Zepto Seller Guide:
Listing Products & Operations

This guide details the process for becoming a Zepto seller, focusing on product listing, eligibility, documentation, commission structures, and post-launch strategies for success in India’s quick-commerce market.

Understanding Zepto’s Quick-Commerce Model

Zepto is a quick-commerce platform enabling 10-15 minute delivery of daily essentials, groceries, and snacks. Its operational model relies on a network of strategically located “dark stores” (micro-warehouses) to facilitate rapid order fulfillment. This model is ideal for businesses dealing in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) seeking high-volume daily orders from urban customers demanding instant gratification.

Zepto Seller Eligibility

To partner with Zepto, businesses must be legally registered in India. Zepto typically partners with:

• Manufacturers
• Brand owners
• Distributors
• Super stockists
• Authorized resellers
• Local Kirana stores selling high-demand daily essentials

The core requirement is providing products suitable for the quick-commerce model, i.e., items customers need immediately.

Required Documentation for Zepto Seller Onboarding

A comprehensive set of documents is necessary for the Zepto seller onboarding process and to meet vendor requirements:

• GST Certificate: Mandatory for most product categories.
• PAN Card: For the business entity or proprietor.
• Bank Account Details: A cancelled cheque or bank statement from the business account.
• FSSAI License: Essential for any edible products.
• Business License or Certificate of Incorporation: Proof of legal business registration.
• Aadhar Card: For identity verification.
• Address Proof: For the store or warehouse location.
• Brand Authorization Certificate: Required if selling another brand’s products as an authorized reseller.
• Drug License: If applicable to pharmaceutical product categories.
• Detailed Product Catalog: Including high-quality images and clear descriptions.

The verification process by Zepto’s team can take several days to 30-45 days.

The Zepto Category Manager (CM) Model

Zepto differentiates itself from other e-commerce platforms by assigning a dedicated Category Manager (CM) to each seller, rather than offering a self-serve product upload portal. The CM serves as the primary point of contact and guide for:

• Negotiating Commercial Terms: This includes discussing margins, Zepto commission and fees (typically 10-25% based on product category), and promotional budgets.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Facilitating the official onboarding and listing of products.
• Market Expansion: Strategizing and facilitating expansion into new cities.

This hands-on approach ensures personalized support throughout the Zepto seller registration and Zepto product listing guide process.

Product Listing and the Zepto Seller Hub

Sellers provide a comprehensive inventory list to their CM for the how to list products on Zepto process. This catalog must include:

• Product Names and Descriptions: Concise, informative, and compelling.
• High-Quality Images: Essential, ideally with white backgrounds and multiple angles. For packaged goods, images must show ingredients, nutritional information, storage instructions, and manufacturer details.
• Competitive Pricing: Discussed with the CM.
• SKU Details: For inventory management.
• Relevant Categories and Attributes: Accurate classification is crucial.

Zepto enforces strict standards for product quality, legality, and safety.

Upon approval and going live, sellers gain access to the Zepto Seller Hub, an online portal for:

• Monitoring product listings.
• Setting and updating pricing.
• Managing and updating stock levels in real-time.
• Tracking orders and managing returns.
• Analyzing sales trends and performance data.

Zepto Commissions and Customer Fees

Sellers incur Zepto commission and fees on each sale, generally ranging from 10% to 25%, with variations by product category.

Customer-facing fees have historically included:

• Platform Fees: Small fees (e.g., ₹2) on specific orders.
• Delivery Fees: Typically ₹5 to ₹28, based on cart value (often free).
• Handling Charges: Ranged from ₹5 to ₹20.
• Late-Night & Surge Fees: For orders placed during off-peak hours or high demand.

Recent Developments:

• The “All New Zepto Experience” campaign (late 2025) aimed to eliminate handling, rain, and surge fees, potentially boosting customer satisfaction.
• The “Zepto Pass” (launched February 2024) is a membership program offering benefits like free delivery on orders over ₹99 and discounts, promoting customer loyalty.

Post-Launch Strategies for Zepto Sellers

Sustained success on Zepto requires ongoing strategic management:

• Inventory Management: Accurate, real-time stock updates are critical to prevent overselling and ensure customer satisfaction in a 10-15 minute delivery model.
• Pricing Strategy: Maintain competitive yet profitable pricing. Collaborate with the CM on promotions and discounts.
• Scaling Up: Introduce new SKUs as products gain traction. Work with the CM to expand into new cities and participate in exclusive offers or bundled deals.
• Staying Informed: Regularly review Zepto’s policies and utilize Seller Hub analytics. The quick-commerce landscape is dynamic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What kind of businesses can sell on Zepto?

A1: Legally registered businesses in India, including manufacturers, brand owners, distributors, super stockists, authorized resellers, and local Kirana stores, are eligible. Products must fit the quick-commerce model, especially FMCG items.

Q2: What documents are required to become a Zepto seller?

A2: Essential documents include GST Certificate, PAN Card, bank account details, FSSAI License (for edibles), Business License/Certificate of Incorporation, Aadhar Card, address proof, and a detailed product catalog. Brand Authorization and Drug Licenses may be needed depending on the product type.

Q3: How do I list my products on Zepto? Is there a self-serve portal?

A3: Zepto assigns a dedicated Category Manager (CM) after registration acceptance. The CM guides the product onboarding and listing process; there is no direct self-serve portal for product uploads.

Q4: What are the typical commission fees for selling on Zepto?

A4: Zepto commission and fees generally range from 10% to 25% per sale, varying by product category. These rates are negotiated with the Category Manager.

Q5: How important is inventory management for Zepto sellers?

A5: Inventory management is critically important. Accurate, real-time stock levels are essential for the 10-15 minute delivery model to avoid overselling and ensure customer satisfaction. The Zepto Seller Hub facilitates stock management.

Q6: Can I expand my product offerings or reach to new cities through Zepto?

A6: Yes, as your products gain traction, you can work with your Category Manager to introduce new SKUs and expand your reach into new cities.

Q7: What is the “Zepto Pass” and how does it benefit sellers?

A7: The “Zepto Pass” is a membership program launched in February 2024 that offers customers benefits like free delivery on orders over ₹99 and discounts. This can foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases, indirectly benefiting sellers through increased sales volume.

Q8: How does Zepto’s Category Manager model differ from other e-commerce platforms?

A8: Unlike platforms where sellers manage product uploads via a self-serve dashboard, Zepto assigns a dedicated Category Manager who actively guides sellers through the entire process, from negotiation to product onboarding and market expansion.

Q9: What kind of product images are required for listing on Zepto?

A9: High-quality images are non-negotiable. They should be clear, well-lit, ideally with white backgrounds, and show multiple angles. For packaged goods, images must display essential information like ingredients, nutritional details, and manufacturer information.

Q10: What is the typical verification period for new Zepto seller applications?

A10: The verification process for new seller applications can take anywhere from a few days up to 30-45 days.