Grofers founder clarifies after being called out for 10-minute grocery deliveries

Team Udayavani, Aug 29, 2021, 1:51 PM IST

Albinder Dhindsa, the founder of Grofers, released a statement as a response to the “hate” that his company has been receiving for delivering groceries in 10 minutes.

Grofers has been accused by netizens of “exploiting” their workforce, who are expected to deliver orders within 10 minutes of being placed online.

Albinder Dhindsa, in his statement, said, “Hello India – I want to chime in about the hate we are getting for delivering groceries in 10 minutes,” and furthermore explained his point by issuing a clarification.

It read, “Some people think that we are pushing our riders to drive fast and break traffic rules to deliver groceries in 10 minutes, that we are an inhuman valuation seeking corporation which puts lives at risk to deliver groceries in 10 minutes,”

He elaborated, “I want to clarify how we deliver groceries in 10 minutes.”

“Our partner stores are located within 2 kilometers of our customers. We have 60+ stores in Delhi, and 30+ stores in Gurgaon already! Our stores are so densely located that we can deliver 90% of the orders within 15 minutes even if our riders drove under 10kmph! Our in-store planning and tech is now so good that we pack most orders under 2.5 minutes! Our riders are not (dis)incentivized to deliver orders fast. They do it at their own pace and rhythm. We’ve had zero reported rider accidents in the last two months since we launched 10 minute grocery delivery,” the statement said.

Lastly, he said, “Last but not the least, not all companies are built on the back of exploitation of the poor. There are companies which are built by creating large swathes of employment, and generating tremendous amounts of value for all stakeholders. We are and want to continue to be one of these companies.”

“Also, it breaks my heart that instead of celebrating innovations (and startup success) coming from India, some of us stay cynical envious of people who are trying to break the status quo. We need more people who dare, and less of those who pull them down.”

I want to chime in about the hate we are getting for delivering groceries in 10 minutes… pic.twitter.com/RNhFvd6ojV

— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) August 28, 2021

All the backlash started after a social media user exclaimed that his order from Grofers was delivered in 13 minutes. To which, Albinder Dhindsa said, “That’s 3 minutes too long. We will work harder in the future.”

That's 3 minutes too long. We will work harder in the future. https://t.co/NK5F88l2nQ

— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) August 26, 2021

Grofers delivered groceries within 13 minutes and the co-founder responds back that its' 3 minutes too long. For god's sake, these are groceries – not life-saving medicines. Please don't put unnecessary pressure on the delivery boys just for marketing gimmicks! pic.twitter.com/nouxtjdMos

— Sanket Dangi (@sanketdangi) August 26, 2021

That’s True. Grofers is adding Rs.20 for instant delivery. I don’t need it urgently but no option to opt out of instant delivery.

— Suny Sinha (@SinhaSuny) August 27, 2021

Actually this is what I told the delivery boy..It was non essential items..they delivered it flat 15 mins..as if he was waiting outside our colony gate with all the items…

— Nameeta Pathak Awasthee 🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@nameetapathak) August 27, 2021

Haha and here Swiggy normalised delivering an order in 7 hours without delivering anything at all with no response on twitter pic.twitter.com/LvFu3l4IC7

— Rishabh S. (@meetrishabhsood) August 27, 2021

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