In Delhi today, grocery delivery in 10 to 20 minutes has become the new norm thanks to hyper-fast apps like Zepto and Blinkit. But what about the booming world of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands? Can they ever match this lightning speed and win over customers who expect instant gratification?

For years, D2C brands in India have struggled to keep pace with the quick commerce revolution. While consumers are used to near-instant deliveries for essentials, many D2C startups still rely on slow traditional courier services or have to list their products on massive marketplaces. This reliance often means they lose control over their brand, customer data, and profit margins.

This gap between slick Instagram ads and delivery times of 3 to 5 days is frustrating customers and limiting sales. Industry reports show that faster delivery options can boost cart conversions by up to 30% and significantly improve success rates for cash-on-delivery (COD) payments. So speed isn’t just a convenience; it’s a real business driver.

Enter Pikndel, a Delhi-based logistics startup co-founded by Siddharth and Tullika Batra. They’re tackling this problem head-on, enabling D2C brands to offer ultra-fast delivery — think 1-hour, same-day, and next-day options — without having to depend on giants like Amazon, Blinkit, or Zepto.

The Founders’ Journey: From CA to Logistics Trailblazers

Siddharth Batra’s story is a classic tale of entrepreneurial grit. Starting at Delhi’s prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), he was on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant. But his passion for building businesses pulled him away from the conventional route.

In 2015, Siddharth launched a B2B logistics startup that was profitable and bootstrapped — quite an achievement. But the challenge of scaling it to serve the retail market, where costs and complexity are much higher, made him hit pause. Determined to grow smarter, he enrolled at the Indian School of Business (ISB) and later joined Boston Consulting Group, sharpening his strategic skills.

Yet, the urge to build something impactful remained strong. Together with his partner Tullika, Siddharth set out to solve a critical pain point for D2C brands — fast, flexible delivery.

How Pikndel Bridges the Speed Gap

Pikndel’s model is simple but powerful. Instead of forcing D2C brands into marketplaces or slow delivery networks, Pikndel offers a tailored logistics solution that puts brands back in the driver’s seat. Their platform connects brands directly with a network of delivery partners capable of fulfilling ultra-fast delivery promises.

This approach means D2C companies can promise customers delivery times that compete with the likes of Blinkit and Zepto — a massive upgrade over the traditional 3-5 day waits that have long frustrated buyers.

What makes Pikndel stand out:

• Speed: Offering delivery options as fast as 1 hour in metro areas.
• Control: Brands keep ownership of their customer data and brand experience.
• Flexibility: Options for same-day and next-day delivery across multiple cities.
• Scalability: A tech-driven platform that adapts to each brand’s unique needs without ballooning costs.

Why Speed Matters More Than Ever

Faster delivery isn’t just a convenience; it can change the entire economics of online retail. When customers receive products quickly, they’re more likely to complete their purchase and less likely to abandon carts. Additionally, the success rate of COD payments increases because the purchase feels more immediate and trustworthy.

For D2C brands competing in crowded markets, speed can be a decisive factor that turns casual browsers into loyal buyers.

The Road Ahead for D2C and Logistics

With rising consumer expectations shaped by quick commerce giants, D2C brands must evolve or risk losing relevance. Pikndel’s innovative logistics solution is proving that smaller brands don’t have to be left behind in the race to deliver fast.

As urban customers get used to lightning-fast delivery, expect more startups like Pikndel to emerge, giving D2C brands the tools to compete on speed without sacrificing margins or brand identity.

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