ONDC registration for a restaurant is not usually a single marketplace signup in the traditional sense. The Open Network for Digital Commerce connects buyer applications, seller-network participants and logistics providers through an interoperable network.
How ONDC works
A customer can discover a restaurant through a participating buyer app. The restaurant is typically onboarded through a seller-network participant that helps publish the catalogue, receive orders and manage network processes. Logistics may be provided by the seller, a network participant or another integrated provider depending on the arrangement.
Use the official ONDC website and network-participant directory to check current participants and guidance.
Restaurant readiness checklist
- Valid business, bank, tax and FSSAI details as applicable
- Accurate menu, prices, taxes, images and availability
- Reliable preparation times and order-acceptance process
- Packaging and dispatch standards
- Cancellation, refund and complaint responsibilities
- POS or order-dashboard workflow
- Staff able to reconcile orders and settlements
Registration steps
- Review eligible seller-network participants in the official directory.
- Compare onboarding, software, support, settlement and logistics arrangements.
- Submit KYC, bank, FSSAI, GST and business documents requested for your case.
- Build the digital catalogue with accurate variants and taxes.
- Test order acceptance, preparation, rider handover, cancellation and refund flows.
- Train staff and launch with controlled hours.
- Reconcile orders, fees, deductions and bank settlements.
Questions to ask before joining
| Area | Question |
|---|---|
| Fees | What onboarding, subscription, transaction, payment or support charges apply? |
| Logistics | Who assigns the rider and who bears failed-delivery cost? |
| Settlement | When is money paid and what deductions appear? |
| Support | Who handles customer disputes and technical failures? |
| Data | What order and customer data can the restaurant access lawfully? |
| Exit | How can the catalogue be paused or the agreement ended? |
Potential benefits
- Access to demand across participating buyer applications
- Potentially more choice of seller, technology and logistics partners
- Reduced dependence on a single closed marketplace
- Opportunity for smaller businesses to become digitally discoverable
Limitations and risks
- Availability and order volume vary by city and participant.
- Total cost is not automatically low; calculate every fee and discount.
- Support can involve multiple network parties.
- Catalogue and inventory accuracy remain the restaurant’s responsibility.
- Customer experience depends on technology, preparation and logistics together.
Profitability test
For each order calculate net item revenue minus ingredients, packaging, participant charges, payment cost, logistics paid by the restaurant, discount funding, refunds and incremental labour. Compare it with direct takeaway and other delivery channels using our delivery profitability calculator.
Practical launch advice
Start with a focused menu that travels well. Limit delivery radius and operating hours until preparation and handover are stable. Review cancellations, late orders, ratings and contribution per order weekly. ONDC is infrastructure—not a guarantee of sales or profit.