How To Sell on ONDC

Are you an Indian seller looking to tap into the booming e-commerce market and expand your business reach?  Your wish is granted!

Now you can easily register on ONDC network and sell your products to a vast audience across the country. 

Wonder what is ONDC network?

ONDC Network is a government-backed initiative designed to democratize e-commerce and bring SMEs into mainstream e-commerce.  Since its launch in September 2022, the initiative has seen great strides.

Here are some interesting data points about the ONDC Network: 

• 1.1 million Retail Orders
• 40000 + sellers on the network 
• 46 Network participants have joined the new open network protocol. 
• 37 lakh products are available for buying across the network 
• 56 thousand vehicles have integrated with the open network ecosystem
• 35000 orders were placed in a single day on the open network on 9 July 2023

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Economic Times 

The figures say it all. The democratic open network brings a huge opportunity for businesses to go online exposure and compete with big brands.

Wondering how to register on ONDC network? 

In this blog, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to register and sell on ONDC network and make the most of this exciting opportunity.

8 FAQs about selling on ONDC network with detailed answers

1. What is the ONDC network?

ONDC network is a novel initiative backed by the Government of India to create an open, decentralized, and unified digital commerce platform. The democratic open network setup aims to reshape the Indian e-commerce landscape by eliminating the limitations of platform-centric marketplaces. 

Let's understand the ONDC network in simple terms.

As of now, E-commerce was only about platform-centric marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc where sellers can only sell their products/services to the buyers for which they have registered. For example, If a seller registered on Amazon, their products are visible only to Amazon users and only Amazon users can buy their products. To reach out to Flipkart users, sellers have to make a separate account on Flipkart.

This Platform centric approach is very daunting for sellers. Not only that, sellers also have to pay a hefty amount as upfront costs and commissions for each product sale (25-30%). It results in very less return for sellers due to which small sellers do not come online and limit their reach.

By eliminating all these issues of platform-centric marketplaces, the ONDC network brings a unified network for sellers to do business on a level playing field.

The open network eliminates all the issues of platform-centric marketplaces and enables sellers to do business without any intermediary. Once a seller is registered on the democratic open network, their products are discoverable to pan-India customers irrespective of which ONDC network-connected buyer app customers use. 

ONDC network provides equal opportunities for sellers of every size and scale (SMBs, B2Cs/D2Cs, and local shopkeepers, big enterprises) to do business on a level playing field.  Additionally, unlike traditional marketplaces, the open network charges zero or minimal upfront cost (Mystore charges zero upfront cost) and only 2-3 % of commission on each product sold.

Indian sellers can sell on ONDC network through a compatible seller app (like Mystore) and pay a nominal transaction fee. ONDC network aims to raise e-commerce penetration to 25% by 2025, from nearly 8% in 2021.

2. How do I register on the ONDC network?

Mystore, is India's leading seller app for the ONDC network. It offers a seamless onboarding experience with numerous merchants already integrated into this network. To initiate the registration, visit the registration page of the Mystore seller app and complete the simple registration form.

Registering on the open network is a simple process, and Mystore makes it even easier to register on ONDC network. 

Follow these simple steps to register and start selling on the open network:

• Visit  https://seller.mystore.in/en/
• Register as a seller by providing your GSTIN number and bank account details. (You are now all set to sell on ONDC network)
• List your products by providing high-quality images, and detailed product descriptions to help buyers to make informed decisions
• Now your products are discoverable to pan-India buyers. Whenever a buyer makes an order for your products, you will get a notification
• Connect with on-network logistics partners to deliver your order at discounted rates. You can also switch between on-network and off-network logistics at your convenience at the Mystore seller app
• When your order is delivered to the intended destination, you will get your payment

3. How do I sell my product(s) on the ONDC network?

To sell on ONDC network, utilize the user-friendly dashboard of Mystore to upload your product catalog on the open network, where you can set your own prices and terms of service. Mystore does not charge any upfront costs, making it the ideal option for sellers of all sizes.

Mystore seller app provides a comprehensive admin panel to manage your products, orders, inventory, and payouts seamlessly. If you already have an existing store on platforms like Amazon or Shopify, use the channel integration feature to migrate your entire catalog to Mystore easily.

Enjoy the benefits of selling on the ONDC network, with a wide customer base and enhanced visibility. Monitor your sales and performance metrics in real-time to optimize your offerings and customer engagement. With zero upfront costs and the freedom to reach a vast audience, ONDC network levels the playing field for all sellers.

By embracing the revolutionary open network setup through the Mystore Seller app, you can tap into the rapidly growing hyperlocal digital commerce landscape in India. Maximize your business opportunities, connect with customers nationwide, and experience the convenience of selling on an open, decentralized platform. 

4. Is the ONDC network a marketplace?

ONDC network is not a marketplace but a revolutionary open network setup that brings together all the sellers and buyers across India to connect directly. The open network is here to promote digital commerce and empower sellers of every size and scale to establish their online businesses on a level playing field.

ONDC network is not an application, website, or a central intermediary; it is a private non-profit organization started by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) and backed by the Government of India.

Unlike traditional marketplaces, ONDC network follows open network protocols. It provides an open, non-discriminatory environment for sellers to come online and sell their products. Any seller can register on ONDC network with ease through ONDC network-connected seller apps like Mystore.

The best part is when a seller lists their products on the democratic open network, their products become discoverable to all buyers, irrespective of which buyer app they use.

5. How will customers find me on the ONDC network?

Once you register on ONDC network and list your products, they automatically become discoverable to pan-India customers. If your products match the buyer's search parameters such as prices, delivery time, location, and more, they will be showcased to potential buyers along with the  other vendors.

Customers can buy directly from an ONDC-connected merchant using a compliant buyer app. Mystore's integrated marketing tools help you in promoting your business across multiple channels and reaching a wider customer base. When you register on ONDC network as a seller and use the Mystore Seller app, your business gains visibility among potential buyers across India.

For example, let's say you are a small seller of handmade crafts, and you have listed your products on the open network using the Mystore Seller app. Mystore's marketing tools enable you to showcase your crafts on various social media platforms. This exposure allows potential customers to discover your unique products and brand.

When a customer searches for handcrafted items on the ONDC network using any ONDC network-compliant buyer app, if your products align with the buyer's search criteria, Mystore will display your crafts alongside other relevant vendors.

6. What are the different ways in which I can accept payment for ONDC network orders?

Mystore ensures a seamless checkout experience for customers, giving them the flexibility to choose their preferred payment method. With Mystore, customers can pay via multiple modes, including cards, net banking, and e-wallets. 

For sellers on the Mystore platform, the Mystore Seller app offers a simple and efficient way to integrate their e-stores with multiple ONDC network-approved payment gateways such as PhonePe, UPI, and others. This integration empowers pan-India sellers to cater to a broader customer base, as buyers can use their preferred mode of payment to purchase products from them.

7. What are the options for logistics on the ONDC network?

The democratic ONDC network offers a wide range of on-network logistic partners to choose from. The open network enables sellers to evaluate different logistic companies based on factors such as delivery charges, best deals, and estimated delivery time for a specific delivery. By considering these aspects, sellers can make informed decisions and select the most suitable logistic partner.

Mystore seller app provides the best shipping rates for ONDC network-registered sellers from 20+ on-network logistic partners, including DTDC, FedEx, Dunzo, and others. Additionally, Mystore offers the flexibility to switch between on-network and off-network shipping options for product delivery as and when required.

8. How will ONDC network release my payment for products sold on the platform?

Each seller app has its own payment cycle. For the Mystore Seller app, the final payment is processed manually every Friday. Here is how Mystore manages the payment cycle of sellers registered on its seller app

1. Payment cycle for non-returnable items = Nearest Friday after (Delivery date + 2 days)

Hence, If say the order is delivered on the 6th of August 2023, then the payment will be done on the nearest Friday after 8th August,  i.e. on the 11th August.

2. Payment cycle for returnable items = Nearest Friday after (Delivery date + returnable time period+ 2 days)

Hence if say the order was delivered on 6th August,  and the return period is 7 days, then the payment will be done on the first Friday after 15th August.

Why this is the right time for Indian sellers to join ONDC network

Indian sellers have numerous compelling reasons to join the ONDC network at this time. The open network provides a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the growth and reach of various businesses, including MSMEs, D2C brands, B2B enterprises, and more.

Here are the key benefits of why it's the right time for Indian sellers to join the ONDC network:

1. Vast Customer Base: The democratic open network provides access to a large and diverse customer base across India, opening up new market opportunities for sellers.
2. Level Playing Field: ONDC network offers fair competition, making it attractive for businesses of all sizes, including MSMEs, D2C brands, B2B enterprises, and more.
3. Reduced Entry Barriers: Joining the open network eliminates the need for heavy investment in e-commerce infrastructure, making it easier for new businesses to enter the online marketplace.
4. Lower Operational Costs: Pre-integrated logistics partners and payment gateways on the ONDC network reduce overhead costs for sellers.
5. Enhanced Visibility: ONDC network offers increased brand visibility and recognition, benefiting D2C brands and new businesses.
6. Easy Order Management: The revolutionary open network seller app streamlines order management and fulfillment processes, enabling efficient handling of high order volumes.
7. Diverse Business Opportunities: Open network's expansion into B2B opens up opportunities for businesses to cater to a broader range of customers.
8. Data Insights: ONDC network offers sellers valuable data insights and analytics to understand customer behavior and market trends better.

If you are a seller and have not joined the ONDC network yet, it's high time for you to join the revolutionary open network setup, otherwise, you will lag behind in the competition and subsequently be left nowhere in the digital world. So register on  ONDC network and leverage its lucrative opportunity to grow your business and succeed in the Indian e-commerce landscape.

Conclusion

Selling on the ONDC network provides a tremendous opportunity for Indian sellers to thrive in the competitive e-commerce landscape. The revolutionary open network is set to be a nationwide game-changer by democratizing India's fast-growing eCommerce market. Grab this opportunity and sell on the ONDC network to widen your brand reach throughout the digital realm today.

Embrace the power of the open network and embark on a journey toward e-commerce success.

Register on ONDC network through the Mystore seller app today.