By Saksham Arora Big Basket was founded in 2011 in Bengaluru and has grown into India’s largest online grocery delivery brand. It built its name by offering fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, household items and essentials through a fast and organised delivery network. As online grocery demand increased across cities and towns, Big Basket expanded rapidly. Many entrepreneurs now explore the option of becoming a Big Basket partner.
This article explains the franchise model, total investment, cost structure, requirements and earning potential.
About the Big Basket Brand
Big Basket is known for reliable delivery, a wide product range, clean storage standards and strong customer trust. The brand uses a dark-store model, which means products are stored in a mini warehouse instead of a walk-in retail shop. Orders are packed and delivered directly to customers. This system allows faster service, less wastage and high order volume. Because the brand maintains strict quality control, partners must follow clear operational guidelines.
Is Big Basket a Franchise or Partner-Based Model?
Big Basket does not offer a traditional retail franchise model.
You cannot open a regular grocery shop under the Big Basket name.
What Big Basket allows in India:
- Dark Store Partner – store used for order packing and delivery
- Last-Mile Delivery Partner – focuses on completing deliveries
- BB Daily / BB Now Micro-Store Partner – smaller, fast-delivery units
These formats are privately owned by partners but must follow Big Basket’s standards for storage, technology and service.
Total Big Basket Dark Store Investment Cost in India
The Dark Store model is the most popular partnership because it handles stock and delivery operations.
Typical investment range:
- Small Dark Store: ₹10–12 lakh
- Medium Dark Store: ₹12–18 lakh
- Large Dark Store: ₹18–25 lakh
Most partners fall in the ₹12–18 lakh bracket depending on city, space size and inventory.
Big Basket Delivery Partner (Last-Mile) Investment Cost
This model focuses only on deliveries and requires lower investment.
- Setup Cost: ₹2–5 lakh
- Required Vehicles (2–3 bikes): ₹1–2 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹1–2 lakh
Total investment generally comes to ₹4–7 lakh, making it suitable for small entrepreneurs.
Big Basket Franchise Cost Breakdown
- Store Interiors & Setup: ₹2–5 lakh
- Racks, Freezers & Storage Equipment: ₹2–4 lakh
- Initial Inventory Purchase: ₹5–12 lakh depending on size
- Software, Billing & Tech Setup: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
- Staff Hiring & Training: ₹1–2 lakh
- Branding & Signage: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹2–3 lakh
- Rental Deposit: depends on area and city
Inventory and setup cost form the biggest share of investment.
Space & Location Requirement
- Dark Store: 800–1500 sq ft
- Micro Store / BB Now Unit: 400–800 sq ft
Locations do not need prime road frontage, but easy access for delivery bikes and vendor trucks is essential. Big Basket inspects and approves the location before onboarding.
Profit Margin & ROI for Big Basket Partners
Big Basket partners earn through fixed commissions and performance-based incentives.
- Net Profit Margin: 8%–15% depending on order volume
- Micro Store Partners: may earn higher due to fast-delivery demand
- Monthly Profit: varies from ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh
- ROI Timeline: 12–24 months
Grocery demand is stable throughout the year, which keeps income steady.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Big Basket does not charge royalty like a traditional franchise.
Partners handle:
- Rent and electricity
- Staff salaries
- Inventory restocking
- Store maintenance
- Approved branding and promotions
Big Basket conducts regular audits to ensure cleanliness, stock accuracy and order efficiency.
Support Provided by Big Basket
- Assistance in store layout and setup
- Training for stock management and order packing
- Access to brand technology and app systems
- Operational support for delivery routes and order flow
- Guidance on inventory planning
The operational support helps new partners run smoothly even without retail experience.
Who Should Invest in a Big Basket Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹5–25 lakh investment ability
- People comfortable managing daily operations
- Investors looking for stable, essential-goods business
- Those who want a tech-driven retail model
- Suitable for tier-1, tier-2 and fast-growing tier-3 cities
It works best for people who prefer steady monthly income over high-risk ventures.
Risks & Challenges
- High order rush in peak hours
- Inventory spoilage if not managed properly
- Strict quality and hygiene standards
- Dependence on delivery speed and accuracy
- Competition from other quick-commerce brands
However, grocery demand remains stable even during economic slowdowns, making this model safer than many retail categories.
How to Apply for Big Basket Franchise Partnership
- Submit business and financial details
- Share property documents and location photographs
- Big Basket reviews store suitability and partner capability
- On approval, sign agreement and begin store setup
- Install equipment, integrate the tech system and train staff
- Stock initial inventory and go live on the app
Once activated, your store starts receiving orders from nearby customers.
Conclusion
Big Basket does not offer a traditional franchise, but partners can operate dark stores, micro stores or delivery units under the brand’s strict guidelines. With an investment ranging from ₹4 lakh to ₹25 lakh, entrepreneurs can tap into India’s growing online grocery market. For those seeking a stable, daily-demand business with strong brand support, Big Basket’s partner model offers a reliable long-term opportunity—especially for people willing to manage operations and maintain quality.