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Franchise guide

The Zepto dark-store franchise partner model, explained

The Zepto dark-store franchise partner model is an asset-and-operations partnership. You help establish and run a compact, hyperlocal fulfilment centre — a dark store — while the brand’s technology, demand generation and supply chain sit centrally. Under the current COST + OPD model you earn a fixed monthly payout set by your store’s orders-per-day (OPD) slab, plus an SLA performance incentive, and Zepto reimburses store manpower. As an independent franchise consultancy, LoQal Franchise Holdings coordinates between prospective partners and the Zepto team; specific commercials, catchment allocation and terms are confirmed on review with the brand.

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How the partner model works

Payout model
A fixed monthly payout set by your store’s OPD (orders-per-day) slab — from ₹50,000 at 0–499 orders/day up to ₹3,75,000 at 5,000+ — plus an SLA performance incentive on top. It is a flat monthly figure per slab, not a per-unit rate.
Performance upside
A weighted SLA score adds a performance incentive (up to +₹1,50,000 for the strongest stores) or, below target, a matching deduction. It rewards fulfilment speed, low defects, fast stocking and task discipline rather than volume alone.
Manpower
Zepto reimburses store staffing — associates, shift incharge, security, loaders and housekeeping — at city-specific salaries. You recruit, train and manage the team to the brand’s SOPs; the salary cost is not borne by you.
Operating costs
Zepto provides or reimburses most running costs. The partner carries a fixed monthly operating expense (around ₹54,000), consumables such as bags, and asset AMC after the first year.
Investment
A refundable security deposit — ₹80 lac for a new partner, of which ₹72 lac is refundable after infrastructure and inventory reconciliation at handover — plus a one-time ₹1.18 lac brand fee (inclusive of 18% GST, non-refundable) to book the store. Amounts are confirmed on review.
Technology and supply chain
Runs on the brand’s centralised technology stack and replenishment network, so partners plug into existing demand and inventory systems rather than building their own. This reduces the technology burden on the partner.
Catchment and availability
Dark stores are mapped to defined hyperlocal catchments to serve quick delivery windows. Whether a given area is open, and any territory arrangement, is subject to availability and confirmed on review with the brand rather than promised in advance.

What you earn — the OPD-slab payout

Instead of a per-unit rate, the partner is paid a fixed monthly amount for the OPD band their store falls into. The indicative ROI below is the annual payout as a share of the ₹80 lac security deposit, before any SLA incentive is added.

Orders per day
Monthly payout
Indicative ROI
0 – 499
₹50,000
7%
500 – 999
₹1,00,000
15%
1,000 – 1,499
₹1,25,000
18%
1,500 – 1,999
₹1,75,000
26%
2,000 – 2,499
₹2,25,000
33%
2,500 – 2,999
₹2,50,000
37%
3,000 – 3,499
₹2,75,000
41%
3,500 – 3,999
₹3,00,000
44%
4,000 – 4,499
₹3,25,000
48%
4,500 – 4,999
₹3,50,000
52%
5,000 +
₹3,75,000
55%

Illustrative figures from the current model. Actual slab, ROI base (a new partner’s deposit is ₹80 lac; an existing partner’s is ₹75 lac) and terms are the brand’s and are confirmed on review.

The SLA performance incentive

On top of the OPD-slab payout, a weighted SLA score adds an incentive — or, below target, a matching deduction. This replaces the old performance multiplier and rewards consistently strong operations.

Incentive & deduction bands

SLA 1 (Score ≥ 85%)
+₹25,000
SLA 2 (Score ≥ 90%)
+₹50,000
SLA 3 (Score ≥ 95%)
+₹75,000
Maximum incentive (Score > 98%)
+₹1,50,000
Below target (Score at or under 65%)
down to −₹1,50,000

What the SLA score measures

Instore Speed (FM_80P)
40%
% DH Defects (Non-Café)
30%
Dock-to-Stock (D2S)
20%
Task Adherence
10%

Investment & ROI

The main commitment is a security deposit of ₹80 lac for a new partner (₹75 lac for an existing one), of which ₹72 lac is refundable after infrastructure and inventory reconciliation at store handover. A one-time brand fee of ₹1.18 lac (inclusive of 18% GST) books the store and is non-refundable. Because most of the deposit is refundable, ROI is measured as the annual payout against the capital committed. These are the brand’s charges; any LoQal consultancy fee is separate and disclosed upfront. All figures are confirmed on review.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Zepto franchise?+

You can begin by submitting an enquiry through our Franchise Consultancy. As an independent consultancy, LoQal Franchise Holdings helps prospective partners prepare a strong application and coordinates it with the Zepto team for evaluation. Once we understand your preferred city, available space, and investment capacity, our Franchise Consultants guide you through documentation and site details. Final availability and terms are confirmed on review by the brand's team. Sharing complete and accurate details upfront helps us move your application forward smoothly.

What is the cost or investment for a Zepto franchise?+

The investment for a quick-commerce dark-store partnership typically depends on factors such as city, store size, location, fit-out, and working capital. As an independent consultancy, we do not set or publish fixed fees on behalf of Zepto, and exact figures are confirmed on review by the brand's team. During your consultation, our Franchise Consultants will help you understand the likely investment components so you can plan your budget realistically. We encourage you to share your budget range so we can align your application accordingly.

Is a Zepto franchise the same as a dealership or distributorship?+

People often use the words franchise, dealership, and distributorship interchangeably, but a quick-commerce dark-store partnership works a little differently from a traditional retail dealership. A dark store is a compact fulfilment point that serves online orders rather than walk-in customers. The precise structure of any partnership, including roles and responsibilities, is defined by the brand and confirmed on review. Our consultants will explain the model clearly during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

How much can I earn from a Zepto franchise?+

Earnings from a dark-store partnership depend on many variables, including order volumes, city, operational efficiency, and running costs. As an independent consultancy, we do not promise specific returns on behalf of Zepto, and any earning potential is assessed and confirmed on review by the brand's team. Our Franchise Consultants can walk you through the factors that influence performance so you can build realistic expectations. We recommend treating any partnership as a genuine business that rewards good management and the right location.

What is the eligibility to apply for a Zepto franchise?+

Eligibility generally considers factors such as your access to a suitable commercial space, your investment capacity, and your commitment to running operations well. As an independent consultancy, we help you assess your readiness before your application goes to the Zepto team for evaluation. Final eligibility and approval are confirmed on review by the brand's team. The best first step is to share your city, available property, and budget so our consultants can guide you accurately.

What space or area is required for a Zepto dark store?+

A dark store is a compact fulfilment space designed for quick order picking and dispatch rather than customer footfall, so location and accessibility often matter as much as size. The specific space requirement varies by city and demand density, and it is confirmed on review by the brand's team. If you already have a commercial property in mind, do share its size and location details with our consultants. This helps us evaluate suitability and strengthen your application.

What is the step-by-step process to apply?+

The typical journey begins when you submit an enquiry with us. Our Franchise Consultants then understand your requirements, help you prepare your details and documentation, and coordinate your application with the Zepto team. After that, site suitability and terms are evaluated, and outcomes are confirmed on review by the brand's team. Throughout the process, we act as a coordination point between you and the Zepto team so you always know the next step. Starting with an accurate, complete enquiry helps everything move faster.

Who is LoQal Franchise Holdings, and are you Zepto?+

We are LoQal Franchise Holdings, an independent Franchise Consultancy. We are not Zepto and we do not represent ourselves as the brand. Our role is to help prospective partners prepare strong applications and to coordinate between you and the Zepto team during evaluation. This means you get informed guidance through the process, while all availability, terms, and approvals are confirmed on review by the brand's team. Think of us as your dedicated support for navigating the application journey.

Which documents do I need to apply for a Zepto franchise?+

Applications generally involve identity, address, and business or financial details, along with information about any commercial space you can offer. As an independent consultancy, we help you organise the right paperwork so your application is complete and well presented. The exact document checklist can vary and is confirmed on review by the brand's team. Our Franchise Consultants will share a clear list based on your specific situation once we begin your consultation.

How long does it take to get a Zepto franchise?+

Timelines can vary depending on your city, property readiness, documentation, and the brand's evaluation schedule. As an independent consultancy, we work to keep your application organised so there are fewer delays on your side. The actual approval timeline is determined and confirmed on review by the brand's team. The most helpful thing you can do is respond promptly to information requests, which keeps your application moving smoothly.

Is a Zepto franchise profitable?+

Quick commerce is a fast-growing space in India, and a well-located, well-managed dark store can be a genuine business opportunity. That said, profitability depends on order volumes, operating discipline, city dynamics, and costs, and we do not make earning promises on behalf of Zepto. Any performance expectations are assessed and confirmed on review by the brand's team. Our consultants can help you understand the key drivers so you approach the opportunity with clear, realistic expectations.

How is Zepto different from Blinkit or Swiggy Instamart for franchising?+

Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart all operate in India's quick-commerce space, each publicly positioning itself around fast grocery and essentials delivery. Partnership structures, requirements, and availability differ by brand and are defined by each company. As an independent consultancy, we focus on helping you apply to the Zepto opportunity and coordinate with their team, with terms confirmed on review. We are happy to discuss the quick-commerce model neutrally so you can make an informed decision.

Can I get a Zepto franchise in my city or town?+

Availability depends on where the brand is currently expanding and on local demand and site suitability. As an independent consultancy, we can note your preferred city and include it in your application for evaluation by the Zepto team. Whether a location is open for partnership is confirmed on review by the brand's team. Do share your city or area when you enquire, and our consultants will guide you on the possibilities and next steps.

Do I need prior business experience to apply?+

Prior business or retail experience can be helpful, but a genuine commitment to running operations well, access to a suitable space, and adequate investment capacity often matter just as much. As an independent consultancy, we help applicants from varied backgrounds prepare well-structured applications. Suitability is ultimately assessed and confirmed on review by the brand's team. If you are motivated and prepared, our Franchise Consultants will guide you through what is expected.

How do I contact a Franchise Consultant to get started?+

The simplest way to begin is to submit an enquiry through our website, sharing your name, city, preferred location, available space, and investment range. One of our Franchise Consultants will then reach out to understand your requirements and guide you through the next steps. We coordinate your application with the Zepto team, and all terms and availability are confirmed on review by the brand's team. The more complete your initial details, the sooner we can help you move forward.