Most of us these days find ourselves craving for a snack at midnight or someone close to us reminding us about an essential item late at night, only to realize the majority of the stores are closed.
Quick commerce apps like Zepto & blink have helped us in solving this problem by delivering essential items 24/7 in just a few minutes. They are playing a vital role in a busy and lazy world providing a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap in.
Quick commerce has quietly changed how we go about our everyday shopping. Whether it’s ordering dinner after a long day or getting groceries without stepping out, these apps have made life a lot easier. They sit somewhere between traditional e-commerce and the need for “I want it now,” delivering what you need—fast and without the usual wait.
If the idea of building a quick commerce app has been on your mind, now’s a good time to take it seriously. It’s more than just a trend—it’s how people live today.
Understanding the business model of quick commerce apps
The success of quick commerce models like 10-minute delivery isn’t accidental—it’s built on a carefully designed system. At the heart of it are dark stores—small, strategically located warehouses that hold inventory close to high-demand areas. This setup makes it possible to fulfill the majority of orders in just minutes.
Speed alone doesn’t keep the model running. These platforms typically partner with gig workers to keep their delivery fleets agile, dispatching orders almost immediately after they’re placed.
Revenue comes in from multiple streams:
- Commission fees from merchants on every order
- Platform charges for listing and operating dark stores
- Sponsored product placements that bring in ad revenue
- Delivery charges, which may vary based on location or order value—something many platforms introduced after initially offering free delivery to attract user.
Smart Features That Power Today’s Best Quick Commerce Apps
To build a successful quick commerce business, enterprise brands need a feature-rich, mobile-first app that simplifies buying and ensures smooth backend operations. Key features include: intuitive UI/UX, multilingual support, real-time inventory updates, vendor and delivery management, multiple payment options, built-in customer support, marketing tools, and detailed analytics. The app should also allow easy customization for local events and promotions.
With Zethic Technologies, enterprise brands get a robust mobile-first platform with a built-in app builder—no coding needed. All websites can be turned into PWAs, ensuring app-like performance even on low internet speeds.
Best ways to build your next Q-commerce app
- Define the core functionalities and features of your app
- Finalize the tech-stack you want to use to build.
- Investing in the right infrastructure
- Designing easy to use UI/UX
- Setting up logistics & delivery operations
- Continuous testing & bug fixes
Steps to build an quick commerce app
- A clean, user-friendly interface that makes it easy for buyers to browse, choose, and place orders—whether they’re at home or on the go.
- Easy customization options so your app can quickly adapt for local festivals, promotions, or regional offers without starting from scratch.
- Multilingual support to help you connect with buyers in their preferred language, making the experience feel local and personal.
- A solid vendor management system that lets you onboard and manage sellers from different regions without hassle.
- Clear product listings with detailed descriptions and high-quality images, so customers know exactly what they’re buying.
- Real-time inventory visibility for both buyers and admins, helping avoid stock-outs and confusion.
- Flexible payment options—from digital wallets to cards—so buyers can check out smoothly, their way.
These steps sound easy but actually every step has its own challenges and countering it is not everyone’s cup of tea. There are also a few more things which you must consider like whether you are going for the project in-house or outsourcing it to a reliable quick commerce app development agency.
If you want an app that works as fast as your customers think, Zethic has you covered.
Build faster, sell smarter—Zethic makes quick commerce truly seamless.
