**Do We Really Need 10-Minute Deliveries? A Critical Examination**
In recent discussions surrounding the gig economy, former Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor posed a thought-provoking question to Deepinder Goyal, founder of Eternal: “Do we really need 10-minute deliveries?” This inquiry arose amidst widespread protests by gig workers advocating for better pay, working conditions, and social security benefits. The demand for rapid deliveries has become a focal point of these protests, with Goyal defending the model by attributing its feasibility to the density of stores rather than pressuring delivery partners to speed.
Kapoor expressed his curiosity about the necessity of such quick deliveries in urban environments, suggesting that unless for medical emergencies, a delivery time of 30 minutes to an hour could suffice. He questioned whether the urgency of 10-minute deliveries was truly essential, proposing that a more balanced approach could mitigate safety and environmental risks through pooled deliveries and fewer individual trips.
In response to Kapoor’s concerns, a social media user illustrated the delivery process with two scenarios, highlighting that the distance to stores can vary significantly, and that the 10-minute delivery promise is not strictly enforced. Another user noted the growing impatience among consumers, suggesting that people are willing to pay a premium for rapid delivery services.
Goyal clarified that delivery partners have sufficient time to reach their destinations safely, thanks to the increased number of dark stores. He explained that after an order is placed on Blinkit, it is picked and packed within 2.5 minutes, with riders typically covering an average distance of under 2 kilometers in about 8 minutes, maintaining a speed of around 15 km/h. Importantly, he emphasized that delivery partners are not penalized for late deliveries and do not have timers on their apps indicating promised delivery times.
As the debate continues, it raises important questions about the future of delivery services in urban settings and the balance between speed, safety, and sustainability.
**FAQ**
**Q: Are 10-minute deliveries necessary in urban areas?**
A: While they cater to consumer demand for speed, alternatives like 30-minute deliveries could provide a better balance of safety and environmental considerations.
