This Dhanteras, quick-commerce platforms Blinkit and BigBasket have launched express delivery services for gold and silver coins, bringing traditional festive purchases closer to customers’ fingertips with delivery times as fast as 10 minutes. This initiative caters to the increased demand for precious metals during Diwali, ensuring customers can make timely and auspicious purchases from trusted brands.

Blinkit’s Offerings

Blinkit is offering a range of gold and silver coins specifically for Dhanteras, promising delivery within just 10 minutes. Their offerings include 10g silver coins and gold coins in 1g and 0.5g options, all sourced from reputable brands such as Malabar, Joyalukkas, and MMTC. Highlighting this as a “Dhanteras special,” CEO Albinder Dhindsa shared that the service aims to bring convenience to Blinkit’s customers during the festive season.

BigBasket’s Collaboration with Tanishq

BigBasket, a TATA Enterprise, has also joined the quick-delivery trend by collaborating with the well-known jewelry brand Tanishq. This partnership allows customers to choose from exclusive Tanishq coins, including:

• A 10g Lakshmi Ganesh silver coin of 999.9 purity
• A 1g 22-karat gold coin
• A 1g gold coin featuring a Lakshmi motif

BigBasket promises a 10-minute delivery of these coins across various cities, expanding its services beyond groceries to cater to festive demand.

Strategic Insights

Seshu Kumar, Chief Buying and Merchandising Officer at BigBasket, explained that this collaboration with Tanishq reflects the platform’s strategy to offer more diverse products during the festive season.

“This Diwali, BigBasket is committed to fulfilling our customers’ needs in just 10 minutes,” Kumar stated.

Growing Trend in Quick Commerce

The launch of express delivery for gold and silver coins by Blinkit and BigBasket showcases a growing trend in quick commerce, making traditional purchases more accessible through digital platforms. This shift not only meets the rising demand for online shopping during festive times but also offers customers a convenient way to observe traditional celebrations.

Market Context

As the demand for quick commerce continues to rise, especially during festive seasons like Diwali, companies are increasingly focusing on enhancing their service offerings. The ability to deliver precious metals within minutes aligns with consumer expectations for speed and convenience in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Conclusion

The introduction of 10-minute delivery services for gold and silver coins by Blinkit and BigBasket marks a significant development in the quick commerce sector. By catering to the festive needs of consumers while leveraging partnerships with established brands like Tanishq, these platforms are poised to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.

As this trend continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other players in the market respond and whether similar initiatives will emerge in other sectors of retail. The integration of traditional purchasing methods with modern technology illustrates the potential for innovation in enhancing consumer access to goods during key cultural celebrations.

The Tata Group is making its move into the quick commerce sector with the launch of Neu Flash, an extension of its e-commerce platform Tata Neu. This new service aims to compete with leading players like Zomato’s Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, which currently dominate the ultra-fast delivery market.

Market Entry and Strategy

According to a report by the Economic Times, Tata joins other major players like Flipkart and Reliance Industries in the quick commerce segment. Neu Flash is set to roll out to select users soon, offering a diverse range of products including groceries, electronics, and fashion.

Product Segmentation

The grocery segment will be powered by BigBasket, while Croma will supply electronics, and Tata Cliq will manage fashion and lifestyle items. This strategic partnership allows Tata to leverage its existing resources while expanding its footprint in the competitive quick commerce landscape.

Competitive Landscape

Tata’s entry into the quick commerce space comes as Flipkart has recently launched its own service, “Minutes,” and Reliance JioMart is re-evaluating its approach after previously discontinuing its 90-minute delivery option. Currently, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto hold about 85% of the quick commerce market, making competition fierce as this sector continues to grow rapidly, outpacing traditional e-commerce and retail.

Recent Developments in Competitors

Additionally, Zepto is raising $150 million from local investors following a substantial $1 billion funding round in just two months. This financial backing further intensifies competition with Blinkit, which commands around 40% of the market share.

Integration with Existing Services

Furthermore, Tata’s e-pharmacy, 1mg, which delivers medicines within a few hours in select regions of Delhi-NCR, is expected to fully integrate with Neu Flash as well. This integration will enhance Tata’s overall service offerings and provide a more comprehensive shopping experience for users.

Future Growth Potential

As consumer preferences shift towards faster delivery options, Tata’s Neu Flash aims to capitalize on this trend by providing a seamless shopping experience. The company’s established brand reputation and extensive distribution network could give it a competitive edge in attracting customers who prioritize convenience.

Conclusion

Tata’s entry into the quick commerce sector with Neu Flash marks a significant development in India’s rapidly evolving retail landscape. By leveraging its existing platforms and partnerships, Tata aims to carve out a substantial share of the market currently dominated by established players like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto.

As this initiative unfolds, it will be crucial for Tata to effectively execute its strategy and differentiate itself in a crowded marketplace. The success of Neu Flash could redefine consumer expectations for delivery speed and service quality in India’s burgeoning quick commerce sector. 

Zomato has launched a new “Order Scheduling” feature, allowing users to pre-plan their food orders for precise delivery timing. This addition enables customers to schedule orders up to two days in advance, making it ideal for organizing office lunches, weekend gatherings, or even daily coffee routines.

Expanding in the E-Catering Industry

Currently available across 35,000+ restaurants in 30 cities, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune, the feature aims to enhance convenience and flexibility for Zomato users. The introduction of this feature aligns with Zomato’s strategy to improve user experience and cater to the growing demand for reliable food delivery services.

How It Works

With Order Scheduling, customers can set delivery times ranging from two hours to two days ahead. After selecting their items, they choose a delivery time at checkout. If their preferred time slot is unavailable, Zomato suggests an alternative. Users can also cancel scheduled orders up to three hours before the planned delivery time, providing added flexibility.

Benefits for Restaurant Partners

The Order Scheduling feature not only benefits customers but also supports restaurant partners by helping them manage capacity and balance order flow during slower hours. This can lead to steadier sales, as restaurants can better anticipate demand. Integration of the feature requires no additional training for restaurant staff, allowing for seamless adoption. Restaurant partners can also select which menu items are available for scheduled orders.

Built-In Safeguards

To ensure reliability, Zomato has implemented several safeguards:

• Only restaurants with strong records of timely preparation and high availability are eligible.
• Restaurants receive advance notifications for scheduled orders.
• They control which items are available for pre-order, reducing the chance of substitutions or shortages.

Market Context and Strategic Importance

The introduction of the Order Scheduling feature is part of Zomato’s broader strategy to differentiate itself in a competitive market where players like Swiggy are constantly innovating. By offering a service that caters to both individual users and businesses requiring precise delivery timing, Zomato enhances customer loyalty and attracts new users who value flexibility in their food ordering experience.

Customer Feedback

Initial responses from users have been positive, with many expressing excitement about the convenience of scheduling meals ahead of time. This feature is particularly appealing to corporate clients, families, and individuals who prefer planning their meals in advance.

Future Expansion Plans

Zomato plans to expand this feature beyond the initial 30 cities and may eventually offer it across all orders regardless of value. The company aims to continuously improve its service offerings based on customer feedback and operational capabilities.

Conclusion

Zomato’s launch of the Order Scheduling feature marks a significant advancement in its service offerings, enhancing the overall food delivery experience for users. By allowing customers to pre-plan their meals and providing reliable delivery options, Zomato is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving food tech landscape.

As this feature rolls out and gains traction among users, it will be interesting to see how it influences customer behavior and impacts Zomato’s market position relative to its competitors. The focus on convenience and reliability reflects changing consumer preferences in an increasingly busy world.