The giants of the food delivery industry in India, like Swiggy and Zomato, have long held their dominance. However, a new player, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), is now emerging as a strong contender. Developed by the Indian Government, ONDC is a platform that empowers restaurants to sell food directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries. This results in more affordable prices for customers while ensuring that restaurants still receive their fair share.
Since its introduction just last year, ONDC has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. Reports indicate that the platform has already surpassed the milestone of 10,000 daily orders. One of the key factors driving this growth is the significant discounts offered by ONDC. Leading to screenshots circulating on social media comparing prices between ONDC, Swiggy, and Zomato.
If you haven’t yet heard about this development, don’t worry. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of this innovative platform, including how to order food using ONDC.
What is ONDC?
ONDC is a non-profit organization established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to promote open e-commerce. It operates on an open protocol-based network, facilitating seamless transactions between sellers and buyers, regardless of the platform they are using.
While ONDC initially focused on the food sector, it has expanded to include various segments such as grocery, travel, mobility, electronics, home decor, and more. Prominent brands like Paytm, Microsoft, Meesho, Dunzo, Boat, and others have already partnered with ONDC, and the list of partners is expected to grow shortly. Although ONDC was initially launched in Bengaluru, it has now expanded its services to multiple cities across India, including Delhi-NCR, Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Lucknow, and more. It’s important to note that service availability and outlets may vary depending on your region.
At present, ONDC does not have a dedicated app. To make a purchase, you need to use its partner platforms such as Paytm, Meesho, Magicpin, Mystore, Craftsvilla, and Spice Money. All the products and businesses listed on ONDC can be accessed through these platforms. Once you place an order on these partner platforms, a small commission is charged, and the order is then transferred to the respective seller or business.
How to Order Food from ONDC?
While ONDC offers a wide range of products, let’s focus specifically on how to order food as it is a common concern for many people. Here’s a step-by-step guide on ordering food through ONDC:
1. Launch the Paytm app.
2. Enter “ONDC” in the search bar.
3. A new page will appear. Select “Food and Grocery,” and then tap on “Food.”
4. Based on your location, you will see a variety of outlets. For example, if you’re in Delhi, you’ll find renowned chains like McDonald’s, Cafe Coffee Day, Biryani Blues, Wow Momo, Fasoos, Nirulas and more.
5. Choose your preferred outlet and add your desired food items to the cart, similar to the process on Swiggy or Zomato.
6. Provide your delivery address.
7. Proceed to make the payment.
Since ONDC is still in its early stages, you may encounter some difficulties while placing food or other product orders. In our experience, we occasionally received a prompt saying, “Unable to create a cart.” However, we remain optimistic that such issues will be resolved as the platform continues to evolve and improve.
In conclusion, ONDC is making waves in the Indian food delivery industry by offering a platform. That connects restaurants directly with customers resulting in more affordable prices. With its expanding range of partner platforms and growing list of brands. ONDC is set to become a significant player in the e-commerce landscape. If you’re interested in exploring new avenues for food delivery or other products. Give ONDC a try and experience the benefits it has to offer.
