How ONDC Network Can Help D2C Brands Access New Markets and Consumers

By now, most local retailers, mom-and-pop shops, and D2C brands have heard about “ONDC network” but have a limited understanding of India’s new-age initiative. The central government’s bold and groundbreaking initiative is on the lips of nationwide market experts, with many waiting eagerly to explore the benefits of the UPI-like project.

This blog covers the mystery around ONDC network and how D2C Brands can tap into new markets for better growth opportunities by switching to the democratic network. But before we delve into the various aspects of the open network, let’s fully understand the complexities of India’s D2C market sphere in 2023:

The D2C Dilemma - What Brands Don’t Know.

India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) market is expected to grow by over 15 times from 2015 to 2025, transforming it into a $100 Bn opportunity (source: Statista). The direct-to-consumer model has become a popular strategy for many retailers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the individual growth of new D2C startups has stunted a bit. But why?

At one point, D2C brands were the undisputed champion of the entire e-retail market. Lately, however, the marketplace has been flooded with newcomers thanks to the "everybody must do it" mindset, making it more difficult than ever for D2C brands to get noticed and carve a unique brand identity. Also, newcomers in this ecosystem have been subjected to countless challenges in adopting the best tech and logistics solutions.

Make no mistake, direct-to-consumer is still powerful and has helped several brands become household names — but one thing we would notice is that small startups are struggling to reach potential buyers online. If your online business happens to be one of them, then here’s why you must consider the potential to sell on ONDC network.

What is ONDC network

ONDC network is the key to a simpler, easier way of expanding your digital presence! It is an open protocol network that enables merchants and buyers to freely participate on the neutral platform and do business. Your D2C business doesn’t have to be listed on multiple eCommerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) to reach different buyers.

The open network will connect all the eCommerce players using a seller-side interface and make their goods and services discoverable in all search results. The goal is to accentuate everyone’s online experience, no matter who it is! ONDC network gives suppliers and customers the freedom they need to break the cycle of domination by giant corporations.

Naturally, D2C brands benefit from having direct access to 25+ crore prospective buyers, but additionally, they are given the tools to cater to them in a better way. For instance, a powerful, flexible, cutting-edge solution like the Mystore seller app will eliminate the usual pain points of dabbling in eCommerce for non-technical merchants.

The luxury of using Mystore’s one-click solution for everything (including uploading product images, enabling discounts, changing delivery rates, GST compliance, leveraging marketing tools, etc.) will collectively cause their customer experience to improve significantly.

Why is ONDC Network the Mantra For Success For D2C Brands

While there are several other reasons as well why the open network is deemed a democratic, game-changing platform, this article looks at the most talked-about points surrounding the democratic network. Here’s how ONDC network will catapult direct-to-consumer stores to better business opportunities:

ONDC network brings unmatched market reach 

Imagine compiling the individual customer bases of all major eCommerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) and bringing them under one roof! That’s what the open network aims to achieve by integrating the popular marketplaces, i.e. allowing small players to leverage this astronomical customer demographic to reach new markets.

No Commissions or onboarding fees

ONDC network’s referral commission, which, in most cases, is 7 to 10 times less than the typical commissions charged by popular platforms, is ideal for small players trying to enter the marketplace. No monthly subscription fees, no hidden costs, and no grueling commissions are included when trading via the feature-rich Mystor seller app.

By boosting logistical capabilities

With ONDC network, all D2C brands can have access to the same technological and logistics solutions deployed by the creme-da-la-creme enterprises. The network will onboard millions of merchants, SMBs/MSMEs, and D2C firms that lack resources to fulfill orders to non-local patrons.

By promoting interoperability

The aim is to connect all retailers, customers, and shippers on the same footing and facilitate a seamless exchange of goods. Hence, the open network contributes to making eCommerce “interoperable”, meaning that merchants and customers using different platforms/applications can buy or sell on ONDC network without restrictions. 

Portability of reputation

Being able to seamlessly migrate between ONDC network-connected platforms will encourage sellers to drive their customer experience and build a presence across multiple sales channels, thus giving buyers more options. That way, ONDC network promotes reputation management that, in turn, benefits buyers and sellers.

Why Mystore

What’s the most important factor that determines a D2C brand’s success? Is it seamless cataloging? Or instant product delivery? Or how about easy checkouts and query resolution? With the advanced Mystore seller app, you tick all the aforementioned boxes and more.

That’s right. Mystore helps you with every aspect of operating a profitable D2C enterprise on ONDC network, whether it's pricing, product marketing, inventory management, or logistics. Furthermore, Mystore is equipped with a seamless “channel integration” feature that allows D2C brands to migrate their entire product catalogue from an existing marketplace to ONDC network in just a few minutes!

Final Thoughts

The seller app you choose to sell on ONDC network should serve as a one-stop solution that optimizes the entire selling process right from sales, cataloging, inventory, tax calculation, and omnichannel requirements of your D2C brand. Enter the Mystore seller app!

So, grab this golden opportunity of being an early bird and increase your customer base (just like most merchants onboarded the network through Mystore). Curious to try out Mystore for yourself? Register on ONDC network with Mystore Now!