This time, let’s talk about something that’s creating ripples in the eCommerce pond – the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

In case you’ve missed it, ONDC is a brainchild of the Indian government, born in April, touted as a contender to the reigning kings – Amazon and Walmart. It’s not just a platform; it’s an arena for competition and innovation in the eCommerce sphere. Imagine it as a marketplace where offerings from all participants get equal limelight across the network’s apps.

So, where does this leave the eCommerce behemoths we’ve grown accustomed to? That’s the billion-dollar question. There’s a wind of change, and it might just uproot the existing dynamics.

Recently, I had a little adventure with ONDC that served as a reality check on its potential. Here’s what happened. I was craving a Mexican Aalu Tikki Burger + Fries (L) from McDonald’s. As a Zomato regular, I instinctively checked the price there, Rs 165, with a grand total of Rs 234 after all extras. On a hunch, I cross-checked with ONDC. The same delight was available for Rs 148, and the final bill? A whopping Rs 51 less, at Rs 183.

This got the gears in my mind turning. If ONDC can pull this off, it might just give the established eCommerce giants a run for their money. It seems poised not just to level the playing field for sellers but also to provide more bang for the buck for folks like you and me.

Now, this is one story, one experience, and the long-term effects of ONDC on the eCommerce canvas are still a work-in-progress. However, it’s a development that deserves a spot on our radars.