How the calculator works
For every aggregator order you pay the commission on the order value, GST at 18% on that commission, and the extra fees and ads you fund. The calculator adds these up per order and multiplies by your monthly orders.
For the orders you move to direct ordering, it takes away that platform cost and adds what a direct order costs you instead: the payment gateway fee and your delivery cost. The difference is your saving.
What to put in "other fees"
Look at one month's payout statement and add up everything that isn't commission: payment collection fees, ad and promotion spend, discounts you fund, packaging recoveries, penalties and cancellations. Divide by the number of orders. Many owners find this adds 5 to 10% of order value on top of the commission.
Ways to move regulars to direct orders
- Put your own QR code on every parcel. A sticker on the bag that says "Order direct next time, get 10% off" reaches exactly the guests who already like your food.
- Use a QR menu at the table. Dine-in guests who scan to order learn your direct link without any extra effort.
- Reward direct orders. Loyalty points or a small discount on direct orders still costs you far less than the commission.
- Keep aggregators for discovery. They bring new guests. The aim is to stop paying commission on the same guest every week, not to leave the platforms.
QRkey gives every outlet its own online store and QR ordering with no commission, and puts Swiggy, Zomato and direct orders in the same queue. Read more in How to cut aggregator commission without losing orders.
Questions
Do I pay GST on the commission?
Yes. Aggregators charge GST at 18% on their commission and fees. If you are a regular GST-registered restaurant at 5%, you usually can't claim this back as input tax credit, so it is a real cost and the calculator counts it.
Who pays the 5% GST on the food in an aggregator order?
Since January 2022 the aggregator collects and pays the 5% GST on food ordered through it, so it isn't part of your commission cost. Check your payout statement and talk to your CA for your case.
Are the default rates the real Swiggy and Zomato rates?
No. They are examples so the calculator shows something useful straight away. Commission depends on your contract, city and the programmes you join, so type in the rates from your own agreement.
