India’s quick commerce industry is expanding rapidly, driven by consumer demand for instant delivery of groceries, essentials, and daily-use items. According to RedSeer, India’s quick commerce market is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025, led by players like Swiggy Instamart and Zepto. For emerging and established brands, getting listed on these platforms offers direct access to millions of consumers who expect delivery within 10 to 30 minutes.

However, listing a product on these platforms is not as simple as uploading on a traditional marketplace like Amazon or Flipkart. Both Swiggy Instamart and Zepto operate on curated models with stringent onboarding processes, product quality checks, and vendor requirements. This guide provides a step-by-step strategy to get your product on these platforms and ensure sustainable growth.

Understanding Quick Commerce in India

Quick commerce differs from traditional ecommerce by focusing on hyperlocal delivery. Products are stored in dark stores—small warehouses placed strategically across cities—to ensure deliveries within minutes.

Market Insights

• Quick commerce penetration in India is highest in metro cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.
• 60% of orders come from categories like groceries, snacks, beverages, and personal care.
• Average ticket size ranges between ₹300 – ₹500, lower than traditional ecommerce but with higher order frequency.

Eligibility Criteria for Listing on Swiggy Instamart and Zepto

• Category Fit: Both platforms prefer FMCG, packaged foods, personal care, and household essentials.

• Compliance: Products must adhere to FSSAI guidelines (for food), legal packaging standards, and GST registration.

• Supply Capability: Ability to handle inventory for dark stores and restocking demands.

• Local Relevance: Products must align with urban customer preferences.

Onboarding Process for Swiggy Instamart

Swiggy Instamart works with selected suppliers and brands.

Step 1: Application

• Brands can approach Swiggy’s business team through their official website or by referral from distribution partners.

Step 2: Documentation

Key documents required include:

• GST certificate
• FSSAI license (for food and beverages)
• PAN card of business
• Trade license
• Product images and details

Step 3: Commercial Negotiation

Swiggy negotiates margins, which can range between 15% – 25% depending on the category.

Step 4: Inventory Placement

Products are supplied to Swiggy dark stores. Brands must ensure consistent availability to avoid delisting.

Onboarding Process for Zepto

Zepto follows a similar but stricter onboarding model due to its focus on curated essentials.

Step 1: Vendor Outreach

Brands can connect via Zepto’s official business form or distributor network.

Step 2: Verification and Product Approval

Zepto conducts quality checks and may test product market fit before full listing.

Step 3: Agreement and Margins

Margins generally range from 18% – 25%, depending on brand strength and demand.

Step 4: Stocking Dark Stores

Zepto requires vendors to maintain reliable supply for its micro-warehouses.

Documentation Checklist

A smooth onboarding requires preparing all compliance and product documents in advance.

Key Challenges in Getting Listed

Not all applications succeed. Many brands face challenges due to lack of readiness.

Supply Chain Constraints

• Quick commerce requires frequent restocking, often multiple times a week.

• Brands without local warehousing or distribution may fail to meet demand.

Margin Pressures

• Higher margins demanded by platforms can reduce profitability for smaller brands.

Discoverability

• Even after listing, products can remain invisible if not promoted through platform marketing tools.

Strategies to Improve Acceptance Rate

Strong Brand Presence

Brands with existing demand (from social media or offline stores) have a higher chance of being accepted.

Scalable Supply Chain

Demonstrating consistent production and distribution capabilities builds confidence with platform partners.

Competitive Pricing

Products must be competitively priced against established FMCG players, while offering better differentiation.

Sales Growth on Swiggy Instamart & Zepto

Getting listed is only the beginning. Brands need a robust strategy to ensure growth on these platforms.

Optimizing Product Packaging

• Compact and durable packaging is critical for quick delivery models.

• Packaging that emphasizes freshness, quality, and convenience improves customer loyalty.

Leveraging Sponsored Ads

Both Swiggy and Zepto offer in-app promotions. Paid visibility often drives early traction for new brands.

Seasonal Campaigns

Quick commerce thrives on impulse purchases. Tying promotions to festivals, cricket season, or local events increases sales.

Data Insight: Quick Commerce Growth in India

Case Study Example

A mid-sized snacks brand in Bengaluru scaled quickly after onboarding with Zepto. Initially rejected due to limited distribution capacity, the brand invested in a local warehouse and reapplied. Within six months of acceptance:

• Sales grew by 40% month-on-month.
• The brand achieved visibility through Zepto’s in-app banner campaigns.
• Repeat purchase rate was 65% higher compared to traditional ecommerce channels.

This demonstrates the importance of aligning operational capabilities with quick commerce requirements.

Future of Quick Commerce for Indian D2C Brands

With increasing competition, platforms will continue to prioritize:

• High-margin categories like personal care and health supplements.

• Private label growth, competing directly with listed brands.

• Faster delivery networks, putting pressure on vendors to ensure faster replenishment.

For D2C brands, this means creating localized strategies, investing in supply chains, and aligning product portfolios to categories that perform well in impulse-driven purchase environments.

Conclusion

Getting a product listed on Swiggy Instamart and Zepto requires more than just applying. Brands must meet strict compliance, maintain strong supply chains, and offer competitive pricing. Even after onboarding, growth depends on smart ecommerce marketing agency, in-app promotions, and aligning with quick commerce consumer behavior. For Indian D2C brands, mastering these platforms can open new revenue streams and build sustainable customer loyalty in a rapidly growing market.