Smart Assortment: How to Decide Which SKUs Deserve Q-Com Shelf Space in India?

In the race to win the 10-30 minute delivery promise of Q-Com platforms, every inch of your virtual shelf space matters. But with limited slots and hyper-local demand, how to prioritise your SKUs?

Here’s how you can turn the game around-

1. Data-Driven Selection and Demand Forecasting: Brands can leverage real-time sales data, demand forecasts, and customer insights available through Q-Com portals to identify high-performing SKUs across various regions, seasons, and consumer segments. Additionally, insights derived from the brand's own sales channels, including D2C platforms & major shopping websites such as Amazon & Flipkart, provide valuable information regarding the performance of specific SKUs in different cities.

In this way, brands can effectively manage shelf space for their top SKUs using predictive analytics.

2. Following the “Pareto Principle” (80/20 Rule): Identifying the top 20% of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) that generate 80% of sales on these platforms is crucial for brands. Due to the complexities of the Q-Com supply chain and the need for stock to be allocated to dark stores alongside the primary warehouse, maintaining a streamlined and easily trackable inventory is essential. 

Brands should focus on "HERO" SKUs that drive most sales. The Q-Com channel is not intended for "Range Demonstration" but emphasises effective execution. This approach will enhance inventory management & optimise fulfilment processes to better meet customer demands.

3. Regional and Catchment Optimisation: The selection of SKUs is tailored to specific cities or areas, taking into account local demand patterns and performance data from various platforms. Brands should conduct an analysis of sales data on a city-wide and channel-specific basis to ensure that the appropriate products are stocked in suitable locations.

4. Leverage “Bundling Opportunities": Consumers in India demonstrate a strong preference for value-oriented combination offerings. Even the compact packaging of high-frequency SKUs, when presented in an economical price range, captures customer interest. For instance:

- A Namkeen Combo, which includes one pack (28 g*6 pieces of assorted flavours) priced at ₹81. 

- A combination of Britannia Little Hearts Classic Crunch Biscuits & Britannia Pure Magic Choco Stars Chunky Chocolate Topped Cookies (70 g + 68.9 g) offered at ₹50. 

- The RiteBite Max Protein Choco Chips Cookies paired with Max Protein Peri Peri Chips (55 g + 60 g) are available for ₹89. 

Such initiatives underscore the effective strategy of employing combination packs to enhance consumer engagement and encourage product trials. 

Your Quick Commerce Shelf Space serves as your competitive landscape.

Struggling to crack the code?

DM us to audit your SKU mix & dominate Q-Com platform shelves, made effortless for Indian businesses.