In eCommerce, supply-chain optimization is the need of the hour. And more so for India’s D2C brands, where their entire brand reputation hinges on offering the fastest, safest, and most economical delivery options.
More than 800 direct-to-consumer firms are based in India, yet ineffective supply-chain practices are causing them to lose profits and reach new markets. Fulfilment and logistics play a huge part in a company’s overall supply chain strategy. There are distinct challenges associated with warehousing, distribution, low-cost shipping, and order tracking that these brands must overcome.
Put simply, D2C brands must really up their logistics game in order to build a sustainable, profitable venture, and that’s what switching to the ONDC network enables them to do.
Let’s delve deeper into the world of ONDC network logistics - and how partnering with an on-network logistics provider can help you tackle the common D2C fulfilment challenges via Mystore seller app.
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Overcoming D2C Supply-Chain Challenges With ONDC network:
If you’re a rapidly growing Direct-To-Consumer brand that’s getting overwhelmed by the rising order volumes, then that’s a clear sign that you need to update your logistics department. Many D2C brands go for self-fulfilment during the initial phase of their launch. However, this approach also carries financial and sustainability baggage as the orders grow.
Even trivial issues, such as increased carrier costs or revised shipping regulations, have the potential to derail a D2C brand’s entire fulfilment operation.
Therefore, partnering with one of the multiple on-network logistics providers integrated with the ONDC network is a far better choice. If ONDC network logistics is on your mind, then you’re probably wondering what the entire fulfilment process looks like.
Well, below is a comprehensive flow chart of what a typical order fulfilment process looks like when you partner with delivery experts on the open network via an end-to-end solution like the Mystore seller app:
5 Ways ONDC Network Will Transform D2C Fulfilment Strategy
Meeting rising customer expectations
Companies can deploy their own supply-chain methods when handling low order volumes and be fine. However, that approach doesn’t bode well as your business grows. Changing customer demands, bulk orders, returned items, and stock mishandling can make supply chain management a nightmare.
By partnering with approved logistics partners of ONDC network, D2C brands can ensure that their customer’s unboxing experience is excellent. Mystore seller app provides a full suite of ready-to-use features that help companies keep up with the changing delivery requirements. Leveraging ONDC network logistics via Mystore can help pitch your brand voice into newer markets and woo customers with an enriching buying experience.
Easily scale up or down your fulfilment operation
A D2C startup can sometimes grow too quickly for its own good, especially when its fulfilment capabilities can’t scale with its growth. Rising order volumes often lead to shipping delays, tracking issues, and other fulfilment failures. Similarly, “scaling down” their supply chain during periods of low demand can be challenging for most D2C brands.
In these situations, it’s far better to switch from in-house logistics to on-network ONDC network logistics. Built on a powerful tech stack, Mystore seller app puts a gamut of shipping automation, order tracking and catalog management tools at your disposal. That way, in addition to hiring your preferred on-network and off-network logistics partner with ONDC network, your enterprise can scale up or down based on its delivery requirements.
By lowering your shipping costs
In theory, offering free shipping should be a money-losing scheme, and for many D2C brands, that is the sad reality. However, when customer satisfaction is at stake, companies have to choose between losing customers through expensive shipping or potentially making a loss on each order.
Thankfully, order fulfilment via logistics partners of ONDC network means that your D2C enterprise doesn’t have to blow its profit margins. With the Mystore seller app, companies can explore multiple shipping partners, compare their prices and services, and ultimately choose the most economical option. Mystore’s “automated shipping” functionality enables brands to align packages for shipping, thus helping control the speed and cost of delivery.
Handling returned orders through reverse logistics
“Order returns” are part and parcel of being a DTC eCommerce brand. D2C brands must be prepared to handle a sudden influx of returned items at any given time. Untimely or slow processing of returned stock will lead to customer dissatisfaction and ultimately tarnish the brand's reputation.
ONDC network logistics enables D2C brands to outsource their return logistics to one of several onboarded logistics players. By choosing from multiple on-network logistics players who offer discounted services, brands can optimize their shipment costs and also build a seamless reverse logistics process.
Allowing businesses to enter unexplored markets
Not many D2C brands know that acquiring a grade-A level of logistics support can be an excellent customer acquisition strategy. It makes sense when you think about it. Hiring specialized fulfilment partners in different locations can help brands cater to remote customers and quickly expand into new markets. Also, businesses can switch from an on-network logistics partner to an off-network, local delivery expert to optimize their hyperlocal delivery.
The so-called “hyperlocal order fulfilment” is notoriously difficult to nail, especially for newbie DTC companies. But with Mystore, D2C brands can use both on and off-network logistics to streamline hyperlocal fulfilment.
Conclusion
Sometimes, businesses can spend too much time on their supply chain management, turning it into a full-time gig. Taking care of every little detail in logistics (such as inventory management, handling returns, manually printing shipping labels, etc.) keeps D2C brands from focusing on their core business.
But with ONDC network logistics, brands can now excel in the art of supply chain management. Mystore seller app helps D2C brands choose the best-in-class logistics players on the network that are tailored to their needs. Not only that, Mystore is packed with seller-friendly tools and inbuilt features that make selling on the revolutionary platform seamless and automated.
Empower your brand with Mystore’s plug-and-play eCommerce solutions designed for speed and growth!