Zepto is among the grocery stores in India that offer 10-minute delivery of products, being one of the fastest-growing startups. Becoming a Zepto franchisee or delivery partner registers as a profitable business venture, as there is an increased demand for quick-commerce and hyperlocal delivery. Though Zepto uses a centralized approach to dark stores, it also provides operations partnership in delivery hubs, fleet management, and local store connections.
To start the Zepto franchise, you ought to follow the following steps, which will guide you on the eligibility, the amount of money to be invested, the documents to be submitted, and the onboarding process.
Steps to Start a Zepto Franchise
Step 1: Know Zepto Business Model
Zepto works mostly based on so-called dark shops, which are small warehouses that are not accessible to consumers but are placed strategically in such a way that they can deliver to them in 10 minutes. It operates and runs most stores; it works with partners on:
- Fleet management at the last-mile delivery
- Logistics and warehousing service
- Partnership with real estate in establishing dark stores
- Integration of a local vendor or Kirana in some cities
Currently, Zepto does not have an ordinary retail franchise, similar to those of Domino’s or McDonald’s; however, you can become a logistics franchisee, warehouse operator, or delivery partner.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
In order to associate with Zepto, you would need to fit the minimum pre-requisites of associating as per the kind of association:
- Age: 21 years or above
- Legal versus Legal: Registration should take place
- Financial Capability: Min 5 to 15 lakhs capital (depending on location and position)
- Space Requirement: Under the warehouse/dark store franchise, 500 to 1500 sq. ft in a prime location in a residential/ commercial location is required
Local Knowledge: Desires to be conversant with the logistics or retail activities in the locality
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
When applying for a Zepto partnership or franchise, you must be ready with the following documents:
- PAN card and Aadhaar card
- Business registration certificate (GST, Shop Act or MSME)
- Rent contract or ownership of property owing (in case of dark store/warehouse arrangement)
- Bank account Information
- Recent photographs of the passport-size
- Evidence of financial capability to invest (which is optional, depending on the case)
- FSSAI license (in case of handling food)
Step 4: Submit Application to Zepto
Today Zepto does not offer a franchise form publicly, and partners are welcome to find them through:
- The official contact form is on their official site: https://www.zeptonow.com
- Corporate Email: You may contact them through support@zeptonow.com, or we may find their operations or business development team on their LinkedIn account or emails.
- Partnership Platforms between B2B: Zepto regularly registers logistics and warehousing partners on a franchise in India, a LinkedIn platform, or some kind of commercial real estate, to a partnership network.
In the message, refer to:
- Name and place
- Character of interest in partnership (delivery hub, store deployment, last mile logistics)
- Investment ability and experience with business
- Property description in the case of the property involved
Step 5: Attend Discussion or Screening Call
In case your application is short-listed, there will be an initial contact by the Zepto business managed team. You can be requested to:
- Present a proposal or business plan
- Match a virtual interview or screening
- Present elaborate financial and property documentation
- Be subjected to background verification
The team will cover location, investment, knowledge of the operations, and fit to achieve the speed and quality requirements of Zepto.
Step 6: Finalize Agreement and Onboarding
After it has been approved, you will be requested to sign a franchise agreement, which contains:
- Payout or revenue sharing structure
- Roles and responsibilities (fleeting hiring, maintenance, timely delivery)
- Performance standards
- Conditions of use and branding and technology
- Termination or renewal conditions
The experience of using the Zepto app, the procedure of delivery services, working with inventory, and SOP can also be taught to you.
Step 7: Setup and Launch
Depending on the kind of franchise you select, the following is an action that has to be undertaken:
- As the owner of the application or the partner that delivers, you will have to hire and manage a delivery crew, not to mention organize a fleet of scooters, offer uniforms, and train them on the methods to practice so that the segmentation of the process goes without delay.
- As a warehouse operator, it is your responsibility to install a dark store with a storage rack, cold storage (if required for products), and establish an inventory management system that facilitates the easy flow of products.
- In case you are a real estate partner, you will work with the backend team of Zepto on space zoning, layout planning and providing uninterrupted connectivity to last-mile delivery at the chosen location.
After the setup has been completed and meets Zepto’s operational requirements, your facility will be integrated into the Zepto platform, and you can then officially start doing business.
Expected Investment and Profit Margin
| Particulars | Estimated Amount (₹) |
| Initial Investment | ₹5–15 lakh |
| Warehouse/Dark Store Setup | ₹4–10 lakh |
| Equipment and Inventory | ₹1–3 lakh |
| Manpower and Delivery Fleet | ₹1–2 lakh |
| Monthly Operating Expenses | ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Expected ROI Period | 12–18 months |
| Profit Margin (Estimated) | 10% – 20% |
Profitability depends on order volume, delivery speed, customer satisfaction, and location efficiency.
Conclusion
Zepto is growing fast in Indian metros and in Tier-2 cities and early partnership with them can offer long-term business prospects. It does not provide a typical retail franchise model, but still, it gives merchants the ability to team up as delivery or logistics partners.
To open a Zepto franchise, one should pay attention to a layer of location strategy, capital preparation, operational discipline, and service speed. Take a look at the steps mentioned above and stay organized about reaching out to the company and starting your own Zepto business comfortably.
Related Service
Franchise Business Registration
FAQs
1. Does Zepto provide a physical retail franchise?
No, Zepto does not sell a traditional shop franchise. It provides working collaborations in the supply chain, delivery, and establishment in dark stores.
2. How much does it cost to start a Zepto franchise?
The investment is 5-15 lakh based on the location, size of property and role of operation.
3. What is the application process for the Zepto partnership?
To apply, you may use the contact section of the official Zepto site or directly send an email to their business development team.
4. Does a person have to own property?
No, you can simply rent a space where you would like to have a dark store or warehouse, but it must fit the needs of Zepto.
5. What is the time frame of onboarding?
Upon approval, a typical onboarding process takes between 2 to 4 weeks, and this depends on the readiness of the property and compliance.
