Growing Your Home Decor Business with ONDC: A Complete Guide

The home decor business is booming in India, with more customers seeking unique, high-quality products to beautify their living spaces. However, scaling such a business can be challenging without access to a wide customer base and efficient digital infrastructure. This is where the ONDC platform (Open Network for Digital Commerce) comes in, transforming how businesses operate and reach customers.

The ONDC initiative aims to facilitate 30-40 million monthly transactions by March 2025, growing from just 10 million in June 2024. With an ambitious goal to onboard 5-6 lakh merchants by the fiscal year-end, ONDC is making digital commerce accessible to small businesses. 

The home decor business can benefit immensely by leveraging this platform to expand its market presence and increase sales. If you’re looking to scale your venture, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow your home decor business with the help of the ONDC platform.

Why ONDC Is a Game-Changer for Home Decor Businesses

1. Expanding Market Reach

By connecting various buyer and seller apps, the ONDC platform allows businesses to showcase their products to a broader audience without being restricted to a single marketplace. For example, when a customer searches for home decor products on an ONDC-enabled app, your listings can appear alongside those of other sellers, increasing your visibility.

2. Reduced Dependence on Major Platforms

Traditional e-commerce platforms often charge high commission fees and impose strict guidelines on sellers. With the ONDC platform, you have greater freedom to set your own terms, manage inventory, and choose logistics partners. This level of flexibility empowers small businesses to operate more profitably.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

The open network model promotes healthy competition among sellers, resulting in better pricing, improved product quality, and faster delivery times for customers. This ensures a superior shopping experience, encouraging repeat business and customer loyalty.

4. Cost-Effective Operations

Operating on the ONDC platform involves lower transaction fees compared to traditional e-commerce giants. This allows businesses to keep more of their profits while offering competitive pricing to customers.

How to Get Started on the ONDC Platform

1. Select the Right Seller App

Begin by choosing a seller app that supports ONDC registration, such as SellerSetu or others listed on the official ONDC website. Select an app that aligns with your product category and business requirements.

2. Complete the Registration Process

Register by providing your mobile number and email address. Follow the app-specific instructions to create your seller profile.

3. Verify Essential Documents

To complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• PAN Card for tax identification
• Bank account details for payment processing
• Aadhaar Card for identity verification
• GST registration (if applicable)

If your annual turnover is below ₹40 lakhs, you can operate without a GST registration but will be restricted to delivering products within your state.

4. Set Up Your Store

Create a digital storefront by providing essential business details. Upload a professional logo and write a compelling store description to attract customers.

5. Add Your Product Catalogue

Upload your product catalogue with detailed descriptions, clear images, and accurate pricing. Organise products into categories and include relevant attributes to make them easier for customers to find.

6. Optimise Product Listings

Use relevant keywords, such as home decor business, to improve the discoverability of your products. Write clear and engaging product descriptions, and ensure that your images are high-quality and well-lit.

7. Ensure Efficient Logistics

Partner with reliable logistics providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of orders. Many seller apps on the ONDC platform offer integrated logistics solutions.

8. Leverage Data Insights

Monitor your sales performance and customer behaviour using the analytics tools provided by your seller app. Use these insights to refine your pricing strategy, optimise inventory management, and improve customer engagement.

6 Tips for Growing Your Home Decor Business with ONDC

1. Craft Compelling Product Listings

Your product listings should grab attention and convey the unique value of your offerings. Include clear titles, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images to showcase your products effectively.

2. Stay Competitive with Smart Pricing

Analyse market trends and competitor pricing to set competitive prices. Offering occasional discounts and promotions can also help attract more customers.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews build trust and improve your product’s visibility on the ONDC platform. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback and respond promptly to any concerns.

4. Utilise Promotional Tools

Take advantage of promotional tools available on the ONDC platform, such as sponsored listings and flash sales, to boost your product visibility.

5. Monitor Performance Metrics

Keep track of key performance metrics, such as sales volume, conversion rates, and customer engagement. Use these insights to identify areas for improvement and optimise your strategy.

6. Maintain Excellent Customer Service

Provide prompt and friendly customer support to enhance the shopping experience. Address customer queries and concerns efficiently to build a loyal customer base.

Advantages of the ONDC Platform for the Home Decor Industry

• Access to Multiple Buyer Apps: Reach a diverse customer base by connecting with multiple buyer apps.
• Cost Savings: Lower transaction fees and marketing costs.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Gain valuable insights into customer preferences and market trends.
• Flexible Operations: Set your own business terms and choose preferred logistics partners.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Adapting to a New Platform

Transitioning to the ONDC platform may require a learning curve. Overcome this by participating in training sessions and seeking support from the seller app.

2. Managing Logistics

Ensure timely delivery by partnering with reliable logistics providers and maintaining efficient inventory management.

3. Staying Competitive

Keep up with market trends and continuously improve your product offerings and customer experience to stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

The ONDC platform presents a remarkable opportunity for the home decor business to thrive in the digital commerce landscape. By leveraging its features, businesses can expand their market reach, reduce operational costs, and offer better customer experiences. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, embracing ONDC can be the key to staying competitive and achieving long-term success.

For more insights on growing your home decor business, explore our market linkages solution. Additionally, learn more about the transformative potential of ONDC for Indian businesses.

Start your journey today and unlock the potential of the ONDC platform for your home decor business.

FAQs

1. What is ONDC, and how does it benefit my home decor business?

ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is a government-backed platform that connects buyers and sellers across multiple apps. For home decor businesses, it offers an expanded market reach, reduced commission fees, and greater control over operations, enabling you to reach more customers at lower costs.

2. How do I get started on ONDC?

To get started, choose a seller app that supports ONDC registration, complete the registration process, verify your documents (like PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details), set up your store, and upload your product catalogue. The process is simple and allows you to start selling quickly.

3. What are the requirements for registering on ONDC?

You’ll need essential documents like your PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank account details, and GST registration (if applicable). For businesses with a turnover under ₹40 lakhs, GST is not mandatory, but you can only sell within your state.

4. Can I sell my home decor products on multiple apps via ONDC?

Yes, ONDC connects you with multiple buyer apps, so your products can appear across several platforms, expanding your visibility and market reach. This increases your chances of attracting more customers.

5. What are the transaction fees on ONDC?

ONDC offers lower transaction fees compared to traditional e-commerce platforms. This allows businesses to retain more of their profits, making it a cost-effective solution for small businesses looking to scale.