Zepto Shipping Guide — Warehouse, JIT, Dark-store (2026)

Zepto's fulfilment model — Zepto dark-store network (350+ in Tier-1/2) — dictates warehouse strategy, working-capital lock-in, and delivery promise. Top brands don't pick one — they operate a hybrid: hero SKUs in warehouse for ranking + slow-movers via JIT for capital efficiency.

Fulfilment model comparison

Warehouse setup checklist

1. 1
   Category-buyer approval for warehouse

   Zepto's warehouse team requires category-buyer sign-off. Not all sellers get warehouse access.
2. 2
   SKU selection

   Only top-30 SKUs by velocity should go to warehouse. Rest via JIT.
3. 3
   Barcoding + packaging spec

   Marketplace-compliant barcodes + packaging spec. Non-compliance triggers rejection at intake.
4. 4
   Storage + intake fees

   Storage: ₹40–120/unit/month. Intake: 2–4% of MRP. Reverse logistics: ₹80–200/unit.
5. 5
   Inventory replenishment cadence

   Weekly replenishment based on velocity forecast. Under-stock hurts rank; over-stock costs money.

Common shipping gotchas

• Under-stocking → SKU goes out-of-stock → ranking collapse → 2–3 weeks to recover
• Wrong barcoding → intake rejection + return-to-seller freight
• JIT dispatch > 72 hours → seller score drops
• Warehouse for slow-movers → dead capital + storage fee drag