How to Promote Your Products on the ONDC Platform?

There are various online platforms in the present-day world where people can purchase numerous products with just a few clicks. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with these platforms that sellers often face when selling their products.

To overcome these challenges, and provide equal opportunities to all sellers, the government had set up the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform. Sellers can list their products on this ONDC platform to connect with targeted buyers, boosting their sales.

However, there are numerous sellers on these platforms selling similar types of products on these platforms. Hence, it becomes imperative to promote your products to increase their discoverability. Read on for detailed insights on how to promote products on ONDC. 

What is the Meaning of ONDC?

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed digital e-Commerce platform where venture owners can register themselves to sell their products. This unique initiative was taken to minimise the monopoly of existing e-Commerce platforms and enhance customer experience as well as promote fair competition.

The ONDC portal offers numerous benefits to both buyers and sellers. These advantages have resulted in a 40X jump in merchants and orders peaking at 25,000 per day with over 7.68 million orders in March 2024. However, there are some limitations as well since it is a relatively new platform with respect to the existing e-Commerce sharks. 

The working of this platform is also quite simple, making online shopping more convenient and hassle-free for both buyers and sellers. 

How Does the ONDC Portal Work? 

The functioning of an Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is somewhat similar to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with some minimal differences. It connects buyers and sellers from across the world, boosting sales significantly. Sellers get connected to their target customers whereas buyers can get numerous options for the products they are looking for. 

First, the merchants have to create an account on a seller application to list all their products and devise strategies to promote products on ONDC. Customers can browse through these products on the buyer’s app and choose the most appropriate one among them. Next, they will place the order and make the necessary payments via the available options.

Once the seller receives the order, they will pack and ship it to the customer through different on-network and off-network logistics companies. Each seller app has different procedures for making payments to the merchants. Accordingly, sellers will receive the payments, boosting sales of their business. 

Let’s have a look at the procedure of listing products on the ONDC India website to extend your reach to potential customers. 

How to List Products on the ONDC App? 

Listing products on the ONDC is a simple process. Primarily, you will need to provide emphasis on the quality of the picture that you are clicking and the description that you are adding. Remember the pictures and descriptions are the only two ways that can influence people to buy your products. 

The steps to enlist products on ONDC are as follows: 

Step 1: Visit the official ONDC India website or navigate to the seller app. 

Step 2: Register on the website using the GSTIN of your business and enter the bank details.

Step 3: Take HD-quality images of your products from various angles and upload them.

Step 4: Add a detailed description of the products that give buyers a complete idea about them. 

Once done, pan-India customers will be able to view your products when they are browsing platforms to purchase similar goods. This will increase the discoverability of your products, and customer base and notably boost the sales. Also, you can get logistic support as well as a safe and secured payment-receiving option on every purchase on the ONDC platform. 

How to Set Shipping and Payment Options on ONDC?

The availability of shipping partners on the ONDC portal is one of the major advantages for sellers. It saves their time and the hassles of choosing a separate logistic partner. However, sellers do have the flexibility of choosing off-network shipping providers as well to save more on logistics. 

The steps for setting up the shipment of ordered items are as follows:

Step 1: Get the complete list of ordered items on the admin panel of the seller applications.

Step 2: Accordingly, pack the orders using durable materials so they do not get damaged and print the invoices.

Step 3: Compare the costs quoted as well as the quality of services by logistics associated with the ONDC apps. 

Step 4: Also, check the prices charged by other logistics companies to select the most affordable option.

Step 5: Once done, schedule the pickup of your products by clicking the “schedule pick-up” button.

Step 6: Print automatically generated shipping labels and attach them to the parcel so they get delivered on the set date and time.

Step 7: After the delivery agent picks up the ordered products, change the order status on the dashboard. 

Step 8: Seamlessly track your order using the tracking ID of the product, ensuring that they do not get misplaced on its way to the customer’s address. 

Thus, you can ensure that your customers will be able to receive the ordered items in their best condition within the delivery dates promised. 

Each seller app on the ONDC platform has a separate payment system. Some seller applications have different payment cycles for returnable and non-returnable items. Also, there are numerous payment methods that buyers can choose from the available options. 

One such payment option is the Protean payment gateway that buyers can use for transactions on the ONDC India website. Upon using this payment option, sellers can be assured of receiving payments on time and also stay protected from financial fraud. 

Apart from shipping and payments, there are several other things that people should consider during selling their products on the ONDC India website. 

What are the Things to Remember When Selling on ONDC?

Many economists consider ONDC to be the future for e-Commerce sellers and have the potential to top buyers' favourite shopping platforms in the near future. ONDC platforms offer people numerous benefits that can be further maximised by remembering a thing or two. The essential points to remember include:

1. Always select a feature-rich ONDC seller app: There are numerous seller applications available online. So, when selecting these apps, make sure to choose the one that offers a plethora of features, increasing the benefits from these platforms. 
2. Choose an app built on mobile-first principle: Nowadays, most people go for online shopping on their mobiles. Hence, customise the appearance of the images and products so that you can engage and convert more buyers. 
3. Make purchase decisions simple for buyers: When purchasing a product buyers are often confused about which one to select. So, you can make the decision-making process easier by offering them clear product details and personalised suggestions.
4. Use personalised marketing strategies: Devising unique marketing strategies is essential to attract target customers and stay ahead of your competitors. Hence, make sure to personalise it as per your brand’s vision to promote products on ONDC.

If you keep these additional points in mind when selling your productions, you can thrive on the ONDC platform. Furthermore, check out some expert-approved tips that will make your selling journey simple and hassle-free. 

What are the Tips to Promote Products on ONDC?

Promoting your products increases its chances of selling, putting you ahead of your competitors. Here are some tips that you should consider to promote products on ONDC: 

1. Create a catchy and detailed product description: Product descriptions are important as people go through them minutely when purchasing products of their choice. Hence, make sure to frame it in a catchy and unique manner so that buyers are influenced to purchase your products. 
2. Monitor the marketing strategies of competitors: For selling your products on ONDC, you can even take ideas from the strategies that your competitors use. This technique will help you devise better strategies than them so that you can boost the sales of your products to targeted customers. 
3. Provide attractive offers and discounts on products: This is a traditional and one of the most sure-shot ways to attract customers. Offers and discounts are all-time favourites of buyers. So, try to provide lucrative discounts on your products to attract customers and boost sales of products. 
4. Analyse customer behaviour using available data: Platforms such as ONDC have enormous amounts of data that can help you understand buyers’ persona. Accordingly, you can design your products and devise your strategies, increasing the sales of your goods. 
5. Create a good seller reputation on the platform: Seller’s reputation is a key thing that buyers consider when purchasing products online. The primary reason behind it is that a good seller reputation reflects that the product available is of premium quality. So, you can add positive reviews and ratings about your company on ONDC. 
6. Use on-network logistics to streamline deliveries: Safer, quicker and cheaper logistics promote customer retention as well as increase conversion. There are numerous industry-leading logistics companies that have partnered with ONDC, ensuring that the delivery services are on point. 
7. Experiment with new products to attract customers: Launching unique and new products is a great technique for retaining more customers. With the help of the ONDC platform, sellers can successfully launch these products and connect to target pan-India customers, so they purchase them.

Devising online marketing strategies is essential if you wish to boost the sales of your products on various online platforms. The more you promote products on ONDC, the higher will be their chances of selling. Additionally, it will build a strong brand image and reputation, keeping you ahead of your competitors. With the right marketing strategies, you can not only attract potential customers but also influence them to make a purchase. 

Protean is one of the key & early contributors actively supporting open digital building blocks for sectors spanning mobility, healthcare, agriculture and education. It is the first & only Gateway service provider for ONDC powering all Network Participants with Open Gateway Solutions. Contact Us to know more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of sellers on the ONDC app?

ONDC app offers numerous benefits such as access to pan-India buyers, lower platform fees, improved customer support, access to advanced analytics, availability of logistics support, safe and easy transactions and more. These advantages lure sellers to use these platforms to create their online presence. 

2. What are the benefits of buyers on the ONDC app?

ONDC app even provides various benefits to buyers that motivate them to check out products as well as purchase them at affordable rates. Moreover, they get multiple seller options, product variations, personalised recommendations, and access to faster order deliveries, safer transactions and more. 

3. What are the drawbacks of ONDC app?

Some of the drawbacks associated with the ONDC portal include complexities in operation, problems in dispute resolution, absence of clarity on the existing laws, and competitiveness in prices. Since it is quite new in the market, government will take some time to resolve these issues. 

4. How is ONDC portal different from traditional e-Commerce platforms?

e-Commerce stores usually have a platform-centric model that demands buyers and sellers to connect on the same interface for seamless conduction of businesses. On the contrary, ONDC supports an open network system where buyers and sellers have different platforms for selling and purchasing products and services. 

5. Are prices of products and services lower on ONDC than on other online platforms?

Yes, the prices of products and services are lower on the ONDC app. This is because sellers do not have to pay extra charges when selling on the ONDC platform. Also, buyer apps often offer exclusive offers and discounts when purchasing products or hiring services that further reduce costs. 

- Story by Kakoli Laha