The Zomato delivery agent claims that delivery platforms place the entire responsibility on delivery partners to comply with customer demands (Image source: @odarjunvlog_/Instagram)
A Zomato delivery agent in Bengaluru recently documented walking several hundred metres to deliver an order, sparking a widespread debate over the treatment of gig workers.
Arjun Sethi, the delivery agent, explains that he was forced to park his bike about 500-600 metres away because guards did not allow him to enter a residential area with his vehicle, leaving him with no choice but to walk the distance.
In the viral video, Sethi says he had to walk quite a distance to deliver the food, when the customer could have easily stepped out to receive it.
As the video continues, Sethi expresses disappointment that the customer did not even offer him water after the long walk. “I had to walk 500–600 metres for a single order,” he says, adding that even while recording the video, he still had “200–300 metres” left to walk.
He further claims that delivery platforms place the entire responsibility on delivery partners to comply with customer demands. “The company says to go and do whatever the customer asks. If they ask to deliver it to the room, do that too,” Sethi says in the video. He goes on to share his frustration over the customer’s lack of empathy.
He also discourages others from joining delivery platforms, emphasising the physical toll and disrespect often faced by gig workers. Sharing the video, Sethi wrote, “Please, respect delivery boy.”
The video quickly gained traction, sparking a debate. Several users slammed Sethi for being unprofessional, as delivery platforms charge a handling fee and other miscellaneous fees with every order.
“Bro not supporting anyone but that is your job… doorstep delivery is your job…we always pay handling charge and other miscellaneous charges just to get the thing to our doorstep, that is your job to do…if we get down and get the delivery then why do companies charge us for handling and other charges… accept the reality and stop complaining and spreading hate,” a user wrote.
“I think your problem is genuine. Customers statement is genuine. So you should send this video to your manager and tell your manager to escalate it to Zomato. Zomato charges literally 100% more on an order for home delivery,” another user commented.
“Ok I agree it’s his job but there is something called humanity where’s that ?? Atleast they can use kind words for someone,” a third user reacted.