eKart Franchise – How to Start

Starting an Ekart franchise in India can be a lucrative opportunity in the logistics sector. Ekart, owned by Flipkart, is one of India’s largest supply chain and logistics companies. This guide will take you through all the steps required to start an Ekart franchise, the costs involved, profit potential, and other essential aspects.

Ekart Company Overview

Ekart, established in 2009, started as the logistics arm of Flipkart to manage its delivery network. Over the years, Ekart has expanded its services to handle the logistics needs of third-party businesses and e-commerce platforms across India. Ekart delivers millions of shipments every month and offers services like same-day and next-day delivery. Their robust technology and infrastructure enable them to cater to both metropolitan cities and rural areas.

Ekart has become synonymous with reliable, fast, and secure delivery services, and its franchise model is an excellent way to tap into the booming e-commerce sector in India.

Why Start an Ekart Franchise?

India’s logistics market is expected to reach $380 billion by 2025. E-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon are investing heavily in supply chain infrastructure, creating more demand for logistics services. This makes it an excellent time to invest in an Ekart franchise. Some of the major reasons why the Ekart franchise is a lucrative profitable business are listed below:

• High Demand: The online retail market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2026.
• Brand Value: Ekart, being the logistics partner for Flipkart, ensures brand recognition and trust.
• Wide Reach: Ekart delivers to nearly every corner of India, including rural and tier 2 and 3 cities.
• Continuous Growth: As the demand for online shopping increases, so does the need for reliable logistics services.

Ways to Partner with Ekart

The company offers a wide range of partnership opportunities. You can do business with Kart in the following ways:

• B2c Express – Last-mile Ecom delivery
• B2B Express – PTL/FTL solutions
• Warehousing – Grade A storage space
• 4PL Solution – E2E SC solutions
• Community WH – Multi-Channel Fulfillment

Ekart Franchise Cost

Starting an Ekart franchise involves initial investments in setting up the delivery infrastructure, staff, and operational tools. Here’s a breakdown:

• Initial Investment: You will need around ₹5 to ₹10 lakh to start an Ekart franchise. This includes infrastructure setup, hiring staff, and buying delivery vehicles.
• Franchise Fee: Ekart does not charge a standard franchise fee, but there are operational costs involved.
• Office Space: You will need a warehouse or office space to manage parcels and logistics. The size will depend on the area you serve.
• Vehicles: The number and type of vehicles (bikes, vans) you require will depend on your delivery area and order volume.

Ekart Franchise Profit

The profitability of an Ekart franchise depends on multiple factors such as the location, delivery volume, and operational efficiency. On average:

• Revenue: You can expect a revenue of ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month, depending on the location and demand.
• Profit Margin: The profit margin for an Ekart franchise ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on efficient cost management.
• Break-even Point: Franchise owners can typically expect to break even within 1 to 2 years of operation, depending on the volume of deliveries and costs incurred.

Read: How to Start DTDC Courier Franchise in India 

How to Apply for an Ekart Franchise?

The process to apply for an Ekart franchise is straightforward:

• Visit Ekart’s Website: Go to the official Ekart website to check if franchise applications are open.
• Fill out the Application Form: You will need to provide basic details about yourself, your business experience, and the area where you want to operate the franchise.
• Business Proposal: Ekart may ask for a business plan or proposal outlining your strategy for operating the franchise.
• Review and Approval: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive training and support to start operations.

Ekart Franchise Requirements

To start an Ekart franchise, you must meet certain requirements:

• Experience: While no prior logistics experience is required, business management experience will be an advantage.
• Space: You need to have an office or warehouse space of at least 300-500 sq. ft.
• Vehicles: Delivery vehicles like bikes and vans will be necessary for your operations.
• Technology: Ekart uses advanced logistics management software, so basic tech skills are needed to use these tools.

Training and Support from Ekart

Ekart provides comprehensive training and support to franchise owners. This includes:

• Logistics Software: Training on using Ekart’s logistics management system for tracking deliveries, managing orders, and customer support.
• Operational Training: Ekart trains your staff on best practices for handling packages, delivery protocols, and maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Marketing Support: Ekart’s established brand ensures you receive continuous orders without needing extensive local marketing efforts.

Challenges of Running an Ekart Franchise

While running an Ekart business franchise has great potential, there are some challenges:

• Competition: The logistics industry in India is competitive, with players like Delhivery, Blue Dart, and Amazon Logistics.
• Operational Costs: Rising fuel prices and labour costs can impact your profitability.
• Delivery Delays: Meeting delivery timelines in rural areas oAnd r during extreme weather conditions can be difficult.

Read: Top Courier Franchises in India

Ekart Revenue Model

The revenue model for an Ekart franchise includes:

• Per Delivery Payment: Ekart pays its franchise partners per package delivered. This can range from ₹10 to ₹50 per delivery, depending on the type of service (same-day, next-day, etc.).
• Additional Services: Offering extra services like returns, COD management, and special handling can generate additional income.
• Volume Incentives: Some franchises may receive incentives based on high-volume deliveries or peak season performance.

Ekart Franchise Profit and Loss Scenario

Let’s consider a typical scenario for an Ekart franchise in a tier-2 city:

• Monthly Revenue: ₹1 lakh (from delivering around 3,000 orders at ₹30 per order)
• Monthly Expenses: ₹70,000 (including staff salaries, vehicle maintenance, rent, and fuel)
• Net Profit: ₹30,000 per month, giving an annual profit of ₹3.6 lakh

Tips for Running a Successful Ekart Franchise

• Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Timely deliveries and excellent customer service can set your franchise apart.
• Hire Reliable Staff: Your delivery personnel represent your business, so hiring well-trained and reliable staff is essential.
• Optimize Delivery Routes: Use technology and local knowledge to optimize delivery routes, saving time and fuel costs.

Contact Details

Here are a few general steps to obtain Ekart’s contact details for franchise-related inquiries:

• Visit Ekart’s official website to check for business partnership and franchise sections.
• Customer care number: Ekart’s customer service contact information is often available on their website for inquiries.
• Email: You may find an email for business inquiries related to franchising on their website.

For more accurate information, please check the Ekart website or Flipkart logistics page for updates and franchise inquiries.

FAQs

How much space is required to start an Ekart franchise?

You need a minimum of 300-500 square feet of space to set up a warehouse or office for package sorting and storage. The size may vary depending on the volume of shipments you plan to handle.

What is the potential profit margin of an Ekart franchise?

The profit margin for an Ekart franchise typically ranges between 10% to 25%, depending on factors such as delivery volume, operational efficiency, and area of service. Monthly revenue can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh, depending on the scale of operations.

How long does it take to break even with an Ekart franchise?

The break-even period for an Ekart franchise is usually between 12 to 24 months. However, this depends on your operational costs, the volume of deliveries, and the efficiency of your business.

Can I operate multiple Ekart franchises?

Yes, once your initial franchise is running successfully, you can explore opportunities to expand and operate more than one franchise in different locations.

What vehicles are needed to run an Ekart franchise?

You will need vehicles such as bikes, vans, or e-rickshaws to transport packages. The type and number of vehicles depend on the scale of your franchise and the area you cover.

Can I operate an Ekart business in rural areas?

Yes, Ekart services both urban and rural areas. However, managing logistics in rural regions may require additional resources and planning due to less accessible infrastructure.