India’s e-commerce market is growing fast, set to hit $350 billion by 2030. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched by the Indian government in 2022, helps businesses tap into this growth. It lowers costs, breaks big platform monopolies, and expands your reach. For new entrepreneurs, ONDC is a smart way to enter the market, connect with more customers, and grow your business in a fair, open digital economy.
Understanding ONDC: What It Means for Entrepreneurs
The ONDC platform is making digital commerce accessible for everyone. Unlike traditional platforms, it uses open-source technology, allowing smooth connections between buyers, sellers, and service providers. It’s not limited to one ecosystem, meaning businesses can reach customers across multiple platforms.
Key Features of ONDC:
- Open Protocols: Easy integration with standardised APIs.
- Decentralised System: ONDC doesn’t own services; it connects them.
- Role Segregation: Clear roles for apps, logistics, and tech enablers, ensuring a streamlined process for all.
ONDC empowers businesses to grow in a fair, interconnected marketplace.
Benefits of ONDC for Entrepreneurs
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a game-changer for entrepreneurs venturing into the digital commerce space. Here’s how it opens doors to growth and success:
1. Leveling the Playing Field
The ONDC platform breaks the dominance of big e-commerce giants by enabling interoperability across platforms. Small businesses can compete fairly without worrying about restrictive policies or being overshadowed.
2. Reducing Costs
With standardised tools like cataloguing and inventory management, the ONDC platform helps reduce customer acquisition and transaction costs. Entrepreneurs can redirect these savings toward growing their businesses.
3. Reaching New Markets
The Open Network for Digital Commerce connects businesses with customers across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, bridging regional and linguistic gaps. Entrepreneurs can now tap into unexplored markets where digital commerce is expanding rapidly.
4. Boosting Visibility
Listing products on multiple ONDC apps such as Paytm, Mystore, Craftsvilla, and Magicpin ensures better visibility. These platforms allow businesses to showcase their offerings to a broader audience, driving new growth opportunities.
5. Building Skills
The ONDC initiative also offers training programs and a handbook in 14 languages to guide first-time sellers. Entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the digital marketplace effortlessly.
With apps like these and a wealth of resources, the ONDC platform is the perfect partner for growing your business in the digital era. Jump on board today!
What New Entrepreneurs Should Do?
- Leverage ONDC to Go Digital
- Onboard the ONDC platform to start your digital journey.
- Choose an ONDC-compliant seller app like Paytm, Mystore, or Craftsvilla.
- Create a digital catalogue showcasing your products.
- Optimise your listings by following the training provided by ONDC.
- Use the “Feet on Street” program for hands-on onboarding support.
- Target Regional Markets
- Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities using ONDC’s expansive reach.
- Adapt your products to local tastes and preferences.
- Leverage regional languages to connect with diverse customers and gain their trust.
- Avoid Over-Reliance on Big Platforms
- Stop depending solely on large e-commerce players.
- List your products across multiple ONDC apps to expand your visibility.
- Enjoy the flexibility and freedom to run your business without restrictive platform policies.
Start now and let ONDC transform your business!
Domains on the ONDC Network
The ONDC network supports a wide range of domains, enabling entrepreneurs to cater to diverse customer needs. Here are some of the categories:
| Domain | Examples of Products/Services |
| Food & Beverage | Regional cuisines, healthy food, desserts, and beverages. |
| Grocery | Foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, beauty & hygiene. |
| Fashion & Footwear | Men’s and women’s apparel, footwear, kids’ clothing. |
| Electronics | Mobile phones, laptops, audio devices, cameras. |
| Health & Wellness | Fitness supplements, healthcare devices, and medicated skincare products. |
Collaborations and Support for MSMEs
ONDC actively collaborates with various government bodies to enhance its outreach and support MSMEs:
| Ministry/Organisation | Key Initiative |
| Ministry of MSME | MSME-TEAM Initiative to onboard 5 lakh small enterprises by 2027. |
| Digital India Program | Provides digital infrastructure to enhance market access. |
| Ministry of Agriculture & NABARD | Enables farmers and FPOs to sell their products through ONDC. |
| Startup India | Encourages startups to leverage ONDC for scaling their operations. |
Success Stories and Milestones
Since its inception, ONDC has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Pilot Programs: Successfully implemented in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi.
- Categories Expanded: From food and grocery to electronics, fashion, and mobility services.
- Wide Coverage: Sellers from over 616 cities onboarded as of January 2024.
- Fair Price Shops: Himachal Pradesh launched its first ONDC-enabled Fair Price Shops.
Government Initiatives to Increase Awareness
The government has introduced several programs to raise awareness and support businesses in adopting ONDC:
| Initiative | Description |
| Awareness Workshops | Conducted in collaboration with industry associations like RAI and FICCI. |
| ONDC Academy | Provides educational content, videos, and best practices for successful e-commerce participation. |
| WhatsApp Bot “ONDC Sahayak” | Offers information in five languages to assist sellers and buyers in navigating ONDC. |
Key Achievements of ONDC
| Year | Award | Organisation |
| 2024 | Application of Emerging Technologies | National Awards for e-Governance |
| 2023 | FinTech Company of the Year | Global Fintech Awards |
| 2023 | The Disruptive Technology Award | Global IP Convention |
Conclusion
The Open Network for Digital Commerce is a revolutionary step towards creating a fair and open digital marketplace in India. For new entrepreneurs, it offers unparalleled opportunities to scale their businesses, reduce costs, and gain nationwide visibility. By leveraging the ONDC platform, entrepreneurs can break free from traditional barriers and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of digital commerce.
Whether you are a small business owner, artisan, or startup, ONDC’s inclusive ecosystem ensures that your journey into the digital economy is not only smooth but also rewarding.
Start your entrepreneurial journey with ONDC today and embrace the future of e-commerce in India!
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