ONDC launch aims taking on Amazon and Flipkart: Know what it means for small traders

ONDC’s beta test in the city of Bengaluru is a major first step in operationalising a network approach to e-commerce as an alternative to platform centric approach, it said, adding that this will make e-commerce landscape more inclusive, accessible and experience driven for all consumers and sellers.
ONDC launch aims at taking on Amazon and Flipkart: Know what it means for small traders

ONDC launch aims at taking on Amazon and Flipkart: Know what it means for small traders

With an aim to end the duopoly of e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart in the Indian market, the central government has launched Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) that will democratise e-retail ecosystem in the country.
This interoperable network has gone live for users at 16 locations of Bengaluru on September 30. More than 200 grocery stores and restaurants in the city have been onboarded for this beta testing phase of the programme.
To begin with, consumers can place their orders in two domains – groceries and restaurants through buyer apps participating on the ONDC network, the commerce ministry said in a statement.
ONDC's beta test in the city of Bengaluru is a major first step in operationalising a network approach to e-commerce as an alternative to platform centric approach, it said, adding that this will make e-commerce landscape more inclusive, accessible and experience driven for all consumers and sellers.
"Consumers can now shop from multiple categories of products and services from a single buyer application of their choice. They can buy grocery products or order food from the stores and restaurants. In the coming weeks many more applications will join the network expanding both buyer and sellers who can participate in this transaction," the statement said.
ONDC started its Alpha test phase with a closed user group of buyers first in Bengaluru in April 2022 expanding to more than 80 cities by September 2022. This validated the apps and confirmed business and operational flows.
Now in beta testing phase, general public can experience shopping via ONDC and provide early feedback for necessary action if any before expanding further.
To build trust amongst consumers, sellers and Network Participants (Buyer Apps, Seller Apps & Gateways) in the open network, ONDC has consulted current ecosystem, experts and examined best practices for adapting and evolving the best approach to build trust in an unbundled decentralised network, the commerce ministry said.
This is explained in a consultation paper that is being made available for public consultation on the official social media handles of DPIIT, ONDC and the website, it said.
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