Q-commerce redefines speed

Quick commerce is based on the combination between digitalisation, urban warehouses and innovative logistics solutions. Companies like Gorillas, Flink or Getir specialise in delivering food and other goods to the front door in less than 30 minutes. Urban markets show particular potential here:

• Impulse buying: The clients use Q-commerce services to satisfy spontaneous needs, for instance to buy missing ingredients or order snacks.
• Convenience and time-saving: The customers appreciate the comfort of not having to go shopping themselves.
• Digitalisation of the buying decision: Orders are carried out via apps that show algorithm-based personalised recommendations and campaigns.

Regarding food sales this means that fast availability, optimised product placement and targeted marketing strategies are essential.

Q-commerce offers a unique opportunity to make products visible in urban areas and bring them directly to the target group. Sales teams should pursue the following strategies:

Partnerships with delivery services

A close cooperation with Q-commerce companies is decisive. The aim here is to optimally place products in the digital product ranges of the platforms. The following are important:

• Selection of products: Focus on products that are suitable for spontaneous buying, such as snacks, beverages or fresh food.
• Brand positioning: Development of a strong brand presence through visually attractive product photos and concise descriptions.
• Exclusive products: Development of product lines that are optimised especially for the needs of Q-commerce, such as smaller package sizes or sets for specific occasions.

Data-driven decisions

Q-commerce companies dispose of valuable real-time data on buying behaviour. Sales teams can use it to:

• understand target groups better,
• recognise trends earlier,
• adapt sales strategies dynamically

One of the main advantages of Q-commerce lies in the fact that customers often order spontaneously. This opens up new options for personalised sales campaigns and cross-selling strategies.

Personalised sales campaigns

The apps of Q-commerce services enable tailor-made offers to be sent to the target group directly. Examples:

• Push messages: Campaigns like "2 for 1" or discounts on frequently purchased products can target customers directly.
• AI-based recommendations: Algorithms analyse past purchases and recommend suitable products, which increases the conversation rate.

Cross-selling opportunities

By bundling products multiple purchases can be generated. The following are conceivable:

• Product bundles: Combinations of snacks and beverages or ingredients for a certain recipe.
• Dynamic recommendations: On adding a product, complementary items are suggested.

Focus on availability and delivery times

Sales teams have to ensure that their products are always available. Delivery delays or unavailable items lead to negative buying experiences and impact the brand value.

Cooperating with Q-commerce services makes it necessary to adapt traditional sales strategies. The following aspects are decisive here:

Dynamic pricing

In Q-commerce the pricing has to be flexible. It has to be possible to change discounts or campaign prices fast in line with the market developments. Here, sales employees can:

• test dynamic price strategies,
• carry out special campaigns to address new target groups,
• use price differences between online and offline sales.

Efficient logistics and product availability

Smooth logistics is the key to success in Q-commerce. Sales teams should cooperate closely with delivery services and logistics partners to:

• optimise supply chains
• deliver products efficiently to micro fulfillment centres,
• monitor stocks in real-time and avoid bottlenecks.

Branding in the digital environment

Brands are often only a click away from their competitors in quick commerce. So, sales strategies should strengthen the digital visibility, for example using:

• online marketing campaigns: Cooperation with Q-commerce services for targeted advertising measures.
• social media: Usage of platforms like Instagram or TikTok to make products attractive for younger target groups.
• influencer cooperations:Working together with influencers, who present the product in realistic everyday situations.

In spite of the urbanity and speed of Q-commerce, regionality remains to be an important trend. More and more consumers are placing importance on sustainable, regional products. Sales teams can use this to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Regionality as a sales argument.

Products of regional origin are especially appealing in Q-commerce. So, the sales strategies should:

• emphasise the origin and production methods,
• tell the stories behind the products,
• place the emphasis on sustainability certificates

Cooperation with local production teams

Quick commerce companies are frequently open to partnerships with regional delivery companies. This creates a win-win situation.

• Local production teams profit from a new sales channel.
• Q-commerce services can position themselves as sustainable and customer-oriented.

Curated offers

By integrating regional and seasonal products, quick commerce platforms can create a USP. Sales employees should make sure they promote such offers in a targeted manner.

In spite of the opportunities, the quick commerce sector also brings challenges with it in terms of sales:

• High price pressure: The Q-commerce customers expect low prices, which puts pressure on the margins.
Solution: Focus on premium or niche products, which the customers are prepared to pay more for.
• Fast market changes: The dynamics in Q-commerce demands flexibility.
Solution: Development of agile sales structures that can react fast to changes.
• Competition through own brands: Many Q-commerce companies rely on own brands.
Solution: Reinforce brand loyalty through innovative products and exclusive partnerships.

Quick commerce is revolutionising the food industry and offers immense sales opportunities. Sales employees can tap into new sales channels, promote spontaneous buying decisions and build a stronger bond to the target group using regional products. The decisive factor here is understanding the dynamics of the market and reacting flexibly to changes.

The combination between urban speed and regional authenticity will shape the future of the food industry. Sales strategies that combine these two aspects can be successful long-term - both in the competition against other companies as well as in gaining the loyalty of demanding customers.