Quick commerce uses algos to bunch orders, save costs

The strategy is reshaping q-commerce, turning rapid delivery to a data-driven logistics game

- Sakshi Sadashiv

Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, Flipkart Minutes and BigBasket adopt batching-grouping nearby orders into a single run for better efficiency and profitability.

(MINT)

Quick-commerce platforms, under pressure from fierce competition and push for profitability, are adopting 'batching’—the practice of grouping nearby orders into a single delivery run.

Algorithms now assess proximity, order value, delivery time and rider availability to combine multiple orders efficiently. And, platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, Flipkart Minutes, and BigBasket are turning what was once a delivery sprint into a complex logistics exercise.

Analystssay batching is more than a cost adjustment—it marks a key turning point for quick commerce. “Over time, these algorithms will start prioritizing customers,” said Madhur Singhal, managing partner, consumer and internet, at Praxis Global Alliance.

“This will allow platforms to enable premiumization and potentially launch premium subscriptions to reward loyal customers,” he added.