Inside India's quick commerce boom: Earnings, growth & gig workforce trends

As companies expand operations and new players enter the market, the quick commerce industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge, with the workforce projected to reach nearly five lakh by 2025 year-end, as per the data shared by TeamLease. However, while the industry promises rapid employment growth, questions remain about the sustainability of gig jobs, benefits, and long-term viability.

 

Q-Comm Gig Workforce

 

Estimated Workers: 300,000 - 400,000

 

Dark store workers & delivery partners ratio: 1:3

 

Annual Growth Rate (FY23-FY24): 73% (vs 14% for broader e-commerce)

 

Projected Hiring Growth (CY25): 60%

 

Estimated Growth (CY25): 500,000

 

Top 3 Market Players

   

Total Employment: Nearly 3,00,000

 

Dark Store Workers: 60,000 - 70,000

 

Delivery Partners: 250,000 - 300,000

 

Q-Comm Workers' Earnings

 

Delivery Partners: 

 

Metro Cities: Rs 18,000 - Rs 23,000/month (Rs 216,000 - Rs 276,000/year)

 

Non-Metro Cities: Rs 15,000 - Rs 20,000/month (Rs 180,000 - Rs 240,000/year)

 

Dark Store Workers: Rs 12,000 - Rs 18,000/month (Rs 144,000 - Rs 216,000/year)

 

Additional Earnings & Incentives 

 

Incentives: Rs 2,000 - Rs 5,000/month

 

Festive Bonus: Lump sum during peak seasons

 

Attendance Bonus: Rs 500 - Rs 1,500/month

 

Retention Bonus: Rs 1,000 - Rs 3,000 for long-term commitment

 

Performance Bonus: Based on order volume & ratings

 

Boarding & Lodging Allowance: For migrant workers

 

Deductions

 

Statutory deductions

 

No penalties per se 

 

Source: TeamLease