Not too long ago, the interest in D2C brands came solely from Gen Z shoppers! However, a combination of influencer marketing and innovative products meant that the appeal of buying products directly from a brand has skyrocketed in recent years.
While this hot market trend has gained momentum, a new government-led initiative is the recent talk of the town - ONDC network. So, what’s this new initiative all about? Why should a small D2C brand in India be excited? How can new entities register on ONDC network? Let’s find answers to these questions.
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The Modern Problems Faced by India’s D2C Brands
India’s eCommerce market has traditionally been dominated by two major players - Amazon and Flipkart. While these marketplaces are good for getting your D2C business off the ground, they offer little help growing it.
Amazon may sell you the ultimate dream, but make no mistake; the platform controls your e-business and, ultimately, the customer base that you have built. When you sell with Amazon, you surrender the power to handle pricing, inventory, and terms of service. Merchants have a minimal say in setting their prices and terms of service. Matters are further complicated because a newbie D2C brand in India doesn’t have in-house logistics and product marketing, keeping them from fulfilling its potential.
Merchants, retailers, and brands need an alternative to these marketplaces, from monitoring the catalog, data, and inventory to establishing pricing and logistics. That’s where ONDC network comes in.
Understanding ONDC Network For Beginners
ONDC network is a vast accumulation of sellers, buyers, and logistics providers, all connected to the decentralized framework via compatible seller/buyer apps. Today, millions of small shops in remote locations accept digital payments thanks to UPI, and a similar structure is in place for merchants should they register on ONDC network.
And don’t panic. Registering on the ONDC network is as easy as shopping for your favorite product online! Since Mystore seller app is about ease of use, it makes seller onboarding quick and smooth. Here are the prerequisites needed for ONDC network seller registration:
- Your GSTIN,
- Bank account details (for payouts),
- Business details (email, brand name, address, etc.)
That’s it. Anyone from an established, multi-billion dollar corporation to a remote, local startup can join the neutral, seller-friendly network in minutes and compete on a level playing field.
Why do D2C Brands Need ONDC Network
Most D2C startups may fail as a result of poor/minimal visibility. Similarly, gaining widespread popularity but lacking the logistics or technology to fulfill these orders may seal the fate of an inexperienced company. This makes selling online tricky, especially for a newbie D2C enterprise that lacks the resources to offer the same quality of delivery as the eCommerce giants.
Also, many D2C startups don’t consider the cost of selling v/s actual profits. Customer acquisition costs and commissions imposed by popular marketplaces may completely eat into their profit margins, forcing them to live off scraps. This is why D2C companies must register on ONDC network and take control of their business.
You can get started immediately, accessing various service providers, tech solutions, and more on the same platform. Plus, you'll have valuable customer data to strategize marketing campaigns for unexplored markets. And you're in control - decide how to run your business without restrictions or unfair competition.
How Mystore Makes ONDC Network Transition Smoother For D2C Brands
Mystore seller app has all the tools you need to make your transition to the democratic platform easier and optimal. Through its rich array of ready-to-use features and an interactive dashboard, Mystore ensures that your products are visible to across-the-board buyers.
On top of that, you can manage pricing and plan discounts to improve profit margins. Merchants can establish a unique brand identity by leveraging Mystore’s cutting-edge solutions for all ONDC network-connected participants. Here are the many advantages of switching to the open network via the Mystore seller app:
- Zero upfront costs
- Multiple payment gateways
- Integrated shipping/support
- Order management tools
- Built-in SEO for products
- One-click catalog management
- Key customer insights
- Hyperlocal seller solutions
- Marketing automation tools
Mystore is the perfect platform for local retailers, mom-and-pop shops, and D2C startups looking to sell products online their way.
Conclusion
2023 is your year to get ahead with ONDC network! Backed by the Government of India, ONDC network's comprehensive platform connects you to millions of pan-India buyers through a network-compliant solution like the Mystore seller app.
Mystore is one of the leading seller apps to have integrated with the open network as both buyer and seller apps. Therefore, every D2C brand in India can kickstart its ONDC network journey using Mystore and gain a competitive edge!