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As consumers shift towards the comfort of doorstep delivery, more and more quick commerce companies in India are emerging to fulfil their requirements. In fact, according to the Chryseum report, the market size is expected to touch USD 9.95 billion by 2029. The statistics indicate that quick commerce is on a consistent rise, changing the shape of the retail industry in India. However, amid an influx of Q-commerce retailers, which are the best? How do consumers decide?
This blog breaks down the meaning of quick commerce, the leading startups, and the obstacles these retailers face in a competitive marketplace.
Quick commerce, or Q-commerce, is a speedy online delivery system where customers receive their orders within 10 to 30 minutes. A traditional eCommerce platform typically takes 3-7 days for delivery. However, with quick commerce, customers enjoy immediacy, not needing to wait for days before they get their products.
A buyer can get everything in under an hour, from fruits and vegetables to mobile phones and makeup products. As reported by Redseer, Q-commerce convenience has grown monthly users by 40% in 2024. The number is projected to increase by 5 million in 2025.
New quick commerce companies in India are emerging regularly, leading to immense competition in the industry. However, some leading players have significantly impacted and are constantly in the market.
The 5 top performers in the Q-commerce sector are:
Blinkit (formerly called Grofers) was initially an eCommerce grocery platform that delivered products within 1 to 3 days. However, in 2021, the company launched its 10-minute delivery system in 12 metropolitan cities. In the subsequent year, Zomato acquired it. Today, Blinkit has over 400 dark stores and caters to 30 cities. The quick commerce platform has a 41% market share in India.
Expanding its offerings, Blinkit recently introduced Blinkit Bistro – a pilot initiative available in select pin codes in Gurgaon. This cafe concept delivers freshly prepared meals, snacks, and beverages in under 15 minutes.
Zepto, a startup, began its journey with a vision of hyperlocal grocery deliveries in under 10 minutes. It was one of the very first quick commerce companies in India and instantly became a customer favourite. With a presence in major Indian cities, the platform works consistently to fulfill heavy demand. Today, it has more than 250 dark stores to serve several PIN codes.
Zepto focuses on providing speedy delivery and competitive prices. With the emergence of Zepto Cafe, a facility that delivers snacks and beverages in 10 minutes, the platform is working continuously to lead the charts.
Swiggy was initially only a food delivery app, but it tapped into the hot market of quick commerce and launched Instamart. The in-built extension to the application provides 10-30 minutes of delivery, depending on the customer’s distance. Today, the service is available in over 25 cities.
Swiggy Instamart has already crossed the threshold of 1 million orders within a week. With a current market share of 23%, the Q-commerce platform is one of the trusted choices for grocery delivery.
FreshToHome is a meat and seafood delivery app that promises quick service to its customers. With a workforce of 1,500, over 60 trucks, and 100 hubs in India and Dubai, this Q-commerce platform serves as a one-stop non-veg delivery solution. Its focus is on farm-to-fork, ensuring strict quality standards and same-day delivery.
FreshToHome currently operates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai, serving fresh produce directly from fishermen and farmers. The quick commerce company in India focuses on sustainability by using biodegradable packaging and electric delivery vehicles.
Myntra is one of India’s latest additions to the list of quick commerce companies. Myntra has introduced M-Now, a 30-minute delivery service for fashion and beauty products, currently available in Bengaluru.
Since the company has an already established reputation, it didn’t take much time to attract shoppers to its new premium experience.
Quick commerce companies in India are consistently attracting customers, with a rapid growth of 280% over the last two years. The percentage indicates a quick shift in consumer behaviour. Here’s how shoppers are adopting fast delivery:
Startups are continuously emerging in the quick commerce space. But they aren’t the only ones. eCommerce giants like Flipkart, Big Basket, and Nykaa are also integrating quick delivery service on their platforms to increase sales. Here’s why sellers are rapidly joining the Q-commerce trend.
Quick commerce is on a continuous rise. Customers rely on instant deliveries, increasing their order frequency. Startups can take advantage of this opportunity to increase their sales and revenue.
Today’s shoppers love instant delivery. When a quick commerce platform delivers products within 15-30 minutes, the customer experience improves. Deliver exactly what the buyer is looking for and increase your customer base quickly.
Sellers get a competitive edge by leaning towards quick commerce. The same can be understood by how Myntra initiated a 30-minute delivery service and gained a first-mover advantage. Its competitors, like Ajio, Lifestyle, and Shoppers Stop, are yet to join the q-commerce world.
Quick commerce companies in India want to be present everywhere. This helps them cater to the target audience and tap every market. The ability to deliver products across demographics aids growth opportunities.
Although quick commerce companies are rapidly gaining traction, there are still some hurdles to overcome:
Challenge: The biggest problem for a quick commerce company is maintaining sufficient inventory levels to meet the forecasted demand. Understocking can lead to missed opportunities while overstocking leads to wastage.
Solution: Introduce an AI-based management system to analyse purchase patterns, seasonal trends, and real-time customer behaviour.
Challenge: In peak hours and congested pin codes, timely delivery becomes a logistical obstacle.
Solution: Create a network of dark stores strategically located in high-demand areas. Use real-time traffic data to ascertain efficient delivery routes.
Challenge: When companies promise instant delivery, they are burdened with customer expectations. Everyone wants quick and accurate order delivery. Any delays, unavailability, or missed items result in disappointment.
Solution: Create a transparent communication channel and a real-time tracking facility. Address every concern promptly and provide an instant resolution to grievances.
Challenge: A high cost is associated with a quick delivery model, leading to thin margins.
Solution: Make data-driven decisions, including dynamic pricing models, strategic partnerships with suppliers, and efficient inventory turnover.
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Quick commerce companies in India are not a fleeting trend; they are here to stay. By providing customer satisfaction and convenience at every step, the rapid delivery partners can expect quick growth and increased sales. As consumer preferences shift towards more efficient delivery systems, quick commerce’ times ahead look bright.
With help from platforms such as Shiprocket Quick, the future belongs to those who can instantly deliver not just products but convenience.
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