IP law expert Safir Anand accused Zomato of “false advertising” after a ‘Buy One Get One’ promo allegedly delivered just one item and was explained as “buy two, get one free” in fine print. The episode triggered social media backlash; Zomato’s food delivery CEO acknowledged issues and promised system fixes.
Allegation and platform response
IP lawyer and Zomato shareholder Safir Anand posted that a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer resulted in receiving a single item, with a platform representative citing terms meaning “buy two, get one free” and pointing to fine print. Anand called it “complete mis‑selling” and “false advertising,” urging buyers to beware.
Zomato faced online outrage over the discrepancy, with users calling the promotion a bait‑and‑switch. In subsequent updates reported by media, Zomato’s food delivery CEO Aditya Mangla acknowledged the problem and said system changes would ensure the second item is auto‑added so customers receive the full offer as advertised.
Key highlights
Core complaint:
BOGO mismatch—customers expected two items but reportedly received one, with terms interpreted as “buy two, get one free,” contradicting the headline claim.
Public reaction:
Social media pushback accused Zomato of stunts and misleading promos, intensifying scrutiny of platform marketing practices.
Company reply:
Operational fixes promised—leadership indicated product changes to automatically honor BOGO expectations and prevent offer confusion.
Legal lens:
False advertising concerns raised by an IP expert may intersect with consumer protection norms and ad self‑regulation codes, increasing compliance pressure on digital platforms.
Trust and transparency:
Offer clarity and auto‑fulfillment become key to rebuilding user confidence, reducing reliance on fine print or manual add‑ons.
Why it matters for consumers and brands
For consumers, headline offers must match delivered benefits—any gap erodes trust and invites complaints. For platforms, tightening promo design, clear copy, and automated fulfillment reduces friction and legal exposure, while aligning marketing claims with user experience to protect brand equity and customer loyalty in competitive food delivery markets.
Sources: NDTV Profit, ET Now News, ScanX News