How Common Indian Sellers Can Overcome Technological Barriers using ONDC network

Owning a business is hard enough, let alone growing one in today's ultra-competitive market space. Indian sellers, in particular, have been hesitant to integrate technology into a brick-and-mortar business. Fortunately, that trend has reversed in recent years. More Indian businesses are warming up to the idea of having a digital presence, that can help them reach a wider audience. The ONDC network is at the forefront of this shift in strategy.

Today’s eCommerce landscape is shifted heavily in favour of just 2 major players - Amazon and Flipkart. Only the “top-shelf” entities can gain maximum visibility on these marketplaces. Plus, small players don’t have the technological resources to compete against giant platforms that employ an entire staff of marketing and technical gurus.

Thankfully, the Indian government recognized the hurdles the regular shopowners faced and launched a revolutionary initiative in the form of ONDC network. This article examines how Indian sellers can migrate to the ONDC Network to overcome various technological limitations.

Introduction to the ONDC Network

The objective of ONDC network is to democratize India's eCommerce industry by breaking the stranglehold of a select few players.

Built on an open-source methodology, ONDC network aims to ensure that all the scales of businesses can co-exist digitally and get equal visibility and engagement from the users. Hence, ONDC network is designed to promote the inclusion of local sellers and SMEs, drive efficiencies in logistics and enhance the consumer experience. Talk about a win-win scenario!

Another incredible perk of being an ONDC network-connected vendor is that you don’t have to rely on your business’s technological infrastructure to compete with popular brands. On top of that, most Indian sellers lack the know-how or the connections needed to build a powerful brand presence. Thanks to the open-network initiative, common sellers are overcoming several technological hurdles and unlocking growth opportunities.

Overcoming significant technological barriers using the ONDC network seller app

What are these tech-based “hurdles”? Let’s take a look.

1. Simplified Onboarding for Sellers:

Traditionally, a seller migrating from one marketplace to another (say, Amazon to Flipkart) must undergo the entire registration process from scratch. Simply registering as a seller on such a marketplace, which adopts a platform-centric model, is highly complex and requires technical expertise on the seller's part. However, with ONDC network, seller onboarding becomes one unified and standardized process. Using a robust seller app (such as Mystore), vendors can become part of the network by adding basic store details along with their GSTIN number. Once onboard, you can set up a Mystore seller account and maintain a digital presence immediately.

2. Easy Product and Order Management:

The ONDC network seller app would standardize operations, including cataloguing, inventory management, order management, and order fulfilment. Small businesses can use any ONDC-network affiliated app rather than adhering to platform-specific policies while doing business. ONDC network provides them with a seamless approach to displaying and managing products, which will be discoverable across various platforms (Flipkart, eBay, Amazon, etc.).

3. Providing "easy to use" solutions to Customers:

The ONDC network intends to provide more extensive and convenient e-Commerce options for shoppers. Any buyer can locate a vendor, item or service using any compatible program or platform, giving them more options. A buyer app will enable consumers to match their inquiries with the closest available source. Furthermore, it will allow individuals to select their preferred local companies. The revolutionary open network setup will also regulate activities, including local providers, boost logistics effectiveness, and maximize consumer value.

4. Offering Multiple Payment Options to Customers:

Customers love having the convenience of multiple payment options when buying a product. In fact, doing so is often regarded as the best way to increase conversion rates and customer experience. ONDC network seller app allows retailers to integrate multiple payment options seamlessly to make transactions smooth and hassle-free. A streamlined payment process will ultimately boost your brand reputation in the long run.

5. Ensuring Streamlined Supply Chain:

Monitoring your entire supply chain over a spreadsheet is both time-consuming and prone to human error. From cataloguing, and inventory management to tracking and order fulfilment, managing the supply chain is challenging for a technologically-limited enterprise. However, the open network protocols will be able to standardize the entire operation. As a result, SMEs could use any ONDC network-compatible applications to develop and modify supply chain processes.

6. Building, Managing & Upgrading Your Online Store Regularly:

As a small vendor, you don't have to worry about hiring a tech-savvy team to keep track of your inventory or sales. Using a cutting-edge ONDC network-connected marketplace (like the Mystore seller app), you will be able to single-handedly manage all aspects of your eCommerce store. Uploading catalogues, setting up prices, adding new payment methods, or providing multi-lingual support - ANYONE can do it using Mystore.

Built on state-of-the-art technologies (MEAN stack, MACH architecture, SPA, decoupled headless solutions) Mystore is your one-stop solution to rech your true business potential. Register as a seller today (with ZERO subscription fee) with Mystore and take your business to the next level!

In Conclusion

Becoming an eCommerce seller has never been easier. As ONDC network gains momentum, MNCs and small startups will continue to join the platform. Small businesses are going to be the biggest beneficiaries of this government-led project. Hundreds of sellers are already strategizing and making a splash in their domain by joining the network through the most prominent seller app - Mystore.

With Mystore, anyone can register as an ONDC network-affiliated seller for absolutely free. The process itself is extremely hassle-free and takes minutes to complete. Registered Mystore users get instant access to their admin dashboard which helps manage various business processes with minimum fuss.

With zero upfront costs and registration costs, there’s no reason to try out Mystore and have a first-hand experience of its incredible capabilities. Powered by the leading SaaS eCommerce solution provider- StoreHippo, the Mystore seller app has all the advanced features you need throughout your selling journey. Become a part of the ONDC network through Mystore and future-proof your eCommerce business today!