India’s quick commerce sector is grappling with a shortage of delivery partners, as demand for them far outpaces supply. Even as platforms aggressively onboard riders, high attrition rates, declining per-order payouts, and frequent switching between platforms are straining operations during a period of intense growth.

“Quick-commerce platforms are currently facing a severe shortage of delivery partners, a challenge that is deepening as demand grows with the rapid expansion of services and new store launches,” said Kartik Narayan, CEO-Staffing at TeamLease Services. He cited the example of a Bengaluru dark store that remained short-staffed even when daily order volumes hit 1,500 orders.

Shortage of workers

The market, projected to grow to $5.38 billion by 2025 from $3.3 billion in 2024, is witnessing platforms like Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit expand by over 200 per cent in the past two years. However, this growth has come at a cost.

“Currently employing over 400,000 bikers, the quick commerce industry has come a long way in a short period of time. However, due to a rise in competition from logistics and e-commerce players, the gap between the demand for delivery partners and supply is widening rapidly,” explained Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services.

The shortage has been heightened by declining compensation and harsh working conditions. Per-order payouts have dropped significantly, making the job financially unviable for many workers.

“Earlier, payouts reached ₹40 per order during heavy rains; the average has now dropped to ₹25, making long hours in challenging conditions financially unviable,” Narayan added. This 35-40 per cent decline in earnings, combined with aggressive 10-15 minute delivery timelines, has created unsustainable working conditions.

High attrition rates

The sector is also battling high attrition rates, with workers frequently switching between platforms or leaving entirely. “The average tenure has been approximately 13 months over the past couple of years,” Narayan said, highlighting the retention challenges.

Many delivery partners are migrating to other sectors seeking better opportunities. “Many delivery partners in quick commerce are switching to other gig sectors like EV-based delivery platforms and logistics due to higher earnings, better incentives, better work conditions and growing job opportunities,” said Sanketh Chengappa KG, Director and Business Head-Professional Staffing at Adecco India.

Weather conditions are adding to the challenges. “Harsh weather conditions derail the delivery process, as many riders reported taking a few hours off daily to stay safe from the heat in cities like New Delhi,” Alug observed.

Hybrid employment models

Companies are now exploring structural interventions beyond traditional incentives. “Companies are exploring hybrid employment models offering more stability, career growth pathways through upskilling and internal promotions, optimised delivery zones and micro-fulfilment centres, flexible scheduling, community support hubs for rest, safety, and grievance redressal,” Chengappa noted.

“Neither the State government nor the Centre is providing any social security. Neither do the aggregator companies. This is the main reason of the shortage.”

”The social security benefits should come from the platforms, not the government. That is the responsibility of the platforms. Government is the second responsibility. The aggregator doesn’t offer a guaranteed job. The aggregator says you’re a freelancer- you come and do the work and leave,” said Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) President, Shaik Salauddin.  

“The social security benefits should come from the platforms, not the government. That is the responsibilityof the platforms. Government is the second responsibility. The aggregator doesn’t offer a guaranteed job. The aggregator says you’re a freelancer- you come, do the work and leave,” he said.

The industry’s ability to address these workforce challenges will be crucial in determining whether quick commerce platforms can sustain their ambitious growth trajectory or face operational bottlenecks that could reshape the competitive landscape.

Published on June 26, 2025