Easy Pay Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will streamline the onboarding process for a seller and will provide a platform for the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) to manage the catalogue, inventory, transactions and customer management, said Nilay Patel, Founder and Managing Director (MD), Easy Pay.
Patel told BW Businessworld that the company aims to keep the transaction fees minimal, making it more feasible for MSMEs operating on thin profit margins to adopt to online marketspace as an alternate business channel without incurring significant additional costs.
Through this collaboration with GFSI, Easy Pay aims to provide these entrepreneurs with access to a wider market through ecommerce, thereby generating employment opportunities and opening new avenues for growth and supporting the livelihoods of millions of skilled group specialists such as weavers and sculptors.
Patel added that the absence of a robust ecommerce ecosystem has long hindered small merchants , artisans and craftsmen from venturing online. Integration with ONDC eliminates these barriers, offering unrestricted access to the e-commerce world along with numerous benefits.
Indian MSMEs operating in small geographies face numerous challenges. Limited market access and poor infrastructure hinder their ability to expand beyond local boundaries. Inadequate access to finance restricts investment in technology and modernisation, skills shortages and outdated practices limit competitiveness. Also, regulatory complexities and bureaucratic hurdles often burden these businesses, impacting their growth potential.
Through this partnership, the company will address the challenge faced by sellers who are doing business in small geographies and skilled professionals who currently sell goods at lower margins through distributors, by enabling them to access online markets with higher revenue potential.
While talking about the challenges faced by MSMEs in small geographies and providing them with localized support services, Patel added, “This includes customer support, training, and assistance in setting up and using the platform effectively. Additionally, we will also offer tools and resources to help MSMEs increase their visibility and reach within their local communities. This might include targeted marketing campaigns, promotion through social media channels, or access to a wider network of potential customers."
By using the ONDC network, these individuals are expected to not only showcase their products and services to a larger audience but also benefit from access to a range of other services such as credit facilities, digital payments, delivery solutions, and more. EasyPay will also train sellers to act as agents for onboarding other sellers onto the ONDC network.
"Sellers will be guided through the process of setting up their seller account on the ONDC platform. This will involve creating a profile, adding product listings, setting prices, and configuring shipping and payment options. Overall, the training program will be designed to equip sellers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to effectively onboard other sellers onto the ONDC network," Patel added.
Rahul Dube Project Director, Grameen Foundation for Social Impact (GFSI) stated that by leveraging technology and innovation, “We aim to bridge the gap between skilled professionals and online marketplaces, thereby urging economic inclusivity and sustainable growth." Meanwhile, the onboarding process will include seller registration, catalogue setup, logistics settings, and training for handling inventory updates, order confirmation and ticket management.
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