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The rise of quick commerce, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaped consumer expectations in India’s retail landscape. While giants like Amazon and Flipkart were already pushing the boundaries of same-day and next-day delivery, new players like Zepto and Blinkit promised 10-minute grocery deliveries.

However, the sustainability of such rapid delivery models was questioned by many. Despite this scepticism, the quick commerce sector has grown, altering the way consumers shop and brands operate.

In this evolving scenario, Madhav Kasturia, founder and CEO of Zippee, a same-day delivery startup, has identified a unique opportunity. Zippee is carving out a niche by offering a middle ground between traditional courier services and the high-cost, ultra-fast delivery models dominating the market.

The quick commerce boom

Quick commerce, though initially met with doubt, has proven to be a formidable force in the retail industry. With the global market for quick commerce projected to grow from $38.9 billion in 2023 to $303.3 billion by 2030, it’s clear that convenience is now a key driver of success in the world’s third-largest retail market, India.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. For many direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India, partnering with quick commerce platforms presents significant challenges. According to Kasturia, these include high platform commissions, limited visibility against established brands, and complex listing processes, making it difficult for emerging brands to compete.

The D2C dilemma

D2C brands often face a tough decision: whether to join quick commerce platforms to drive incremental sales or avoid them due to the heavy commissions that erode their margins. While larger FMCG brands may navigate these challenges with ease, smaller, less established brands struggle to maintain profitability.

Kasturia recognised this issue and developed Zippee to address it. His solution? A same-day delivery model that offers the speed of quick commerce without the high costs, providing a viable alternative for D2C brands.

Zippee’s solution: A balanced approach

Zippee offers D2C brands a same-day delivery service that strikes a balance between traditional delivery timelines and the rapid pace of quick commerce. By operating dark stores in Tier I cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Zippee ensures that orders are fulfilled quickly and efficiently, without the financial strain of ultra-fast deliveries.

The company employs advanced inventory management, order batching, and route optimisation to maximise operational efficiency. Additionally, Zippee’s automated communication tools keep customers informed throughout the delivery process, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and lower return rates.

The win-win scenario

Zippee’s approach creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. Brands benefit from lower delivery costs and increased customer satisfaction, consumers enjoy fast and reliable deliveries, and the platform itself remains sustainable. With a growing list of notable clients, including Supertails, GIVA, and Haldiram’s, Zippee is well-positioned to redefine D2C logistics in India’s quick commerce era.

As the quick commerce sector continues to evolve, Zippee’s innovative approach to same-day delivery offers a promising solution for D2C brands navigating this fast-paced market. By addressing the challenges of quick commerce while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, Zippee is set to become a key player in the future of Indian retail