How to Sell on BigBasket in India?

BigBasket welcomes a wide range of businesses, whether you're a local manufacturer, wholesaler, or emerging FMCG brand, there’s room for you to grow on the platform.

BigBasket mostly collaborates with businesses that sell FMCG and grocery goods. This includes:

• Packaged food and staples (rice, flours, spices, snacks, etc.)
• Beverages (tea, coffee, juices, bottled drinks, health drinks)
• Dairy products, eggs, and bakery items
• Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables) and meat/fish/eggs farms
• Organic foods and wellness products
• Personal care and home-cleaning FMCG

In short, if you make or distribute any food or daily need product, you can apply. For example, packaged snack companies, juice manufacturers, or even local vegetable and fruit farmers can partner with BigBasket.

(In fact, BigBasket has special channels for farmers to supply produce or poultry; farmers can contact specific BigBasket merchandisers for fruits/vegetables or meat.) Broadly, BigBasket lists products across food, beverage, personal care, household, and other FMCG categories.

Required Licenses

To be a seller, you need a legal business identity. You should have:

1. GST Registration: Most BigBasket sellers need a GST number (GSTIN) to sell legally. You will provide your GST details when you register.
2. PAN Card: Financial transactions and business registration require a PAN.
3. FSSAI License: If you sell any food, dairy, meat or organic items, an FSSAI (Food Safety) license is mandatory. This ensures food safety compliance.
4. Bank Details: You’ll upload a cancelled cheque or bank proof so BigBasket can pay you.
5. If you have a micro/small business: your MSME certificate can also help, though it’s optional.

During registration, each seller is required to provide BigBasket with scanned copies of these documents. BigBasket even allows registering with just a PAN and FSSAI (if no GST) for very small players, but GST is strongly recommended.

Local vs National Sellers

BigBasket offers local and national sellers flexibility. When listing, you can choose which cities or regions to cover. If you only have supply in one region, you can select that geography on the portal. BigBasket will then place orders for customers in your chosen zones. If you’re a large company, you can register nationwide and target all cities where BigBasket operates.

In either case, you’ll coordinate shipping to the appropriate fulfillment centers. BigBasket’s system lets you map your distributors or stores to those centers. This way, even small businesses can start regionally and expand later.

Becoming a seller on BigBasket involves a few structured steps to ensure compliance, quality, and smooth operations. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or farmer, following these steps will help you onboard seamlessly and start reaching millions of customers across India.

Step 1: Visit the Seller Portal

1. Go to partner.bigbasket.com : this is often referred to as the “BigBasket Vendor Portal” or “BB Sambandh.”
2. Look for a link that says “Seller Registration” or “Seller Registration.”
3. Click that link to open the seller application page.
4. You’ll see an option to start a new seller application; click to proceed.
5. (Optional) If you are redirected to the BB Sambandh site, simply follow the registration steps shown there to begin your onboarding process.

Step 2: Fill in Business and Product Details

In the registration form, enter your company information:

• Business name, address, structure (proprietorship/LLP/Pvt Ltd), and contact info (email, phone).
• Choose your product categories (e.g. groceries, beverages, snacks, personal care).
• Provide your GSTIN and PAN numbers.
• Enter your bank account details (account number, IFSC) for payments.
  Fill out all fields accurately; errors here can delay approval. Also specify what states or cities you will supply (select geographies as allowed).

Step 3: Submit KYC Documents

Upload scanned copies of your business licenses and bank proof. This typically includes:

• GST certificate
• PAN card
• FSSAI license (if applicable)
• Cancelled bank cheque or statement
• and any business registration docs.

Make sure the scans are clear. BigBasket may also ask for address proof, letter of authorization, trademark certificate, etc., as part of verification.

Step 4: Approval and Onboarding

After submission, a BigBasket representative reviews your application. They will email you status updates. This could be immediate approval or requests for clarification.

During this time, have all your paperwork ready in case they ask for any fixes. Approval times may vary; some third-party sellers mention 1–2 months.

Step 5: Access your seller dashboard

Once approved, you’ll get login credentials for the BigBasket Seller Portal. Log in at partner.bigbasket.com (or the vendor portal link) to access your seller dashboard. This is where you list your products, set prices, view orders, and track performance. From this dashboard, you can manage inventory, fulfill orders, and communicate with BigBasket’s team. (The confirmation email or portal should guide you on how to log in.)

Pro tip: Keep your BigBasket seller login and portal link handy. If you lose credentials, there is usually a “forgot password” option, or you can contact seller support. You can also visit the BigBasket Sambandh portal (for larger suppliers) by going to the BigBasket partner site.

BigBasket evaluates sellers based on legal compliance, product quality, packaging standards, and operational readiness. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or farmer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to deliver consistently and comply with their marketplace guidelines.

Make sure you have all legal documents in order. BigBasket will ask you to upload your documents mentioned earlier.

1. Product quality and packaging standards

BigBasket maintains stringent criteria for both product quality and packaging. Your products must meet the required safety and labeling standards. For food items, this means proper FSSAI labels and hygiene. To ensure that products arrive fresh, packaging needs to be robust and tamper-evident.

Poor packaging or bad quality can lead to order cancellations or delisting of your listings. (A vendor services partner notes that BigBasket mandates compliance with visual and regulatory guidelines, including FSSAI labeling for food.)

2. Fulfillment capabilities and location criteria

You should be able to fulfill orders reliably. This means having stock on hand and a plan to ship to BigBasket’s designated fulfillment centers. BigBasket’s registration process even asks you to list your distributors and map them to their fulfillment centers.

Essentially, you must coordinate so that when an order comes in, you or your logistics partner can move the product to BigBasket’s warehouse on time. Sellers with their own warehousing near fulfillment hubs are at an advantage. If you are far away, plan for quick transportation or local agents so deliveries to the center aren’t delayed.

3. Inventory and pricing control

On BigBasket, you control your stock and pricing. Keep your product quantities updated on the portal so customers don’t order out-of-stock items. Real-time inventory updates are crucial. BigBasket itself highlights the need for accurate stock to minimize unavailable items.

Additionally, set your prices carefully. Competitive pricing is key on marketplace platforms. Experts advise defining prices that allow a profit margin after BigBasket’s commission and any discounts.

Understanding how commissions and payments work is key to setting the right prices and protecting your profits.

1. Commission Structure

BigBasket follows a percentage-based commission model. This means a certain percentage of each sale is charged as commission by the platform. The exact rate depends on product category, brand type (own vs. third-party), and whether BigBasket handles fulfillment. While BigBasket does not publicly list a flat rate, industry sources suggest typical commission ranges around 12–20% of the selling price.

Some higher-cost items or special categories could see higher rates, up to 30%, as some reports mention. Always confirm your category’s rate when listing products; the BigBasket team should inform you of the commission for your items.

2. Payment cycle and deductions

BigBasket typically pays sellers on a regular cycle (often weekly or bi-weekly), though the exact schedule can depend on your seller account terms and history. The earned amount (selling price minus commission + any fees) is credited to your bank account per BigBasket’s schedule.

Note that BigBasket may withhold commissions and handle deductions for returns or cancellations. For instance, if a customer returns an item, BigBasket will refund the order and deduct that amount (including commission) from your next payout.

3. Return/refund policy impact

BigBasket’s consumer-friendly return policy means products can be returned on delivery if they are damaged or not as described. As a seller, be aware that returned or rejected products will result in no payment for those items, and possibly a commission clawback. BigBasket’s system handles returns and adjustments. To avoid losses, pack carefully and list only products you guarantee.

Reach the right buyers at scale; BigBasket connects your products with high-intent grocery shoppers nationwide.

1. Market reach and customer base

BigBasket brings your products to millions of shoppers nationwide. The platform serves 300+ cities and towns and has delivered groceries to over 10 million customers. Compared to local stores or smaller apps, BigBasket’s scale means much higher exposure for your products. Its established customer base also means more orders from day one.

2. Trust and brand value

BigBasket is a well-known brand (part of Tata Digital) and India’s pioneering online grocer. Customers trust BigBasket for quality and service. Being on BigBasket means your products are associated with this trust. The reputation of BigBasket was further enhanced in 2021 when the Tata Group purchased the majority (64.35%) of the company. As one of the first and biggest e-grocers in India, BigBasket’s name helps attract buyers that other platforms might not reach.

3. Logistics and operational support

Selling groceries requires tight logistics, and BigBasket handles much of this for you. The company uses refrigerated warehouses and temperature-controlled trucks to keep fresh items safe. When you sell, BigBasket will tell you which fulfillment center (warehouse) to send your goods to.

Once you list a product and receive a purchase order, you simply ship the items to their center. The order is then distributed to the customer using BigBasket's delivery network. This means you don’t need your own delivery fleet; BigBasket’s logistics takes that burden off your shoulders.

4. BigBasket vs other platforms

BigBasket specializes in FMCG and grocery, whereas marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart sell everything. This focus gives BigBasket an edge in quality control for food, produce, and daily essentials. The platform often offers faster delivery for perishables and more targeted marketing to grocery shoppers. In fact, BigBasket is often described as “India’s largest online supermarket.”

For fresh foods and staples, customers flock to BigBasket. By contrast, general e-tailers may not push grocery items as prominently. Therefore, selling food and household goods on BigBasket can mean reaching dedicated grocery buyers and benefiting from the platform’s grocery-focused services.

Selling on BigBasket isn’t just about listing your products; it’s about building a reliable, high-performing storefront that keeps customers coming back. To succeed, you need to actively manage listings, fulfill orders efficiently, and stay on top of customer needs. Below are some key strategies to help you grow your sales and reputation on BigBasket.

1. Keep Listings Accurate and Attractive

Your product listings are the first thing customers see. Use clear, keyword-rich titles and detailed descriptions. Mention size, flavor, features, and any benefits. Add bullet points if needed. Upload high-quality images from multiple angles, blurry photos can kill sales. If your item goes out of stock, update it right away to avoid cancellations.

2. Process Orders and Coordinate Smoothly

Once you receive a purchase order, pack it as per BigBasket’s packaging rules, use sturdy boxes, proper seals, and cold-chain packaging if needed. Deliver items quickly to BigBasket’s fulfillment center. They handle customer delivery, but any delay on your end can hurt your seller rating. Always confirm shipments and monitor delivery timelines on your seller dashboard.

3. Use Your Seller Dashboard

BigBasket provides useful analytics through its Seller Dashboard. Track metrics like Order Defect Rate, Cancellation Rate, and On-time Delivery. Identify bestsellers and weak performers. Sync your inventory with the dashboard and reduce order defects by staying updated on your stock levels and packaging quality.

4. Price Smart and Stay Competitive

Price plays a major role in BigBasket rankings. Research your competitors and adjust your pricing to stay attractive while still making a profit after commission. Watch for BigBasket’s discount campaigns or commission-based promotions. You can also offer bundle deals like “Buy 2 Get 1” to increase average order value.

5. Join Promotions and Seasonal Campaigns

BigBasket frequently runs festive promotions and special discounts. These are great chances to boost visibility and sales. You can apply for lightning deals or sponsored product placements. Participating in campaigns can help you reach more customers, especially if your product is priced right and packaged well.

6. Provide Excellent Service and Respond Fast

Customer support matters. Quick replies to customer queries and seller support tickets improve your rating. High seller scores mean better search placement. Negative reviews, on the other hand, can lower your visibility. Aim for good packaging, fast fulfillment, and professional problem resolution.

1. Product rejections or delistings: If BigBasket removes a listing, it’s often due to quality or compliance issues. For example, improperly labeled food or poor packaging can cause delisting.

Solution: To overcome this, double-check your listings against BigBasket’s guidelines. Improve packaging by using sturdy, BigBasket-approved boxes and seals. Implement your own quality checks, only ship out fresh, matching stock images and descriptions. If a product is rejected, edit the listing to fix the problem (e.g., update the image, add missing nutritional info). Then resubmit it for review.

2. Logistics and delays: Sometimes shipments to the fulfillment center get delayed, causing late deliveries or cancellations.

Solution: Mitigate this by keeping good lead time. Ship orders as soon as they are placed, or even upload inventory in advance if a pre-order. If you face transit issues, communicate proactively with BigBasket support. They may offer suggestions like alternate drop-off points. Also, consider using BigBasket’s own logistics if eligible, so they handle the pickup from you. Planning inventory levels higher for fast-moving items helps avoid stockouts and delays too.

3. Handling negative reviews: Bad reviews can hit your sales rank. If a customer complains.

Solution: Responding to feedback (if the system allows) politely can mitigate damage. Internally, address the root cause of complaints to prevent repeat issues. Reward positive reviews by maintaining consistency; positive word-of-mouth will outpace occasional negatives.

4. Maintaining profitability with commissions: BigBasket’s fees can squeeze margins, especially for low-priced staples.

Solution: To stay profitable, optimize costs: negotiate better rates with suppliers, use cost-effective packaging, and bundle items (combo packs often have better margins). Focus sales on higher-margin items if possible. Keep an eye on fees: for example, some sellers suggest that essentials may carry a lower commission (12%) than luxury goods (20-30%). Regularly analyze which products earn you the most net profit and push those. Also, watch out for hidden costs (like higher commissions on big-brand items or fees for extra services) and price accordingly.