Zepto dark store franchise appeals to prospective entrepreneurs because its operating principles prioritize speed along with efficiency and customer satisfaction to attract new market entrants. A comprehensive guide outlines everything from cost investment needs and prerequisites to business profit potential and the startup process of the Zepto franchise operating model.
Zepto Franchise Models
For the most part, Zepto has 2 key franchise models for its prospective investors:
Company Owned and Franchise Managed (COFM):
The outlet or micro-store would be owned by Zepto, but the day-to-day operations are managed by a franchisee.
On the other hand, franchising is also becoming popular in developing countries like China, where Zepto provides the infrastructure, branding, and marketing support needed as company-operated stores, while the franchisee focuses on efficient management and customer service.
How much does Zepto franchise cost?
The total investment to start Zepto franchise is between 20 lakhs to 40 lakhs including franchise fees, initial inventory, equipment costs, working capital, setup costs, and others. This investment may vary depending on the location and size of the franchise. Here is the detailed cost breakdown of Zepto franchise:
Total investment 30 lakhs to 50 lakhs
Infrastructure investment: ₹10 to 20 lakhs for micro warehouse setup (version racks, refrigeration units and storage facilities)
Franchise Fee: Zepto charges a franchise fee of Rs 2 to 5 lakhs to provide access to open your Zepto branded outlet.
Equipment Cost: Rs 5 to 10 lakhs (Delivery vans + POS systems + Warehouse software)
Capital required to start operations: Rs 10-15 lakhs to stock a variety of grocery items in the micro warehouse.
Additional Expenses: Around Rs 5 to 10 lakhs including rent, staff salaries, marketing expense and insurance.
Startup Inventory: To purchase 2-3 months stock as initial stock, an investment of Rs 2 to 5 lakhs is required.
Working Capital: To meet daily expenses such as employee salary, vehicle management and others, a working capital of Rs 5 lakhs is required.
Franchise Agreement Term: The franchise agreement term for the Zepto franchise is 5 years.
Royalty Fee: Zepto does not charge any royalty fees to the franchisee for providing marketing, advertising, and ongoing support.
This cost breakdown ensures that franchisees are fully prepared to meet the financial requirements and operational demands of running a Zepto establishment.
Source: Zepto Franchise

