A Zepto invoice recently shared on Reddit India has left the internet both amused and confused, as it shows a customer being charged “GST on Rain Fee”. The bill, which includes standard charges like item cost and handling, also lists ₹4.33 as GST specifically on a rain-related surcharge. The image quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
The Viral Reddit Post and Public Reaction
The original post appeared on the r/india subreddit, where users questioned the legality and logic behind such a fee2. While some pointed out that GST applies to service fees (in this case, a “rain fee” for deliveries during bad weather), others were baffled by the optics of being taxed for rain itself. Comments ranged from tongue-in-cheek suggestions about future “sunlight fees” to genuine concerns about fairness and transparency.
As one user put it, “It’s not about 4 rupees, it’s about what’s fair and what’s not”. The discussion highlighted a broader frustration with the increasing complexity and creativity of platform surcharges.
Other Controversial Billing Practices
This isn’t the first time Zepto’s billing has drawn scrutiny. Multiple Reddit threads have highlighted confusing calculations, exaggerated savings claims, and hidden charges tucked away in the “item total & GST” section.
For instance, users have pointed out incidents where the same product was priced differently for Android and iPhone users, with one example showing 500g of grapes costing ₹65 on Android and ₹146 on an iPhone. Sarcastic remarks about potential “oxygen fees” or “CEO’s foreign trip fees” have become common, reflecting the growing skepticism around such opaque pricing tactics.
Conclusion
The “GST on Rain Fee” episode has become a symbol of consumer frustration with quick-commerce billing practices. While companies argue these surcharges are necessary for operational costs, the lack of transparency and the creative labeling of fees continue to erode trust. As social media debates rage on, it’s clear that customers are demanding clearer, fairer billing-and a little less “grocery math” in their daily lives.
