How Small Businesses Can Use Open Network for Digital Commerce

How Small Businesses Can Use Open Network for Digital Commerce 

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India aims to provide sellers with equal opportunities to compete with larger market players.

Have you ever wished for a more unified and diverse online shopping experience? Or perhaps you’re a seller looking to expand your reach beyond the confines of a single platform? 

If so, then the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is something you need to know about. This groundbreaking initiative is transforming how buying and selling happen online in India, creating a more inclusive and dynamic digital marketplace for everyone.

Imagine a digital space where numerous online platforms can seamlessly connect, allowing buyers to discover a vast array of products and services from sellers across the country, all in one place. This is the vision behind ONDC, a first-of-its-kind open network that aims to democratise e-commerce in India.

For Sellers: Expand Your Horizons

If you are a seller, whether you run a small local store, a home-based business, or offer specialised services, ONDC offers a powerful opportunity to reach a wider customer base. Currently, a significant majority of Indian sellers, especially those in smaller towns and rural areas, have not yet embraced the potential of online commerce. ONDC is designed to change this by providing a level playing field where businesses of all sizes can become discoverable online.

Think of it this way: instead of relying solely on a single e-commerce website or app, ONDC enables your products or services to be visible to buyers using any compatible application on the network. This means you gain access to a larger pool of potential customers without needing to set up shop on multiple platforms individually. 

Furthermore, ONDC aims to provide sellers with equal opportunities to compete with larger market players. By facilitating cost-effective e-commerce through its open protocol, ONDC can empower your business to grow and thrive in the digital age.

For Buyers: A Simpler, More Diverse Shopping Experience

As a buyer, ONDC promises a more convenient and comprehensive online shopping journey. Instead of having to browse multiple different e-commerce sites and apps to find what you need, ONDC aims to bring together a wide assortment of products and services from various sellers into a single, unified experience.

Imagine searching for groceries, electronics, fashion, and even local services all within the same application, with a seamless checkout process. ONDC makes this possible by allowing different buyer and seller applications to communicate with each other. This means you could potentially find a broader range of options, including unique products and local offerings that might not be available on traditional e-commerce platforms. According to ONDC, the network is already live in over 600 cities and spans across 13 different domains, offering a glimpse into the growing variety of goods and services you can expect to find.

How Does This Open Network Work?

ONDC operates as an open network, much like the internet itself. It’s not a single platform but rather a set of open specifications and protocols that allow different applications to connect and exchange information. This enables buyer applications (the apps you use to shop) to discover and transact with seller applications (the platforms used by sellers to list their products) seamlessly.

This interoperable nature is key to ONDC’s potential. It breaks down the silos of traditional e-commerce, where buyers and sellers are often locked into a single platform. With ONDC, the focus is on creating a connected ecosystem where choice and accessibility are paramount.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

ONDC is an initiative backed by the Indian government and was incorporated as a non-profit company in December 2021. It represents an exciting evolution in the world of digital commerce in India. By fostering an open and interoperable network, it aims to empower sellers with greater reach and provide buyers with a richer and more unified online shopping experience. 

As ONDC continues to grow and expand its network, it promises to unlock a world of opportunities for both buyers and sellers, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant digital economy.

Photo / Video Courtesy: ONDC