How to Start a Quick Commerce Business in India

Written By: NexGenEcom Team
Category: Ecommerce
Updated Date: 6 Dec, 2025

In this digital-first world, names like Zepto and Blinkit have become so common that even kids recognize them. If you are planning to enter the booming world of quick commerce but don’t know where to begin, you’ve landed at the right place.

This complete guide explains:

What is quick commerce?
Why it is booming in India
Types of quick commerce business models
Step-by-step process to start a q-commerce business
Pro tips for success
Conclusion + FAQs

What is Quick Commerce?

Quick commerce (Q-commerce) is a modern form of e-commerce where daily essentials and other products are delivered within 10–30 minutes. Initially, q-commerce focused only on food items, but today it includes categories like groceries, snacks, personal care, medicines, and more.

This model operates using dark stores or micro-warehouses that enable fast delivery. Some platforms charge slightly higher fees due to the ultra-fast service. Popular quick commerce platforms include Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, and others.

Related: How to Sell on Blinkit – A Step-by-Step Guide

Why is Quick Commerce Trending in India?

Post the Covid-19 pandemic, digital adoption and UPI payments rapidly increased. As a result, consumers started ordering essentials at the last minute, giving a massive boost to quick commerce.

Urban cities and Gen-Z users played a major role in this shift. Due to increasing demand, even large e-commerce players like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Swiggy launched their own q-commerce services.

Types of Business Models in Quick Commerce

Quick commerce businesses generally work on three main models:

1. Dark Stores

Dark stores are small, dedicated warehouses that store products for quick commerce delivery. Customers cannot physically visit these stores—they exist only to fulfil online orders. They are strategically placed in densely populated areas to ensure fast delivery.

2. Aggregator Model

In this model, sellers list their products on q-commerce platforms without storing inventory in dark stores. When an order is placed, the seller packs and hands it over to a delivery partner within 5–10 minutes.

3. Hybrid Model

This model combines both dark stores and aggregators. It provides a complete customer experience by fulfilling different types of urgent needs instantly.

How to Start a Quick Commerce Business in India (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Choose Your Niche and Q-commerce Platform

Identify your target customers and understand their needs. This helps in selecting your product niche. Once you finalize your products, choose the right platform to sell on.

Step 2: Register Your Business with the Right Documents

Every q-commerce platform has a different onboarding process and document requirements. Common documents include:

GSTIN
FSSAI License (for food items)
PAN Card
Address Proof

Step 3: Plan Your Inventory

Quick commerce requires high stock availability. Keep your products ready for pickup and maintain fast-moving SKUs. Tie up with wholesalers and distributors to maintain smooth inventory flow.

Step 4: Understand Platform Fees & Margins

Before choosing a platform, study the commission structure, packaging fees, and applicable charges. This helps you calculate profitability.

Step 5: List Your Products and Start Selling

Upload clear product images, SEO-friendly titles, strong bullet points, accurate weight/quantity details, and competitive pricing. Once listed, your products become visible to customers.

Related: Zepto Seller Onboarding – Requirements, Process & More

Effective Tips to Make Your Quick Commerce Business Successful

Follow Performance Metrics: Pack orders fast, avoid stockouts, and maintain good ratings.
Create a Business Plan: Include model, target market, revenue goals, and marketing strategies.
Focus on Customer Service: Quick and accurate service builds loyal customers.
Run Flash Sales: Time-limited discounts attract more customers and boost visibility.

Conclusion

Starting a quick commerce business is exciting, but managing everything alone can be overwhelming. This is where expert management services can help.

At NexgenEcom, we provide complete q-commerce account management services for platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and more.

Visit: www.nexgenecom.in

FAQs

How much investment is required to start a quick commerce business?

Typically between ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh, depending on warehouse setup, staff, technology, branding, and location.

What licenses are needed for a Q-commerce business?

GSTIN, FSSAI (if dealing in food items), PAN, shop establishment certificate, and local permits (if required).

Which product categories sell best?

Groceries, snacks, beverages, personal care, home essentials, baby products, and medicines.

Can small businesses or kirana stores start quick commerce?

Yes. Small stores can easily adapt to the aggregator model and join platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, or Instamart.