Glossary

Zepto franchise & quick-commerce terms

The vocabulary behind the CPU payout model and quick-commerce fulfilment — in plain language.

CPU (Cost Per Unit): The all-in cost to fulfil one order (or unit) at a dark store, covering the operational expenses tied to picking, packing, and dispatching. It is a core efficiency metric used to gauge how lean a store's operations are.
Manpower CPU: The share of the per-unit cost attributable to staffing, such as pickers, packers, and store staff. Lower manpower CPU typically reflects better labour productivity per order handled.
Earning CPU: The per-order amount a partner earns for fulfilment, often structured as a fixed or slab-based payout per unit dispatched. Actual figures are confirmed on review of your specific agreement and location.
Performance Multiplier: A factor applied to base earnings that scales payouts up (or down) based on operational performance, such as meeting speed, accuracy, or volume targets. It rewards consistently strong store operations.
Dark Store: A compact, delivery-only micro-warehouse that stocks fast-moving items for quick fulfilment. It is not open to walk-in shoppers; its sole purpose is rapid picking, packing, and dispatch for online orders.
First-Mile Fulfilment: The initial stage of the delivery journey, from receiving and storing inventory at the dark store through to picking and packing an order so it is ready for the delivery rider. It sets the pace for the rest of the delivery.
OPD (Orders Per Day): The number of customer orders a dark store processes in a single day. It is a primary indicator of store throughput and helps estimate potential earnings and staffing needs.
U2O (Units to Order ratio): A measure of how many units are fulfilled relative to orders placed, reflecting average basket size and picking load per order. It helps in planning manpower and operational capacity.
SLA (Service Level Agreement): The agreed performance standards a store commits to, such as delivery-readiness time, order accuracy, and availability. Meeting SLAs is central to customer satisfaction and to qualifying for performance-based earnings.
Reimbursement / Opex: Operating expenses (Opex) are the day-to-day running costs of the store, such as rent, utilities, and consumables. Certain eligible costs may be reimbursed under the terms of your agreement, with specifics confirmed on review.
Expression of Interest (EOI): A formal, non-binding indication that a prospective partner wishes to be considered for a franchise opportunity. It typically kicks off the evaluation and due-diligence process.
Enquiry / Application: The initial step where a prospective partner shares their details, location interest, and investment capacity. Our Franchise Consultants use this to assess fit and coordinate next steps with the Zepto team.
Catchment: The geographic service area around a dark store from which it draws its customer orders. A strong catchment has good order density, favourable demographics, and manageable delivery distances.
Order Density: The concentration of orders within a catchment area. Higher density generally supports better route efficiency, faster deliveries, and healthier per-store economics.
Fill Rate / Availability: The percentage of ordered items that are in stock and successfully fulfilled without substitution or cancellation. High fill rate protects customer trust and supports steady order volumes.
Pick-Pack-Dispatch: The core in-store workflow: selecting the ordered items (pick), bagging them accurately (pack), and handing them to the delivery rider (dispatch). Speed and accuracy here directly drive SLA performance.
Franchise Consultant: An advisor from our independent consultancy who guides prospective partners through the enquiry, evaluation, and onboarding stages, coordinating between the applicant and the Zepto team. We are an independent consultancy and not Zepto itself.
Investment / Capex: The upfront capital expenditure needed to set up a store, covering fit-out, equipment, racking, and initial setup. Indicative ranges are shared during consultation and confirmed on review of your chosen location.

New to this? Start with the franchise guide or register your interest.