In India, big e-commerce platforms have dominated online shopping. Because of this, small businesses often struggle, they face high fees, less visibility, and tough competition. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), supported by the Indian government, makes e-commerce fair and open for everyone. With ONDC, even small sellers will get a chance to sell online and reach more customers without being tied to one big company. In this blog, we will learn about ONDC being a game changing platform.

WHAT IS ONDC ?

It’s an open network. It is not owned by any one company. Unlike Amazon or Flipkart, which are closed systems, ONDC connects buyers and sellers through many different apps (like Paytm, Magicpin, etc.). If you're a seller, you list your products once and buyers can find them across multiple apps. It also handles logistics and payments smoothly.

 HOW ONDC HELPS INDIAN SELLERS

  1. Makes E-Commerce Fair

Amazon and Flipkart control around 60 to 70% of e-commerce in India. They charge high commissions and usually support bigger sellers. ONDC changes this by offering a public, fair system where anyone can sell, including small stores at a much lower cost.

  1. Cheaper Online Setup

Building your own website or app is costly and difficult. ONDC makes it easy. Sellers can list products using simple apps. Seller doesn’t need to spend lakhs building an online store. Some apps charge as little as ₹500/month.

  1. Local & National Reach

Whether you're a small store in Jaipur or an artisan in Varanasi, ONDC helps you serve local customers and reach buyers across the country without depending on a single big platform.

  1. Lower Fees

Amazon and Flipkart take 15–40% of what sellers earn. ONDC charges only about 3–8%. For a ₹1,000 product, you might pay just ₹30–₹80 in fees on ONDC instead of ₹300.

  1. Delivery Made Easy

Delivery is often expensive for small sellers. ONDC connects you to delivery partners like Dunzo, Shiprocket, Swiggy Genie, Delhivery, LoadShare, Dunzo, Shiprocket, and India Post. You can pick what works best for you.

  1. Easy Payments

ONDC supports payments through UPI, RuPay, and net banking. No need for costly payment gateways. Sellers get paid faster and doesn’t have to wait for  7–15 days like on other platforms.

  1. Seller Control Over Data

On big platforms, sellers don’t get access to customer info and must rely on paid ads. ONDC changes this. Sellers get more transparency and can see buyer details, helping them build real relationships with customers.

  1. Grocery Stores Go Online

Local grocery shops that were never online before can now sell digitally. Apps like Digit and SnapBizz help them list their products easily. Customers can order through ONDC apps, and the shop can deliver without needing tech skills.

  1. Farmers & Artisans Benefit

Farmers can sell their produce directly to buyers, skipping the middlemen. Handicraft sellers can reach bigger markets without spending a lot on ads or websites.

  1. Government Support

ONDC is supported by the Ministry of Commerce. This adds trust and ensures rules are in place to support fair competition and help MSMEs grow.

 CHALLENGES ONDC FACES 

  1. Many small shopkeepers still haven’t heard of ONDC or don’t know how to join. That’s why training sessions and awareness programs are being held to spread the word.

  2. Many small sellers aren’t comfortable using tech. ONDC partners like GoFrugal and eSamudaay are helping by providing easy tools and support.

  3. To stay on top, Amazon and Flipkart might lower their fees or offer perks to sellers. But since ONDC is open and neutral, it offers freedom that these big platforms can’t match.

  4. Reaching remote areas is still a challenge. ONDC is working with India Post and other rural delivery services to fix this.

 CONCLUSION

ONDC isn’t just another shopping platform. It’s a movement to bring India’s small shops, grocery stores, and local sellers into the digital world on their own terms. By making online selling cheaper, more transparent, and less dependent on big platforms, ONDC is helping small businesses.

There are some challenges, but the potential is massive. With strong support from the government and rising interest from sellers and buyers, ONDC is shaping the future of online shopping in India.

If you’re also struggling with low sales in your business, this article can be extremely helpful for you. Moreover, if you’re facing any kind of challenge in your business and are looking for expert guidance, click on the link to the Leadership Funnel Program and get in touch with us now.