How to Optimise Your Shipping and Fulfilment with ONDC Network Logistics

Logistics can be a challenging and painful process, especially for merchants in the infancy of their digital journey. With so many moving parts tied together, even minor misdemeanors in your shipping and fulfillment approach can have a massive impact on your bottom line.

But with the inception of the ONDC network, things are looking up for micro-to-small enterprises and local retailers.

In this guide, we will discuss the basics of shipping and fulfillment optimization and how ONDC network logistics helps streamline and grow your eCommerce business.

Therefore, whether you are already selling on ONDC network or have just heard about this GOI-led initiative, your business can leverage the platform's integrated solutions using a compatible and adaptable solution - The Mystore seller app.

The Role of ONDC network in Today’s E-commerce Environment

ONDC network aims to shift the eCommerce paradigm from a platform-centric to a platform-agnostic (or open network) model. All participating merchants and eCommerce brands can choose any ONDC network-compliant solution, like the Mystore seller app, to enter pan-India markets and compete with other brands on a level playing field.

Regarding "fulfillment+shipping", most marketplaces have traditionally kept sellers from choosing their ideal delivery partners or policies. Also, thanks to their “no questions asked” policy, merchants may end up dealing with more returns than they can handle.

With ONDC network, however, the merchants can decide their preferred shipping partner based on specific needs pertaining to proximity, partner availability, labor, packaging, warehousing, etc. Not only that, but they can choose their delivery/shipping policies based on their supply chain requirements and not be dictated by their marketplace.

Here’s how ONDC network logistics work via Mystore seller app: 

Step 1: The customer finds the right product + merchant on ONDC network via the Mystore buyer app or any other buyer app for ONDC network.

Step 2: The merchant receives the order notification on his Mystore admin panel.

Step 3: The merchant then marks the order as shipped to align it for delivery. Based on the order’s proximity, volume, etc. merchants can check for the best on-network or off-network logistics partner. After comparing the shipping rates, the merchant can decide to ship the order using either on-network or off-network logistics partners of ONDC network.

Step 4: In either case, the delivery partner will receive the order request from the merchant and pick up the order from the specified address. The merchant will generate shipping labels using Mystore’s automated shipping label solution and also print invoices. The order will be readied for pick up with the shipping label and invoice.

Step 5: The chosen delivery partner will pick up and deliver the parcel to the customer.

Step 6: The merchant will send the tracking details to the customer from Mystore’s admin.

Step 7: The customer can see the parcel's movement through tracking and finally receives the order in the given time.

How will ONDC network Help You In Optimizing Your Fulfillment Capabilities

With the ONDC network logistics partners at your disposal, you can plan your fulfillment in a way to get the maximum ROI from every rupee spent on your logistics. Here is what logistics partners of ONDC network help you achieve:

Trusted logistics players to improve your fulfillment

Many logistics firms, including big names like Dunzo and Ekart, to 200+ local delivery companies, are now under the ONDC network. Many newbie sellers who lack their own shipping network can now leverage open network logistics to collaborate with the fulfillment partner of their choice and deliver orders to customers across hundreds of pin codes.

Make hyperlocal deliveries easier

With "same-day delivery" becoming a popular theme amongst Indian customers, many businesses are focusing on "hyperlocal commerce". Not only can buyers on the open network search for nearby sellers and get their items delivered at lightning speeds, but also, merchants can connect with logistics partners of ONDC network and utilize their expertise and efficiency to fulfill orders most cost-effectively.

Cost-effective and discounted shipping

Lower shipping cost is a surefire recipe for boosting customer satisfaction. With access to multiple on-network logistics partners of ONDC network,  you can compare and choose the cost-efficient and best shipping option for each order. You can also pass on cost savings to customers and earn loyal and happy customers.

Cut warehousing costs

The best part about the open network logistics is that merchants no longer have to establish their own warehousing facilities in separate locations in order to sell there. Instead, they can simply hire any logistics partners of ONDC network and improve their fulfillment capacity whilst saving on storage space, utilities, labor, technology, etc. As order volume changes, merchants can simply scale their shipping using the best on-network shipping providers.

The very fact that the open network and its logistics partners are available to all segments of sellers makes it an amazing winning combo for businesses of every scale and size.

However, you need an ONDC network-complaint seller app to start using ONDC network and its related services. With the Mystore seller app, your eCommerce business will go live in days, and you can further optimize order fulfillment using Mystore's built-in solutions that cut on manual tasks and automate your logistics.

How Mystore Helps ONDC Network Merchants With Their Shipping+Fulfillment Needs

Mystore seller app helps you not only use the ONDC network logistics but also offers a host of other solutions to further streamline your logistics. Well, with the cutting-edge Mystore seller app, in addition to doing that, you can easily switch between on-network and off-network logistics solutions from your admin panel in just a few clicks!

Merchants have the freedom to perform various tasks to improve their order management capabilities like - adding order info, generating invoices, updating order status to "shipped", "canceled", or "returned”, generating and printing shipping labels and invoices etc. When the order is ready to go, you can schedule pick-up using automated shipping functionalities.

Also, you can save the delivery charges, locations, and tracking details of your preferred off-network shipping partner to easily keep track of your shipments.

Conclusion

Logistics disruptions are an inevitable part of running an eCommerce store. However, choosing the right logistics solution can help your brand respond to supply-chain issues with agility and efficiency. ONDC network logistics solutions are primed to bring you the best shipping and fulfillment solutions necessary to optimize your brand - that too for reduced costs.

All you need is a compatible, dynamic seller app to get you started on your journey of ONDC network. That’s where the Mystore seller app helps with its gamut of easy-to-use tools and seamless integrations.

Don't be left out! Make the most of onboarding the Democratic network by leveraging Mystore's ready-to-use eCommerce solutions.