The Rise of Quick Commerce (QC) in India’s E-Commerce

The world of e-commerce is changing rapidly. One of the most important changes taking place is the growth of Quick Commerce (QC), which is focused on making food, groceries and other consumer goods easier and faster at the doorsteps This approach new is reshaping the way merchants and consumers engage in online marketing.

Quick Commerce, or QC, refers to the transfer of goods from the Internet quickly—usually within minutes or hours. Unlike traditional e-commerce, which often relies on scheduled or slotted delivery, QC aims to meet customers’ demand for speed. The business model prioritizes convenience and speed, enabling customers to order essential products and receive them at their doorstep in record time.

In today’s fast-paced world, customers are increasingly demanding faster and more efficient services. Time is precious, and QC offers a solution that meets this need. The shift from traditional delivery to QC is driven by customers’ desire for speed, making speed a key factor in retaining and attracting customers

The COVID-19 pandemic played role in the rapid development of Quickcommerce. Although caused by the pandemic, the simplicity and efficiency of QC services makes them popular even as life returns to normal. Customers are accustomed to the convenience of having their groceries, meals, and other necessities delivered in less than an hour.

With increasing demand for faster delivery, many big players in the e-commerce space are making the transition to QC. Tata-owned Bigbasket, a major player in India’s e-grocery market, is transitioning from slotted delivery to a QC model. Similarly, Amazon India has plans to enter the QC segment and could launch its services by early 2025 as well.

The foray of such big names into the QC market is no surprise. Speed is now a keyin a highly competitive consumer-driven market. Slotted delivery platforms, which rely on long-planned delivery, are losing market share to faster QC models.

Increasing competition in the QC market
Competition in the QC space is heating up. Both start-ups and established companies compete for market dominance. Zepto, a fast-growing startup, is expanding its darkstorage network to meet growing demand. Dark warehouses are strategically located warehouses that serve as QC delivery centers, allowing companies to deliver in record time.

Two other major players in the QC market, Blinkit and Instamart are also vying for a big share. These companies offer loyalty programs and discounts to lure customers away from their competitors.

Although competition is fierce, industry experts predict that the market could eventually consolidate, leaving only three or four major players in the long term but five to seven serious competitors are expected to emerge competing for customer attention in the QC space in a relatively short period of time.

What was initially seen as a U.S. right. $6 billion in the Indian e-grocery market by FY2024, it is currently witnessing significant growth. The QC market is expected to grow seven-fold and by 2030 will reach a whopping $40 billion

Interestingly, QC is not only gaining traction in metros. Customers in smaller cities are also embracing the convenience of QC delivery platforms. This provides a significant opportunity for service providers to expand their reach beyond urban areas and tap into the enormous potential of non-metro markets

As the lines between traditional e-commerce and QC blur, many companies must adapt to changing customer expectations. Customers now want faster deliveries, and QC providers are responding by innovating their delivery options to meet these expectations.

The image added is for representation purposes only