In the world of e-commerce, logistics and delivery services play a crucial role in ensuring that products ordered online reach the customers promptly and efficiently.
One company that has made significant strides in this area is Ekart, a leading logistics and supply chain company in India. But one question that frequently arises is whether Ekart belongs to Flipkart, one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms.
The short answer is yes—Ekart is Flipkart’s in-house logistics arm, but there’s more to the story. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Ekart tracking, its relationship with Flipkart, and the significant role it plays in the Indian logistics ecosystem. We'll also look at how Ekart operates independently while still being tightly integrated with Flipkart’s broader business model.
The Origins of Ekart and Flipkart
To understand Ekart’s relationship with Flipkart, it’s important to first look at the origins of both companies.
Flipkart was founded in 2007 by Sachin and Binny Bansal, two former Amazon employees who saw the potential for an e-commerce platform in India. Initially, Flipkart started as an online bookstore, but it quickly expanded its offerings to include a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing to home goods. As Flipkart grew, so did the need for a reliable and efficient delivery network.
Recognizing the limitations of third-party logistics providers in meeting the demands of a growing e-commerce platform, Flipkart decided to create its own logistics division. This led to the birth of Ekart in 2009. Originally developed to meet the internal logistics needs of Flipkart, Ekart soon became a significant player in the logistics space, serving not only Flipkart but also third-party e-commerce businesses.
Ekart’s Role in Flipkart’s Success
Ekart was instrumental in the rapid growth of Flipkart. By creating an in-house logistics division, Flipkart was able to take control of the entire supply chain, from the moment a customer placed an order until the product was delivered. This end-to-end control gave Flipkart the flexibility to implement faster delivery times, improve customer service, and reduce dependency on external logistics providers.
One of the key factors behind Flipkart’s success was its ability to offer delivery services that matched or exceeded those of its competitors. This was especially important in a country as geographically diverse as India, where last-mile delivery—getting the package to the customer’s doorstep—can be a significant challenge. Ekart’s network allowed Flipkart to extend its reach into not only urban areas but also rural regions, helping the company cater to a broader customer base.
Ekart’s technology-driven approach to logistics further enhanced Flipkart’s capabilities. By investing in cutting-edge logistics software and automation, Ekart was able to optimize delivery routes, track shipments in real-time, and offer services like same-day delivery in select cities. These innovations were key in ensuring that Flipkart remained competitive in the rapidly growing e-commerce market in India.
Ekart’s Expansion Beyond Flipkart
While Ekart was created to support Flipkart’s logistics needs, it quickly evolved into a standalone logistics company. Recognizing the demand for reliable logistics services beyond its parent company, Ekart expanded its operations to serve other e-commerce platforms and businesses. Today, Ekart handles a significant volume of shipments for third-party companies, making it one of India’s largest logistics providers.
This expansion allowed Ekart to become a key player in the logistics industry, providing services that include:
Warehousing Solutions: Ekart offers comprehensive warehousing services, helping businesses store their products closer to their customers. By leveraging Ekart’s warehousing capabilities, businesses can reduce delivery times and manage their inventory more efficiently.
Last-Mile Delivery: Ekart’s expertise in last-mile delivery is one of its standout features. The company uses its extensive network of delivery hubs to ensure that packages reach even the most remote locations in India.
Reverse Logistics: In addition to delivering products to customers, Ekart also handles returns and exchanges, a critical aspect of e-commerce. With efficient reverse logistics, Ekart helps businesses manage product returns and keep customers satisfied.
Technology Integration: Ekart has heavily invested in technology to offer a seamless logistics experience. Businesses that use Ekart can integrate their e-commerce platforms with Ekart’s tracking systems, allowing customers to track their orders in real-time.
How Ekart Operates Within Flipkart
Even though Ekart has expanded its services to third-party businesses, it remains a vital part of Flipkart’s overall operations. Flipkart relies heavily on Ekart for delivering millions of orders placed on its platform. The integration between the two companies is deep, with Ekart’s logistics infrastructure designed to support Flipkart’s sales events, such as the Big Billion Days sale, where the volume of orders can skyrocket.
Ekart allows Flipkart to maintain control over the customer experience, which is crucial in e-commerce. Since Flipkart handles a variety of products—ranging from small electronics to large appliances—having a logistics partner that understands its specific needs is invaluable. Ekart ensures that products are delivered on time, in good condition, and with the option for easy returns if necessary.
Flipkart’s Ownership of Ekart
To address the core question, does Ekart belong to Flipkart? The answer is unequivocally yes. Ekart was developed as an in-house logistics arm for Flipkart, and Flipkart continues to be its primary stakeholder. Even though Ekart has expanded its services to other businesses, its operations are closely aligned with Flipkart’s objectives. This close relationship allows Flipkart to offer services like faster delivery times, better customer support, and an overall more seamless shopping experience compared to other e-commerce platforms that rely on third-party logistics providers.
The Impact of Walmart’s Acquisition of Flipkart
In 2018, Walmart acquired a majority stake in Flipkart in a landmark deal that valued the Indian e-commerce giant at $16 billion. As part of this acquisition, Walmart also gained control of Ekart, further expanding its presence in the Indian market.
Walmart’s acquisition of Flipkart has bolstered Ekart’s capabilities. With Walmart’s resources and expertise in global supply chain management, Ekart has been able to further optimize its operations and expand its reach. This has allowed Ekart to improve its service offerings, both for Flipkart and third-party businesses, making it an even more significant player in the logistics industry.
Conclusion
Over the years, Ekart and UPS tracking has grown into one of India’s largest logistics companies, serving not only Flipkart but also other businesses. Despite its expansion, Ekart remains deeply integrated with Flipkart’s operations, playing a critical role in ensuring that products reach customers quickly and efficiently.
As Flipkart continues to grow and evolve—especially with Walmart’s backing—Ekart is likely to remain a key asset in its strategy, helping to maintain its competitive edge in the Indian e-commerce market. Whether you’re shopping on Flipkart or using Ekart’s services through another platform, you can rest assured that Ekart’s expertise in logistics is working behind the scenes to ensure smooth, timely deliveries.
