The ONDC Network: An ecommerce network for you, by you

By Mughil R24 February 2025
What is ONDC Network


The ONDC Network (Open Network for Digital Commerce Protocol) is a government-led initiative where every seller, from local corner shops to national brands, shares the same digital ecommerce space to sell and succeed. On the other hand, this network allows buyers across the nation to explore a wide variety of choices and buy their favorite products and services from a network of sellers and service providers.


The ONDC Network reimagines the ecommerce landscape in India in a way that is fair and transparent for every participant. It levels the playing field, addressing most critical industry pain points like high commissions, limited transparency, and platform monopolies and duopolies, to let businesses, big and small, compete fairly.
This blog post will dive deep into how the ONDC Network works, the technology behind it, and how it stands apart from traditional ecommerce platforms.

What is the ONDC Network?


More than an ecommerce network, the ONDC Network is a movement. Technically, it is a digital ground where sellers from any corner of the nation can connect with buyers through a unified network. Sellers can showcase their products using just one seller app, reaching buyers nationwide who access the Network via India's top consumer apps.

Whether you’re an MSME, a D2C brand, or a B2B enterprise, the Network allows you to set up your own online store, showcase your products, fulfill orders across the nation, and scale your business. For buyers, ONDC streamlines online shopping by offering one-stop access to a vast variety of products and services, from groceries to cabs, eliminating the need for multiple apps.

How does the ONDC Network work?


Unlike traditional ecommerce models, which require sellers to switch between different platforms to reach broader audiences on that particular platforms, the ONDC Network changes the game. Instead of multiple listings across various apps, sellers only need one ONDC protocol-compliant seller app to access the entire buyer network. Similarly, buyers benefit from a unified shopping experience using one app that is convenient to them, easily exploring products and services from across the Network.

What technology powers the ONDC Network?


The ONDC Network is engineered out of two powerful technologies: blockchain and the Beckn Protocol. Blockchain secures every transaction, building trust and transparency for all users. The Beckn Protocol, on the other hand, establishes universal standards for commerce on a decentralized network, making it possible for sellers’ products to appear across all ONDC protocol-compliant buyer apps. Together, these technologies create a secure, interoperable, and scalable digital commerce ecosystem.

The ONDC Network vs. Traditional ecommerce platforms


Unlike traditional ecommerce apps, which limit sellers to a single marketplace, ONDC’s open approach gives sellers visibility across all Network-compatible buyer apps like Paytm and Pincode by PhonePe. This interconnected model not only expands reach but also reduces the hassle of managing multiple accounts. Buyers, meanwhile, enjoy the ability to compare prices, quality, and discounts across the Network, making the ONDC Network a convenient and economical alternative to traditional apps.

 

Feature

ONDC Network

Traditional ecommerce platforms

Structure

Decentralized, open network with interoperability

Centralized, platform-centric model

Seller onboarding

Sellers join one app and gain access to multiple buyer apps within the Network

Sellers must join each platform individually

Visibility for sellers

Expanded visibility across all Network-compliant buyer apps

Limited to users of the specific platform

Commissions

Low or negligible commissions

High commissions charged by platforms

Control for sellers

Full autonomy over pricing, policies, and operations

Platform-imposed policies on pricing and operations

Buyer experience

Access to diverse products/services via multiple connected consumer apps

Limited to the catalog of each platform

Algorithm bias

Transparent and neutral search algorithms

Often biased toward promoting certain sellers or products

Technology

Built on blockchain and the open Beckn Protocol

Proprietary technology, technically closed-source

Hyper-local focus

Prioritizes local sellers, promoting faster delivery and cost savings

Lacks hyper-local prioritization

Expansion flexibility

Open protocol allows seamless scaling and integration

Expansion limited by the proprietary structure of platforms

Buyer price comparisons

Allows buyers to compare prices across sellers in the Network

Price comparisons are usually restricted within the platform

Where is the ONDC Network operational?


The ONDC Network has already marked its presence in over 600 cities across India, including major hubs like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Coimbatore, Maharashtra, and Kolkata. It is expanding day by day to bring the benefits of the ONDC Network to every corner of India, making it accessible to a larger, more diverse audience.

Conclusion


The ONDC Network represents a bold stride towards reimagining ecommerce in India. By breaking down barriers and bringing digital opportunities to sellers and buyers across the country, it is empowering small businesses, fostering competition, and enhancing the online shopping experience in India. With ambitious expansion plans across various industries and regions, the ONDC Network is set to bring a wealth of benefits to India’s digital economy.


Adding to this transformative ecosystem, Vikra, an all-in-one seller app on the ONDC Network, simplifies ecommerce for sellers by offering tools to set up online stores, track inventory, and streamline operations. With free onboarding assistance, seamless integration with Zoho Finance apps, and personalized operational support, Vikra enables sellers to scale effortlessly without heavy upfront investments.


Ready to join the ONDC Network? Get started with Vikra—your go to seller app for selling and scaling on the ONDC Network. Learn more about Vikra here. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. To book a demo with our product experts, reach out to us at presales@vikra.com.


Happy selling!

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