sorry for this. This charge will be removed today itself." The decision came after widespread criticism on social media, highlighting the importance of customer sensitivity in the digital age.

Public Reaction and CEO's Response

The controversy began when Rohit Ranjan, assistant vice president of e-commerce at Route To Market, criticized the fee on LinkedIn, calling it a "luxury tax" on vegetarians. Goyal's prompt response and the immediate removal of the fee demonstrate the power of public feedback in shaping corporate policies. This incident serves as a reminder for companies to carefully consider the implications of their pricing strategies on customer perception and loyalty.

Looking Forward

Despite the removal of the veg-mode fee, Zomato continues to charge a platform fee of Rs 10, along with applicable taxes and restaurant charges. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the transparency and fairness of online food delivery platforms. As the industry evolves, it will be crucial for companies like Zomato to balance profitability with customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.