How Does ONDC Simplify Quick Commerce for Retailers

In today's fast-paced retail world, consumers increasingly expect fast, convenient, and efficient service. One trend that has taken the industry by storm is quick commerce, which is revolutionizing how goods are delivered. In particular, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) offers businesses an innovative way to tap into this rapidly growing sector.

Quick commerce, often referred to as hyperlocal delivery, involves sourcing products from nearby locations and delivering them within 15 to 30 minutes. This model is booming, particularly in categories like groceries, daily essentials, and medicines, as consumers demand speedier deliveries than ever before. For businesses looking to break into the quick commerce space, the ONDC network offers a compelling solution.

This blog will guide you on how to succeed in the quick commerce market through ONDC, covering the market landscape, benefits, and the practical steps required to set up and scale your business.

The Quick Commerce Market: A Snapshot

Quick commerce is reshaping the retail industry by meeting the growing consumer demand for fast, hyperlocal deliveries. Consumers today expect products to arrive not in days, but in minutes, transforming customer expectations and the competitive landscape.

In India alone, the quick commerce market is projected to reach $3.34 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.33% from 2024 to 2029. By 2029, the market is expected to surpass $10 billion, catering to around 60.6 million users. This explosive growth signals immense opportunities for businesses looking to enter the quick commerce sector early.

Why Quick Commerce is Booming

Several factors contribute to the rapid rise of quick commerce:

• Busy Lifestyles: Consumers, especially in Tier I cities, are prioritizing time-saving solutions, fueling the demand for quick commerce services.
• Smartphone Penetration: The increasing use of smartphones, even in smaller cities, makes it easier for consumers to access quick commerce platforms.
• Improved Connectivity: With better internet speeds, browsing and ordering online has become seamless, accelerating the growth of quick commerce.
• Young, Tech-Savvy Consumers: The younger generation prefers digital-first shopping experiences, aligning perfectly with the quick commerce model.
• Enhanced Logistics: Innovations in logistics enable fast, efficient delivery, a critical factor for quick commerce's success.

The Role of ONDC in Quick Commerce

ONDC is transforming the digital commerce landscape by providing an open, decentralized platform where businesses of all sizes can sell their products. This network levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with giants by using a shared infrastructure.

For quick commerce, ONDC offers a unique opportunity. By joining the network, businesses can overcome some of the challenges traditional quick commerce models face, such as inventory management and infrastructure setup.

ONDC provides flexibility for businesses to manage deliveries in their own way. You can list your store on any seller app and choose whether to handle deliveries yourself or partner with local delivery services to meet the 15-30 minute delivery promise.

Advantages of Using ONDC for Quick Commerce

ONDC offers several advantages for businesses in the quick commerce space:

1. Simplified Entry

ONDC allows businesses to enter the market without needing to build complex infrastructure. It supports non-inventory-based models, enabling you to partner with local vendors who fulfill orders directly from their inventory. This flexibility is essential in reducing the initial investment required to start.

2. Cost-Effective

Traditional quick commerce models often require hefty upfront investments in infrastructure and logistics. ONDC, however, leverages existing vendor networks and integrates logistics providers, offering a more affordable and efficient way to start your quick commerce business.

3. Broader Reach

ONDC connects you to a vast customer base across multiple regions. This extensive reach is vital for scaling your business quickly and effectively.

4. Integrated Solutions

ONDC offers integrated tools and services, including logistics management and payment gateways, that simplify the operational side of your business, leaving you free to focus on growth.

Steps to Start Your Quick Commerce Business on ONDC

If you're ready to tap into the quick commerce market via ONDC, follow these simple steps:

1. Register Your Business on ONDC

Begin by registering your business on the ONDC platform. You’ll need to fill out your business details and verify your credentials. Once you're onboard, you’ll gain access to tools and resources necessary to set up your quick commerce store.

2. Set Up Your Marketplace

ONDC’s seller app provides a user-friendly interface to help you easily create your digital storefront. Whether you’re selling groceries, electronics, or daily essentials, you can list your products on the platform and start reaching customers.

3. Partner with Local Vendors

Instead of managing large inventories, ONDC enables you to partner with local vendors who will stock the products and handle deliveries. This model makes it easier to fulfill orders quickly, ensuring a better customer experience.

4. Integrate Logistics Providers

Choose from a variety of logistics partners on the ONDC network, all equipped to handle fast deliveries within your service areas. This is crucial for maintaining the speed expected by quick commerce consumers.

5. Launch Your Mobile Apps

With the growing trend of mobile commerce, ensure that you have Android and iOS apps for your store. ONDC makes it easy to launch these apps and allows your customers to shop on the go.

6. Market Your Business

Once your store is live, leverage ONDC's integrated marketing tools to create targeted campaigns and reach potential customers in your service areas. Effective marketing is key to attracting and retaining customers.

Why Quick Commerce on ONDC is the Future

ONDC isn’t just another e-commerce platform; it’s a game-changer for businesses wanting to succeed in the quick commerce space. Here’s why:

• Increased Visibility: Products listed on ONDC are visible across multiple buyer apps, increasing your chances of attracting customers.
• Scalability: ONDC allows you to expand into new regions and add more vendors as your business grows, without incurring significant additional costs.
• Customer Trust: ONDC’s secure protocol and reliable service providers build trust with customers, a vital component for sustained success in the quick commerce industry.

Overcoming Challenges in Quick Commerce

While quick commerce offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges such as inventory management, logistics, and customer expectations. Here’s how ONDC can help:

• Inventory Management: The vendor-based model on ONDC eliminates the need for businesses to manage large inventories, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
• Delivery Logistics: By partnering with local vendors and logistics providers, ONDC ensures your deliveries meet the fast delivery expectations of consumers.
• Customer Expectations: ONDC’s integrated tools help create a seamless shopping experience, from order placement to delivery, ensuring that customer expectations are met every time.

Embrace the Future of Retail with ONDC

Quick commerce is more than just a trend; it’s the future of retail. As demand for fast, hyperlocal deliveries continues to rise, businesses that embrace this model will thrive. The ONDC network provides an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable way to enter the quick commerce space, offering everything you need to succeed—from logistical support to customer outreach.

At BlueHorse Software, we specialize in creating mobile and web solutions that empower businesses to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Whether you’re looking to build your quick commerce store on ONDC or need a mobile app to support your customer engagement, we have the expertise to help you navigate this exciting market.

By setting up your business on ONDC with the help of BlueHorse Software, you position your brand at the forefront of this retail revolution, ready to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced, convenience-driven consumers. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, ONDC provides the tools and resources you need to succeed in the growing world of quick commerce.

Ready to join the future of retail? Partner with BlueHorse Software to start your quick commerce journey with ONDC today.