ONDC Money Guide: Beat Swiggy’s 30% Fees in 2025

The Platform Revolution Nobody Is Talking About

If you’re a small business owner or home cook in India, you’ve probably felt the sting of Zomato or Swiggy’s commission rates — sometimes as high as 25–30% per order. That’s a massive chunk of your revenue disappearing before you even cover your ingredients or packaging costs.

Enter ONDC — the Open Network for Digital Commerce. It’s a government-backed initiative that’s quietly reshaping how Indians buy and sell online. And for entrepreneurs who move early, the opportunity to make money on ONDC in 2025 is very real — and very underutilized.

What Is ONDC and Why Should You Care?

ONDC is not an app or a platform in the traditional sense. Think of it as an open protocol — like the internet itself — that allows any buyer app and any seller app to communicate with each other. This means a customer on Paytm can order from a restaurant listed on Mystore or Magicpin, all through the ONDC network.

Here’s why this matters for your income:

• Lower commissions: ONDC seller commissions typically range from 2–10%, compared to 25–30% on Swiggy or Zomato.
• No exclusivity: You’re not locked into one platform’s rules or algorithms.
• Direct discoverability: Your business can be found across multiple buyer apps simultaneously.
• Government support: ONDC is actively being promoted and expanded across 200+ cities in India.

ONDC vs Zomato: The Real Numbers

Let’s break it down simply. Say you sell a meal for ₹300:

• On Zomato/Swiggy: You lose ₹75–₹90 in commission. Your take-home is roughly ₹210.
• On ONDC: You might pay ₹15–₹30 in network fees. Your take-home is closer to ₹270.

Over 100 orders a month, that difference adds up to ₹6,000–₹9,000 extra in your pocket. That’s not a small number for a home cook or cloud kitchen owner.

Who Can Make Money on ONDC?

The beauty of ONDC is its inclusivity. Here are the types of entrepreneurs who are already cashing in:

1. Home cooks and tiffin services: List your homemade meals without a massive setup cost or brand recognition.
2. Cloud kitchen owners: Reduce dependency on Zomato and protect your margins.
3. Local grocery and kirana stores: Compete with BigBasket and Blinkit without their cut.
4. Artisans and handmade product sellers: Reach buyers across India through multiple apps.
5. Digital service providers: ONDC is expanding into services — freelancers and consultants, take note.

How to Get Started as an ONDC Seller

Getting listed on ONDC is simpler than most people think. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

1. Choose a Seller App: Sign up on an ONDC-compatible seller platform like Mystore, Magicpin, Seller App, or Dotpe. These act as your gateway to the ONDC network.
2. Complete Your KYC: You’ll need your GST number (if applicable), FSSAI license for food sellers, and basic business details.
3. List Your Products or Menu: Add your offerings with clear descriptions, pricing, and photos. Quality visuals directly impact conversions.
4. Set Up Logistics: You can use ONDC’s logistics partners or arrange your own delivery for even more savings.
5. Go Live and Promote: Share your ONDC listing link on WhatsApp groups, Instagram, and with your local community to drive your first orders.

Tips to Maximize Your ONDC Income

• Offer introductory discounts to attract early reviews and build credibility on the network.
• Keep your menu or catalog tight and optimized — fewer, high-margin items beat a bloated listing every time.
• Respond to customer queries quickly, as ratings and reviews drive discoverability across buyer apps.
• Combine ONDC with a WhatsApp Business account for repeat orders and personal customer relationships.

The Bottom Line: Get on ONDC Before Everyone Else Does

The window to be an early mover on ONDC is still open — but it won’t stay that way forever. As more entrepreneurs discover how to make money on ONDC, competition will grow and the advantage will shrink. Whether you’re a home cook dreaming of a full-time food business, a kirana store owner tired of thin margins, or a digital entrepreneur looking for the next big opportunity in online business India 2025, ONDC deserves your attention right now.

Take action today: Pick a seller app, get listed, and make your first sale on the open network that’s finally putting money back in the hands of small business owners.