Blinkit Eases Seller Burden With Recall Fee Waiver During Inventory Model Shift

Quick commerce platform Blinkit, owned by Eternal (Zomato), is easing its transition to an inventory-first model by waiving the ₹5 per unit recall fee for sellers until October 15, 2025, as per the news reports. The initiative is aimed at offering flexibility and support as the company overhauls its operational structure.

Blinkit’s Transition to an Inventory-Based Model and Fee Waiver

Blinkit, based in Gurugram, has started shifting from its earlier marketplace model to an inventory-led structure. In this new model, Blinkit will directly purchase inventory from sellers, rather than merely storing products in its dark stores. 

To facilitate this change, the company is offering a waiver on the ₹5 per unit recall fee until October 15, 2025. This waiver includes all past and current recall requests, allowing sellers to retrieve unsold stock at no cost during the transition window.

Impact of Structural Shift on Sellers

Starting September 1, 2025, Blinkit will manage the buying and listing of inventory internally. Sellers unwilling to comply with the new structure will be required to take their stock back. Previously, a reverse logistics cost would apply, but with the recall fee now waived temporarily, it offers a cost-saving opportunity for sellers navigating the transition.

Read More: Eternal Incorporates a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Blinkit Foods Limited; Share Price in Focus!

Operational and Financial Metrics Reflect Growth

In the June quarter, only 3% of Blinkit’s net order value (NOV) originated from the inventory-led model. However, Blinkit’s gross order value (GOV) surged 140% year-on-year to ₹11,821 crore, while NOV increased 127% year-on-year and 25% sequentially to ₹9,203 crore. This indicates strong platform growth amidst the infrastructure revamp. The transition is expected to enhance fulfilment control and streamline logistics operations.

Competitive Landscape in the Quick Commerce Sector

Blinkit competes directly with Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes and JioMart. As Blinkit adopts a purchase-based inventory model, similar firms are also aligning operations for better control and costs. Companies are adding platform, handling, and delivery-related charges to improve unit economics and long-term profitability.

Conclusion

Blinkit's recall fee waiver until October 15, 2025, aligns with its goal to ease seller concerns during the model shift. As it grows into a full-scale inventory-led platform, such initiatives may encourage broader seller participation and smoother logistical execution.

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