Ekart, the logistics arm of Flipkart (launched in 2009), is India’s largest dedicated express delivery network—serving over 3,800 PIN codes and managing millions of shipments monthly. Its robust infrastructure and brand legacy make an Ekart franchise (or delivery partner network) a compelling option for entrepreneurs seeking scalable logistics business models.
💸 Franchise Models & Investment Breakdown
Ekart offers multiple delivery partner/franchise formats to suit varying capital and scale:
| Model Type | Investment | Space Needs | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Partner | ₹50 k–1 L | Minimal (rider-based) | Vehicle, basic app-enabled device |
| Standard Franchise | ₹1–2 L | 400–600 sq ft | Computer, scanner, printer, CCTV |
| Hub‑&‑Spoke (Master) | ₹2–5 L | 800–1,000 sq ft+ | Warehouse setup, multiple vehicles |
Example investments:
- Basic franchise: ₹1–2 L, with ₹50k–1 L in refundable security ●
- Hub model: ₹2–5 L including deposit ●
- Delivery partner: ₹50k–1 L, no warehouse required ●
Additional costs include store interiors (₹40k–1 L) and equipment investment (₹50k–1 L range).
🔁 Franchise Model & Revenue Share
Ekart partner formats primarily operate on a FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) basis:
- Franchise Fee / Deposit: ₹50k (area level) to ₹1 L (district level). Master-level deposits may be higher.
- Royalty or commission: Typically 10–15%, with franchisee retaining 85–90% of shipment revenue.
- Franchise Tenure: Contracts span 2–5 years, depending on format .
- Support includes: Flipkart+Ekart branding, logistics tech, training, delivery aggregation tools, and standardized SOPs.
📈 Profitability & ROI Outlook
Revenue ranges based on model scale:
- Standard franchise (400–600 sq ft):
- Profit: ₹30k–70k/month.
- ROI period: ~12–18 months.
- Delivery partner (solo or small fleet):
- Profit: ₹20k–40k/month.
- Payback: ~6–12 months.
- Hub‑&‑Spoke model:
- Profit: ₹70k–1.5 L/month.
- ROI: Attractive if managed well.
Example projection (franchisee managing ~160 parcels/day at ₹80/package):
Revenue ~₹3.84 L/month; after ₹2 L cost base → ~₹1.84 L profit → payback in 1–2 months.
Average margin range: 15–20% per transaction.
✅ Eligibility & Setup Prerequisites
Must-Haves:
- Age: 21+. Educational background flexible (10th pass minimum).
- Space: 300–600 sq ft (franchise); minimal for delivery partner .
- Equipment: Computers (3+), barcode scanners, printers, CCTV, UPS, high-speed internet, delivery vehicles for hub models.
- Staff: Typically 3–10 employees depending on model.
- Documentation: Aadhar, PAN, GST, shop/trade license, lease documents, bank statements.
- Operational readiness: Clean criminal history, business ethics, trained management.
🛠️ Support & Training
Ekart provides:
- Initial Training: Including logistics, IT tools, and process SOPs.
- Toolkit: Delivery app, inventory, tracking, routing, and billing systems .
- Ongoing Support: Technical, operational, and performance management.
- Brand & Tech Backing: Access to Flipkart/Ekart network, safer leads and marketing.
⚠️ Risks & Challenges
Service-related red flags (from Reddit):
User complaints of delays, missing parcels, poor accountability, and fraudulent COD schemes suggesting unauthorized agents misuse Ekart’s brand.
Poor customer service infrastructure, low agent morale, and incorrect delivery practices.
“Beware of Ekart COD scam […] parcel with no branding, COD ₹799”.
This underscores the need for strong SOPs, strict staff vetting, and branded visibility to protect reputation and margins.
📝 How to Apply
- Visit Ekart Logistics’ official Partner or Franchise section (though some pages request not to apply proactively).
- Submit your expression of interest and business background.
- Participate in a screening call/automated assessment.
- Host Ekart’s site inspection in your proposed location.
- Sign official deal and remit deposit + equipment costs.
- Set up premises with brand and hardware standards.
- Attend training workshops.
- Launch operations with Ekart’s support.
- Monitor monthly KPIs: parcel volume, delivery timeliness, customer feedback.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Invest | Space | Profit/Month | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Partner | ₹0.5–1 L | Rider-only | ₹20k–40k | 6–12 months |
| Standard Franchise | ₹1–2 L | 400–600 sq ft | ₹30k–70k | 12–18 months |
| Hub & Spoke Franchise | ₹2–5 L | 800–1,000 sq ft | ₹70k–150k | ~12 months |
🧭 Final Take
An Ekart franchise represents a scalable opportunity in India’s booming e-commerce logistics landscape. With low-to-moderate upfront investment (₹0.5–5 L), accessible margin models (~15–20%), and Flipkart-focused volumes, it’s a compelling micro-business. However, real success demands strong operational discipline, brand responsibility, and customer service focus—especially to steer clear of field-level service issues and fraud perceptions.
If you’re exploring a franchise in Delhi/NCR or anywhere around India and need help with site evaluation, financial forecasting, or application prep, I’m here to help you build your logistics enterprise the right way
Shashi Kant is the Founder and Editor of BusinessScroller.com, a leading platform for business insights, finance trends, and industry analysis. With a passion for journalism and expertise in business reporting, he curates well-researched content on market strategies, startups, and corporate success stories. His vision is to provide valuable information that empowers entrepreneurs and professionals. Under his leadership, BusinessScroller.com has grown into a trusted source for in-depth articles, customer care guides, and financial expertise.
