Today, you will explore the hidden side of quick commerce platforms, where dark patterns and unfair pricing are becoming growing concerns for consumers.
We have entered a technology-driven shopping era, where quick commerce or q-commerce platforms have restructured our shopping habits. With promises of 10-minute delivery and convenience at our fingertips, these platforms are swiftly growing in popularity.
As the market expands, so do the concerns surrounding the ethical practices of these platforms. From dark patterns to deceptive design tactics that manipulate users into making decisions, these issues are becoming a major point of debate.
Today, you will learn briefly about the growing concerns in the quick-commerce space.
To begin with, let’s understand…
What Are Dark Patterns?
Dark patterns are design strategies used by websites and apps that trick or manipulate users into making decisions they wouldn’t normally make. They often prioritize business interests over consumer autonomy. In the context of quick commerce, dark patterns can manifest in various ways.
The Key Types of Dark Patterns Include:
False Urgency: Creating a false sense of urgency to push consumers into making hasty purchases.
Hidden Charges: Sneaking extra charges into the checkout process without transparency.
Basket Sneaking: Adding items to the cart without the user’s consent.
Confirmation Shaming: Guilt-tripping users into making a decision they might not want to make.
Subscription Traps: Making it hard to cancel subscriptions or unwanted services.
The Hidden Side of Quick Commerce Platforms
As quick commerce apps boom, many consumers are raising concerns about hidden fees, price discrepancies, and deceptive marketing tactics.
Let’s take a closer look at some specific issues plaguing these platforms:
Hidden Packaging Charges: Consumers have noticed discrepancies in billing systems, where the final price doesn’t always match the sum of the items in the cart. For instance, users have reported hidden packaging charges that only appear on the GST invoice, not on the main checkout page.
Pass and Delivery Fees: Quick commerce platforms advertise free delivery for orders above certain rates, but users must manually tick a checkbox to avail of this benefit—something not made clear upfront.
Minimum Spend Requirements for Free Gifts: Several platforms also offer customers free gifts on certain orders. However, the catch is that users must meet a minimum spending requirement to claim these gifts, which is often not clearly stated.
Hidden Handling Fees: Another accusation from users is the addition of small, hidden charges at the checkout, subtly increasing the final bill.
Unsolicited Promotional Items: At times, promotional products are added to a user’s order without their consent, inflating the bill without prior notice.
Default Tipping: The tipping option for delivery partners is set to “on” by default in future orders, which could lead to unintentional tips from users.
The Android vs. iPhone Pricing Debate
A particularly troubling issue reported by users is the pricing discrepancy between devices. Many have noticed that the same product, such as fruits and vegetables, can be listed at vastly different prices depending on whether the user is on an Android device or an iPhone.
This practice, known as algorithmic pricing, has raised alarms. While dynamic pricing based on factors like location or demand isn’t new, price differences based solely on device type seem unfair and discriminatory.
The Legal Perspective on Dark Patterns
In response to growing consumer outrage, the Indian government has introduced guidelines aimed at regulating dark patterns in digital commerce. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, specifically prohibit deceptive practices.
Some key provisions include:
Drip Pricing: Platforms reveal hidden costs only at the checkout stage.
Interface Interference: Highlighting certain information while deliberately obscuring others to mislead users.
Bait-and-Switch Tactics: Where customers are promised one thing but end up with something entirely different.
These deceptive tactics are now considered unfair trade practices, and companies engaging in them face legal consequences, including fines.
How Quick Commerce Platforms Are Responding?
Despite the rise of dark patterns, quick commerce platforms continue to expand. In fact, they are projected to generate nearly $2 billion in revenue by the end of FY25. However, this success is built, in part, on strategies that raise ethical concerns.
The pressure to expand quickly while maintaining profitability has led many platforms to implement questionable pricing models. As competition intensifies, these companies must find a balance between aggressive growth tactics and consumer trust.
Key potential solutions for quick commerce platforms include:
Better Transparency: Providing clear breakdowns of charges, especially hidden ones like packaging fees.
Fair Pricing: Ensuring that the same product is offered at the same price to all users, regardless of device or geographic location.
Improved Customer Support: Addressing issues like inaccessible “free cash” or the inability to redeem rewards.
What Can You Do as a Consumer?
As consumers, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Here are some steps to protect yourself when shopping on quick commerce platforms:
Be Wary of Urgency: If an app is creating a false sense of urgency, take a moment to reconsider your purchase. Don’t be rushed into making decisions.
Report Discrepancies: If you notice any unfair pricing or deceptive tactics, report them to the platform or the Consumer Protection Authority.
Always Check the Final Bill: Review your cart and checkout details before making a purchase. Look out for hidden charges and ensure the total matches the sum of your items.
Track Discounts and Free Offers: Ensure that any free offers or discounts are clearly applied and check if any conditions apply.
Ending Thoughts!
While the convenience and speed of quick commerce apps are undeniable, the dark patterns lurking within these platforms cannot be ignored.
By making informed choices and holding platforms accountable, we can ensure that the rapid growth of quick commerce doesn’t come at the cost of consumer rights. It’s time to create a more transparent, ethical, and user-friendly digital shopping experience.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
