JD.com Launches Commission-Free Meal Delivery Service

JD.com, one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, has announced its entry into the meal delivery sector.

The company is inviting catering businesses to join its new platform, JD Takeaway. As part of the initiative, businesses that register by May 1 will receive commission-free service until the end of 2025.

A statement from JD.com introduced JD Takeaway as a competitor to market leaders such as Meituan and Alibaba’s Ele.me. JD.com plans to leverage its extensive logistics network, known for delivering same-day or next-day service in many regions across China, to support the meal delivery service. This move into the food delivery sector comes amid increasing competition from e-commerce giants like Alibaba Group, PDD Holdings, and Douyin.

JD.com Challenges Competitors with Commission-Free Offer

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has encouraged restaurants to join its new meal delivery service by offering a one-year commission-free period. This effectively challenges the dominant players in the highly competitive market, Meituan and Ele.me.

Restaurants that sign up for JD Takeaway by May 1 will be exempt from commission fees for one year on meal orders. Last month, JD.com added instant delivery features, including takeaway services, to its mobile app just before the Chinese New Year holiday.

Meituan and Ele.me charge restaurants and other businesses a commission fee. Meituan, which holds a larger market share, saw its stock drop 4.1% to USD 19.92 in Hong Kong today. Ele.me, owned by Alibaba Group, is not listed.

JD Takeaway Promises Faster Delivery Times

On the other hand, JD Takeaway promises a delivery time of 49 minutes for listed restaurants, while both Meituan and Ele.me show a 25-minute delivery window. JD Takeaway also offers a more limited menu, with restaurants serving only two meal options, compared to the broader selection and newer dishes available on Meituan and Ele.me.

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