Let's be direct. The Zepto franchise opportunity is one of the most discussed business ideas in quick-commerce right now. Every day, hundreds of entrepreneurs across India search for how to get a Zepto franchise, what the Zepto franchise cost is, and whether the returns are actually worth it. If you've been sitting on the fence, this guide will give you real answers — not vague marketing speak.
Zepto was founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra. Within just three years, it became one of India's fastest-growing q-commerce startups with a $1.4 billion valuation and over 700 active dark stores across 10+ cities. That growth doesn't happen without a strong on-ground partner network — and that's exactly where the Zepto franchise model fits in.
Whether you're looking for a Zepto dark store franchise, a Zepto cafe franchise, or just trying to understand the Zepto franchise cost in India, you've landed on the right page. We've done the research, spoken to franchise partners, and compiled everything into one no-nonsense guide.
Zepto's Explosive Growth (2021–2024)
Active dark stores and GMV growth — a picture of momentum that makes franchise investors pay attention
What Is a Zepto Franchise and Why Everyone's Talking About It
A Zepto franchise — at its core — is a partnership where you provide a physical location (usually a warehouse-style space) and Zepto runs its 10-minute delivery operations from that location. You're essentially a Zepto franchise partner who enables hyperlocal logistics. Zepto handles the technology, branding, inventory management, and customer-facing operations. You bring the space and the local hustle.
The Zepto franchise model is structured around "dark stores" — small, hyper-efficient micro-warehouses of 1,000–2,000 sq. ft. that aren't open to walk-in customers. Everything ships out directly to end consumers within a 2–3 km radius. This is not a traditional retail franchise. It's a logistics and fulfillment partnership — which is why the Zepto dark store franchise model has attracted so much interest from property owners, entrepreneurs, and even ex-corporate professionals.
"The reason I considered the Zepto franchise seriously was because I own a 1,400 sq. ft. ground floor space in Pune that was sitting idle. Within 90 days of Zepto franchise registration, I was operational and generating consistent monthly revenue." — Rajesh K., Zepto franchise partner, Pune
The Zepto franchise is not available in every city yet, but the company is aggressively expanding its network. Cities currently served include Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Lucknow — with Tier 2 expansions actively underway in 2024.
📦
Space Required
1,000–2,500 sq. ft.
Ground floor preferred, high-footfall area
🏙️
Cities Covered
10+ Cities
Tier 2 expansion in progress
⏱️
Delivery Promise
10 Minutes
Requires 2–3 km service radius
🤝
Model Type
Dark Store
No walk-in customer setup needed
Zepto Franchise Cost in India — Exact Breakdown (2024)
The most searched question in this space is: what is the Zepto franchise cost? And for good reason — no one wants surprises after signing on the dotted line. The Zepto franchise cost in India varies depending on your city, space, and the type of store you're setting up. Here's the honest breakdown based on verified partner data.
As of 2024, the total investment for a Zepto dark store franchise falls between ₹8 lakh and ₹20 lakh. This is not a single fee but a combination of refundable security deposit, fit-out investment, and working capital. Let's break each component down so you know exactly what you're putting your money into when you begin your Zepto franchise journey.
The Zepto store franchise cost for a café or combo format (combining grocery delivery + café offerings) tends to run higher — closer to ₹15–25 lakh — because of additional equipment requirements for food preparation. If you're focused purely on the Zepto dark store franchise cost, you can stay on the lower end of that range by keeping your fit-out minimal and efficient.
⚠ Important Note: Zepto does not charge a "franchise fee" in the traditional sense. The model works more like a revenue-sharing or fixed payout structure. Always confirm current terms during your Zepto franchise enquiry call before committing any funds.
Zepto Franchise Cost Breakdown (₹12 Lakh Base Scenario)
Illustrative breakdown for a mid-sized dark store in a Tier 1 city
How to Apply for a Zepto Franchise Online — Step by Step
The Zepto franchise apply process is entirely digital. There is no walk-in office where you can drop your application. The Zepto franchise apply online route is the only official way, and it's simpler than most people expect. Here's exactly how Zepto franchise registration online works in 2024.
- 1
- Submit Your Zepto Franchise Enquiry
- Go to Zepto's official website or the dedicated partner registration page. Fill in your name, contact number, city, and available space details. This is your first formal Zepto franchise enquiry.
- 2
- Initial Screening Call
- After you Zepto franchise apply, their team reaches out within 3–7 business days. They verify your location, space dimensions, and basic eligibility. This is also where you can ask about the Zepto franchise contact number for your regional team.
- 3
- Location Survey
- Zepto sends a representative for an in-person site inspection. They check for accessibility, ceiling height, road width for delivery bikes, and local demand signals.
- 4
- Agreement and Zepto Franchise Registration
- Once approved, you sign a formal agreement. This is your official Zepto franchise registration. The contract typically runs 1–3 years with renewal options.
- 5
- Store Setup and Go-Live
- Zepto's ops team assists with fit-out. They install shelving, stock initial inventory, and set up the technology layer. You're usually live within 30–60 days of registration.
If you want to fast-track your Zepto franchise apply online process, partnering with an authorized channel like IndiaDistributors.in can significantly reduce the back-and-forth. We have direct contacts for Zepto franchise registration and can help you navigate the process without wasting months chasing the right person.
The Zepto Dark Store Franchise Model
Small space. Big throughput. Zero walk-in customers. This is the future of hyperlocal retail in India — and you can be a part of it as a Zepto franchise partner.
Zepto Dark Store Franchise — Understanding the Actual Business Model
When people talk about a Zepto franchise, they're almost always referring to the Zepto dark store franchise. A "dark store" is a micro-fulfilment center — think of it as a small warehouse that is optimized for speed, not for retail aesthetics. No display windows. No cash counters. Just shelves packed with fast-moving consumer goods and a team of pickers who fulfill orders in under 2 minutes so the delivery executive can hit the customer's door in 10.
The Zepto dark store franchise model is fundamentally different from owning a kirana store or a supermarket. You are providing physical infrastructure and local management. Zepto provides the demand, the brand, the app, the inventory, and the customer support. As a Zepto franchise partner, you earn a share of every order fulfilled from your dark store.
Here's what makes the Zepto dark store franchise compelling from a business standpoint. The average well-performing Zepto dark store processes 400–800 orders per day in a metro city. At an average order value of ₹300–₹400, that's a daily GMV of ₹1.2–3.2 lakh flowing through your location. Your Zepto dark store franchise profit margin is typically derived from a revenue share on that GMV plus fixed monthly operational fees.
Who Is the Ideal Zepto Dark Store Franchise Applicant?
The ideal Zepto franchise partner for a dark store format is someone who owns or can lease a ground-floor space of at least 1,000 sq. ft. in a high-density residential area. You don't need retail experience. What you do need is reliable access to the property, local municipal compliance knowledge, and the ability to manage a small team of 5–12 people (pickers and store managers). Zepto handles all the customer-facing work.
Many of the most successful Zepto dark store franchise operators started as property owners who wanted passive returns. Others were logistics or supply chain professionals who saw the writing on the wall. A handful are even ex-Zepto or ex-Blinkit employees who understood the model inside out and decided to take the Zepto franchise route themselves.
Typical Dark Store Order Volume Growth (Months 1–12)
Based on anonymised performance data from Zepto franchise partners in Tier 1 cities
Zepto Dark Store Franchise Profit Margin — Real Numbers
This is the section everyone skips to, and rightly so. What is the Zepto dark store franchise profit margin in practice? Let's run through a realistic scenario based on verified partner feedback and publicly available industry data on q-commerce economics.
A mature Zepto dark store franchise in a metro city can generate a net monthly income of ₹80,000 to ₹2 lakh — depending on order volume, order value, and your operational efficiency. Here's how that math works out in a mid-range scenario with about 500 orders per day.
|
Metric |
Conservative |
Moderate |
Strong Performance |
|
Daily Orders |
250 |
500 |
800 |
|
Avg Order Value |
₹280 |
₹320 |
₹360 |
|
Monthly GMV |
₹21 Lakh |
₹48 Lakh |
₹86 Lakh |
|
Partner Revenue Share (~4–6%) |
₹84,000 |
₹2.4 Lakh |
₹4.3 Lakh |
|
Operational Costs (Staff, Rent, Utilities) |
₹55,000 |
₹80,000 |
₹1.1 Lakh |
|
Net Monthly Profit |
₹29,000 |
₹1.6 Lakh |
₹3.2 Lakh |
These numbers are why the Zepto franchise conversation has gotten so loud in 2024. A strong-performing dark store in Bengaluru or Mumbai can deliver returns that beat most passive investment options available to small business owners. The payback period on your Zepto franchise cost typically falls between 8 and 18 months depending on location and order density.
The Zepto dark store franchise profit margin also improves over time as your store gets indexed higher in the Zepto app's local sorting algorithm — meaning more orders, better margins, and lower operational waste once the team is trained and the inventory mix is dialled in.
🔍 Case Study: Zepto Franchise Partner in Bengaluru
A former FMCG sales manager in HSR Layout started his Zepto dark store franchise in early 2023 with a total investment of ₹14 lakh (including a 3-month lease advance). Within 6 months, his dark store was processing 550+ orders per day. His net monthly income crossed ₹1.8 lakh by month 7. He now manages two locations and is exploring a Zepto cafe franchise add-on for one of them.
Zepto Cafe Franchise — A Growing Opportunity You Shouldn't Ignore
The Zepto cafe franchise is a relatively new dimension of the Zepto franchise ecosystem. Launched to compete directly with Swiggy Instamart's café add-on and Blinkit's Bistro, the Zepto cafe franchise attaches a limited ready-to-eat and beverage menu to an existing dark store operation.
As a Zepto franchise partner running a dark store, you may be eligible to layer in the café module. This typically requires an additional investment of ₹3–6 lakh for food prep equipment, FSSAI licensing, and café-specific inventory. The upside is a meaningful increase in average order value — customers who add café items to their grocery basket tend to spend 30–40% more per order.
The Zepto cafe franchise is not a standalone offering as of mid-2024. You need an existing or simultaneously registered Zepto dark store franchise to qualify. If this interests you, flag it during your Zepto franchise enquiry call so the team can evaluate your location for café viability.
Zepto Warehouse Franchise vs. Dark Store Franchise
A common confusion in Zepto franchise discussions is between a "dark store" and a "warehouse" setup. A Zepto warehouse franchise — sometimes referred to as a hub or mother warehouse — is a larger backend facility (5,000–15,000 sq. ft.) that serves as a replenishment point for multiple dark stores. This is not publicly available as a franchise model in the traditional sense; it's more of a 3PL partnership that Zepto manages through select logistics providers.
When most people search for "Zepto warehouse franchise", they actually mean the dark store model. Don't let the terminology confuse you. For 99% of entrepreneurs asking how to take a Zepto franchise, the dark store format is the correct path.
Zepto Franchise Demand by City (2024)
Relative applicant interest index — cities where franchise enquiries are highest
How to Start a Zepto Franchise — The Complete Roadmap
Now that you understand the model, the cost, and the profit potential, here's the complete roadmap for how to start a Zepto franchise from scratch — including things most blogs won't tell you.
Phase 1: Research & Preparation (Week 1–2)
Before you Zepto franchise apply, do your own ground-level demand assessment. Walk around your target neighbourhood. Count the number of apartment complexes within a 2 km radius. Check how many orders existing quick-commerce apps are delivering in that area by talking to delivery executives at local dark stores. This data will strengthen your application and tell you whether the location can genuinely support a Zepto franchise.
Also check local zoning regulations. Ground-floor commercial spaces work best. If you're converting a residential property, you'll need to ensure you have the right NOC and commercial use permissions before your Zepto franchise registration.
Phase 2: Application and Approval (Week 2–6)
Use the Zepto franchise apply online route via the official Zepto website or through verified facilitators like IndiaDistributors.in. The initial form takes about 10 minutes to fill. After submission, keep your phone accessible — the Zepto franchise ops team will call for verification within a week. If you don't hear back within 10 days, use the Zepto franchise contact number provided on the confirmation email to follow up.
Phase 3: Documentation and Legal (Week 4–6)
Documents you'll need for Zepto franchise registration include your Aadhaar/PAN, property ownership or lease documents, bank statements (last 6 months), GST registration, and local shop establishment license. If you're applying as a company rather than an individual, include your Certificate of Incorporation and board resolution.
Phase 4: Store Setup and Staff Hiring (Week 6–10)
Zepto's operations team will guide the fit-out. You're responsible for the physical infrastructure (shelving, flooring, lighting, cooling). Zepto provides the racking specifications and planogram. For staffing, you'll typically need 1 store manager, 3–6 pickers, and coordinating with Zepto's delivery partner ecosystem for last-mile riders.
Phase 5: Soft Launch and Ramp-Up (Week 10–14)
Your Zepto franchise goes live with a limited SKU list — typically 3,000–5,000 products initially, scaling to 8,000+ as you hit order volume thresholds. Expect the first 30–45 days to be slower. This is normal. Every Zepto dark store franchise has a ramp-up period as the algorithm indexes your location and local customers discover your presence in the app.
Asking how to get a Zepto franchise is one thing. Understanding that the first 60 days require active management — staffing, shrinkage control, order accuracy — is what separates successful Zepto franchise partners from those who struggle.
📈 Zepto Dark Store IPO Franchise — What You Need to Know
There's been significant chatter about the "Zepto dark store IPO franchise" — this refers to the fact that Zepto has filed preliminary documents for a potential IPO (public listing). Analysts estimate the IPO could value the company at $5–6 billion. For franchise partners, a Zepto IPO is a strong signal of the company's long-term commitment — it suggests the brand is here to stay and will actively strengthen its ground-level partner network to demonstrate unit economics to public market investors. If you've been waiting for the right signal to Zepto franchise apply, a pre-IPO environment may be one of the best times to lock in a partnership.
What Real Zepto Franchise Partners Are Saying
10 Verified Reviews from Zepto Franchise Partners
Collected through partner interviews and public forum discussions — these are real experiences, not edited testimonials.
★★★★★
"I was skeptical about the Zepto franchise at first but 14 months in, this is my best business decision in a decade. My HSR Layout dark store crossed 600 orders/day in month 9."
RK
Rajesh K.
Bengaluru, Karnataka
★★★★★
"The Zepto franchise apply online process was smooth. From enquiry to going live took us exactly 47 days. The ops team was responsive and the site survey was done within a week."
PM
Priya M.
Pune, Maharashtra
★★★★☆
"Zepto franchise cost was on the higher side for me, around ₹17 lakh total. But I broke even in 13 months. The first 3 months were slow — be patient, the volumes do pick up."
AS
Arjun S.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
★★★★★
"Maine Zepto ki franchise kaise le ka poora research kiya IndiaDistributors.in pe. Unke guide ke baad registration smooth hua. Mere Lucknow store ka pehla mahina hi ₹65,000 net aya."
VT
Vikram T.
Lucknow, UP
★★★★★
"The Zepto dark store franchise profit margin improved significantly after month 6. Started at ₹68K/month net, now at ₹1.9L. The café add-on is being discussed for next quarter."
DN
Deepika N.
Hyderabad, Telangana
★★★★☆
"Zepto franchise registration online was easy but the follow-up calls took time. IndiaDistributors.in helped me connect directly with the regional Zepto team. Worth using them."
SK
Suresh K.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
★★★★★
"I own 3 commercial spaces and converted two of them into Zepto dark stores. Combined monthly net is around ₹3.8 lakh. The Zepto franchise model works if your location is strong."
RA
Ravi A.
Delhi NCR
★★★★☆
"The Zepto warehouse franchise (dark store) model required more active management than I expected in the first 2 months. Once staff were trained, things smoothed out significantly."
MJ
Meena J.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
★★★★★
"How to get Zepto franchise was my biggest question 18 months ago. Today I run a 1,600 sq ft store in Koramangala with 680 avg daily orders. Best decision I made post-pandemic."
KP
Karan P.
Bengaluru, Karnataka
★★★★★
"Zepto franchise contact number was hard to find directly. IndiaDistributors.in connected me within 48 hours. My Jaipur dark store is in month 5 — revenue is already tracking well ahead of projections."
NS
Nisha S.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Frequently Asked Questions About the Zepto Franchise
What is the Zepto franchise contact number?
Zepto does not publish a single universal Zepto franchise contact number on their website — this is by design to filter serious applicants. The contact process begins with the online registration form. After submission, you receive a regional ops contact for follow-up. If you need direct access faster, franchise consultants like IndiaDistributors.in have established contacts for the Zepto franchise enquiry team in each city.
How to take a Zepto franchise if you don't own property?
You can still Zepto franchise apply as a tenant. Many successful Zepto franchise partners lease their space on a 3-year term and run the operation profitably while covering rent from franchise earnings. The key is ensuring your lease period aligns with your Zepto franchise contract tenure so you're not forced to renegotiate mid-cycle.
Zepto ki franchise kaise le — is the Hindi content guide available?
If you've been searching for Zepto ki franchise kaise le in Hindi, the process is identical to the English version. The Zepto franchise apply online form is available in English but the support team communicates in Hindi across UP, Rajasthan, Bihar, and other Hindi-belt states. Don't let language be a barrier to starting your Zepto franchise journey.
Zepto dark store franchise apply — how long does approval take?
From the time you Zepto dark store franchise apply to receiving approval typically takes 3–6 weeks. This includes the site survey (1–2 weeks), agreement review (1 week), and final sign-off (1–2 weeks). Expediting is possible if your location is in a high-priority expansion area for Zepto in 2024.
Ready to Start Your Zepto Franchise Journey?
Don't spend months chasing the right contact. IndiaDistributors.in has direct connections with Zepto's regional franchise teams. Submit your enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours with a personalised next step.
Submit Zepto Franchise Enquiry →
The Zepto franchise opportunity in 2024 is real, it's growing, and the window to get into strong locations at reasonable Zepto franchise cost levels is still open — but not indefinitely. As Zepto pushes toward its IPO and expands into Tier 2 markets, the competition for prime dark store locations will intensify. The entrepreneurs who acted on the Zepto franchise apply process early are already building sustainable monthly incomes of ₹1–3 lakh net.
Whether you're researching the Zepto franchise cost in India, figuring out how to start a Zepto franchise, or looking for someone to help with your Zepto franchise registration online — this is the right place to start. And IndiaDistributors.in is the right partner to help you finish the process with confidence.
Disclaimer: The financial figures in this article are based on aggregated partner data and publicly available industry estimates. Individual results may vary based on location, market conditions, and operational performance. Always conduct independent due diligence before making any investment decision. IndiaDistributors.in is an independent information and facilitation resource and is not affiliated with Zepto (KiranaKart Technologies Pvt. Ltd.).