Blinkit Reinvents Seller Model: Now Holds Inventory, Sells Directly to Customers

 

Key Highlights

 

Blinkit, the quick commerce platform owned by Zomato’s parent Eternal Ltd, is set to overhaul its seller model starting September 1, 2025. The company will shift from a marketplace approach—where it connected buyers and sellers—to an inventory-led model, buying products from sellers and selling them directly to customers. This move is aimed at streamlining compliance, boosting operational efficiency, and accelerating Blinkit’s growth in India’s booming quick commerce sector.

 

What’s Changing for Sellers

 

• Sellers will no longer need to maintain multiple GST registrations or FSSAI licenses for every state where Blinkit operates. Instead, Blinkit will assume responsibility for inventory, regulatory compliance, logistics, and downstream taxation, consolidating everything under its own legal entity.

• Sellers can now operate with a single GST registration, reducing administrative burdens and allowing them to focus on product selection, pricing, and merchandising.

• Commercial terms such as storage fees, commissions, and payout timelines remain unchanged. Sellers retain control over product listings and pricing, while Blinkit manages inventory and compliance.

 

Transition Timeline

 

• Sellers must opt in to the new model by July 30, 2025, or risk having their listings blocked.

• Inventory will be transferred to Blinkit’s system by August 31, with final settlements completed by September 3.

 

Why the Change?

 

• The shift follows Eternal Ltd’s recognition as an Indian-owned entity, a key requirement for compliance with foreign investment rules.

• Blinkit aims to simplify onboarding and scaling for sellers, offering advanced analytics, performance dashboards, and auto-recall features for underperforming products.

• The new model is expected to help Blinkit expand faster and provide sellers with better tools and reach as the platform grows.

 

Sources: NewsBytes, Moneycontrol, WareIQ