Concerns have been raised about the commission structure of a major food delivery platform, Foodpanda, as home-based chefs report that a significant portion of their earnings is being deducted from each order.
According to reports, some home cooks may be charged up to 30 percent commission on every sale, depending on their agreement with the platform and additional service charges. This means that for every Rs100 earned through a food order, nearly Rs30 could be deducted in fees.
Small-scale food entrepreneurs say this reduction has a direct impact on their income. Many home-based chefs, who rely on online food platforms to sell their meals, believe the deductions are becoming harder to manage, especially as inflation continues to rise and competition in the food delivery market increases.
These sellers argue that the high commission structure leaves them with lower profit margins, making it difficult to sustain their businesses. They say that after paying for ingredients, packaging, and platform fees, their actual earnings are often very limited.
Home cooks have expressed concern that such charges may discourage new entrepreneurs from entering the online food business.
They believe that while food delivery platforms provide visibility and access to customers, the cost of using these services should be more balanced and fair.
The issue has also sparked a wider discussion about how digital marketplaces support small sellers. Many believe that better pricing models or reduced commission rates could help home-based businesses grow and remain profitable.
At the same time, some sellers are calling for greater transparency in fee structures so that they can clearly understand how much is being deducted from each order.
The debate highlights the challenges faced by small food businesses in a rapidly expanding online delivery industry, where balancing convenience, profit, and fair charges remains a key concern.