Meesho has very much established itself as a leading e commerce player in India which is very much the case with small scale businesses, resellers and customers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We see a unique model which they have put in place that allows individuals to put up what they are selling on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. While the digital aspect of the business is large scale, what also plays a key role in their success is there delivery network. To meet out the increasing demand and to also see to it that the shipments are done in a timely manner the company has gone in to a franchise model for delivery partners.
A Meesho delivery franchise is a logistics and distribution hub which we see as a point of collection, sorting out, and drop off of products to customers in a given area. We see this model as a way to improve the last mile of the supply chain which in turn increases the trust between our buyers and sellers. It is very important that one understand how the system works before you get into a franchise which in that process you also get clarity on what are your responsibilities, what is the investment required and what are the long term returns.
Requirements to Begin a Meesho Delivery Franchise.
Space and Infrastructure
To start a Meesho delivery franchise what you do require is adequate space for operations. We see that unlike large warehouses which are a must for some businesses, Meesho franchises do not require huge storage areas out which the products’ movement is very fast from the distribution center to the end customer. But we do insist on a clean, organized and secure location for optimal performance. Also it is best if the space is easy to access and is in a place which does not cause unnecessary delay in management of deliveries.
In terms of space we require basic infrastructure like racks, scales, packaging tables and delivery equipment. Also we have a small office set up which includes computer systems and internet to track and update shipment status. Meesho gives to its delivery partners a digital platform which is used to report on deliveries, returns and customer feedback.
Manpower and Workforce
Running a delivery franchise requires a dedicated team in which there is a set of delivery personnel, supervisors, and support staff. Also our business is in the last mile delivery space which means our primary asset are the delivery boys and agents. We put in great effort to train them in package handling, customer care, and time management.
Hiring personnel which are from the local area is to our benefit which in turn reduces delivery times and we see improved efficiency. Also we have supervisors which see to it that operations run smoothly, packages are out on time and we attend to customer issues as they come up. Workforce management is a continuous process, also as we grow in terms of orders the team size may have to be increased.
Investment and Costs
One out of the top elements to look at when you are just beginning a Meesh which is the financial aspect. We see that the investment for the most part is a function of location, infrastructure requirements and labor costs. Also as compared to other e commerce franchise models Meesho is a more budget friendly option which in turn makes it a better play for the small scale entrepreneur.
The at start out we have the cost of setting up the office, buying equipment, and hiring staff. Also as we go along we will put out money toward rent, salaries, fuel and maintenance. It is a relatively large investment which we present as a good go but which also requires very careful planning in which we put in place to see that the business is profitable.
Application for Meesho Delivery Franchise.
Contacting the Meesho Franchise Team
To start out the process a franchisee interested in Meesho should approach the main Meesho team via the website or through authorized reps. Meesho will put forth a franchise application which the interested party has to fill out which includes information on location, available space, and business background. Once in, the application goes in for a review which is to determine if the applicant is a good fit.
If short listed the Meesho team will go in for in depth discussions which will see into the applicant’s ability to handle a delivery franchise. We look at the infrastructure they have in place, their financial health, and what they know of operations. At this point transparency is key which in turn sets the base for trust between both parties.
Agreement and Onboarding
Once we get approval of the application the next step is to sign a franchise agreement with Meesh at. This agreement details out the terms of the partnership which include revenue share, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Post signing the agreement we go into the onboarding process which is when Meesho provides training, access to our software tools, and operational guidelines.
Training is a key element in which we see that the franchise team gets to know how to run orders, deal with returns, and improve customer satisfaction. Once that is out of the way and systems are put in place the franchise is good to go into full scale operation.
Issues and Prospects of Running a Meesho Delivery Franchise.
Operational Challenges
In the case of any logistics business a Meesho delivery franchise has its issues. We see that last mile delivery is a challenge which includes traffic issues, customer not at home, and dealing with broken or wrong items. Also it is hard to achieve timely delivery and at the same time manage costs in areas which have rough terrain or bad road infrastructure.
Another issue is that of customer expectation management. Today’s customers require faster delivery times and so any delay tends to see them dissatisfied. Thus it is of great import that we focus on operational efficiency and to also think proactively about issues which may arise.
Growth Opportunities
On the issue of growth, we see that running a Meesh in delivery franchises also sees great opportunity. With the fast rise of online shopping in India which we are seeing especially in the smaller cities the demand for great delivery services is only growing. By teaming up with Meesho we see a steady flow of orders which in turn guarantees consistent business throughout the year.
Also we see that which franchises do well usually get more business from Meesho which in turn expands their market area and revenue. Also over time a successful franchise will scale up its business, hire more personnel and in that time become a key logistics player in the area.
Conclusion
Starting out a Meesho delivery franchise is a great business play for entrepreneurs looking to get into the logistics sector with a large and fast growing partner. As the Indian e commerce industry continues to grow which it is — the need for effective last mile delivery will only see growth. Through the implementation of the best infrastructure, recruitment of solid staff, and in putting in effective management which works franchise owners will do well to run a very successful and sustainable business.
While there are issues present in the field at present the long term opportunities are great which is what attracts this business to those willing to put in the effort. With Meesho’s success and support increasing a delivery franchise not only provides financial return but also plays a role in the growth of e commerce in India.
