In the year 2018, a new startup dared to step into the formidable realm of the FMCG industry which is known for its intricacies and challenges that can daunt even the boldest of entrepreneur. udaan kicked off in this realm relentlessly and in a mere seven years since its inception in 2015, udaan tapped into the treasure trove of opportunities in the FMCG sector waiting to be explored.
udaan set out to become the bridge between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, with a mission to reduce inefficiencies and expand the array of FMCG products available in the market. Their strategy was nothing short of meticulous. Every facet of FMCG trade underwent thorough scrutiny, guided by a crystal-clear vision. udaan’s FMCG business success story is an ode to ambition, strategy, and an unyielding spirit. It serves as a reminder that within challenges lie immense opportunities. Inefficiencies can be transformed into streamlined efficiency, and dreams can be turned into a thrilling reality. udaan’s journey in the FMCG landscape has been significant, but the story is far from over.
Bridging Gaps and Streamlining Trade
In the dynamic world of the FMCG industry, udaan has become a champion for small and medium-sized retailers, bridging access gaps and opening doors to a wider array of choices for retailer.
Retailers have the convenience of downloading the udaan app and uploading the necessary documents for placing orders. They no longer need to wait for a specific representative to visit them. With udaan, buyers of all classes can directly order products through the app from their outlet and enjoy the benefits of doorstep delivery.
Conventional distribution systems restrict direct delivery to high-level outlets. A larger number of buyers had to visit wholesale markets to procure their merchandise. This poses significant challenges for the buyers, impacting their business operations as they have to temporarily close their outlets during these trips.
Going beyond its own corporate ambitions, udaan is making a determined effort to revolutionize the FMCG sector, embedding efficiency into every aspect of the trade. Vinay Shrivastava, Business Head for FMCG at udaan, is a driving force behind this transformative mission. He emphasizes the company’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction, with a vision to provide a convenient one-stop shop where tailored product availability is the norm.
‘‘Our objective is to build udaan as the most favored destination for FMCG buyers. udaan’s motto for the FMCG retail buyer is: ‘One Stop Shop Available Every day at Fair Price and Easy to Deal With,’’says Shrivastava.
He further adds that udaan’s platform has an extensive catalog of 2,000-3,000 SKUs from over 400+ FMCG brands which is available every day making udaan one of the largest for any eB2B company. From home care to personal care and foods to beverages, udaan offers an extensive range of products. And it doesn’t just stop at listings; the platform has set high standards with a remarkable 98.4% compliance rate for Next-Day Delivery (NDD).
Geographic expansion forms the cornerstone of udaan’s strategy, and it extends beyond mere geographical reach. It’s about democratizing the FMCG sector and igniting economic growth. udaan has become the trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, offering not just reliability but timely deliveries and a level of transparency in the industry.
But what set udaan apart are not just its extensive offerings or efficiency but it’s their commitment to fair pricing. They employ dynamic pricing that reflects real-time market conditions, giving retailers access to transparent and equitable pricing. Their digital platform is more than user-friendly and it’s a game-changer in the world of hassle-free purchasing.
Tracking shipments and processing payments has becomes a breeze, thanks to udaan’s intuitive platform. But their support goes beyond the basics; they empower buyers with accessible credit options, offering a financial lifeline to retailers.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of udaan is their “no-questions-asked” return policy. “It’s not just a policy; it’s a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction. When a product falls short, we take it back without hesitation, underlining that ‘trust’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a way of life for us,” avers Shrivastava.
But udaan’s mission extends far beyond to cover many more aspects. They offer data-driven insights that enhance profitability and foster win-win partnerships with their customers. Their vision is clear: to become the “Partner of Choice.” It revolves around trust, transparency, and customer-centric solutions. In a competitive market, udaan is well-positioned to support retailers and establish themselves as a partner of choice where trust fuels retail’s success.
Transforming Rural FMCG Distribution
The company has embarked on an ambitious initiative called ‘Project Vistaar’, designed to overhaul the FMCG distribution landscape. Its impact is particularly profound in rural India, where udaan initially focused on ten districts in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and aspires to extend its influence to Bihar, the North East, and Karnataka.
“We initiated Project Vistaar to empower small retailers and kirana store owners with access to a wide range of food and FMCG products. Our initial goal is to onboard retailers in 4,100 towns and villages across Uttar Pradesh, expanding our regional presence. Our vision is to reach 15,000 towns and villages by the end of 2023, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to an expanding network of retailers,” says Shrivastava.
As a modern commerce trailblazer, udaan’s commitment extends beyond urban landscapes; it ignites economic growth by democratizing commerce in the heart of rural India through Project Vistaar, expanding horizons for partner brands.
Presenting Extensive Product Portfolio and New Launches
udaan’s extensive portfolio, spanning a wide range of SKUs, provides a diverse array of product options, facilitating partner growth. Their innovative approach solidifies their position as the preferred brand choice, especially those brands/companies seeking for product launches.
In the world of FMCG, launching new products can be a daunting challenge, but udaan has ingeniously designed a cost-effective platform for new product launches within their existing buyer base, underpinned by their resolve to innovate.
“Execution of new product launch has always been challenge for most FMCG companies and it’s one of the unsolved problems. udaan has built a very strong vehicle for new launches across our existing buyer base. It allows our partners to test the market much more economically and tweak their offerings accordingly. We have become a partner of choice or I would like to say a ‘favored new launch vehicle’ for brands,” says Shrivastava.
Going beyond transaction facilitation, udaan nurtures substantial relationships with vendors and partners, while delivering comprehensive data and data-driven insights that catalyze collective business growth. More than being just a platform for driving commerce, udaan plays the role of a progressive partner, steering businesses towards a brighter and more prosperous future. It’s a journey driven by collaboration, innovation, and collective growth.
Redefining the FMCG Landscape with Transparency and Reliability
In the FMCG sector, udaan has emerged as a potent force shaping the industry’s future with precision and strategic acumen. They deploy a comprehensive range of strategies that have a significant impact on the FMCG landscape.
Their approach to product selection is a finely- crafted art. Every day, they meticulously curate a portfolio spanning from everyday essentials to regional delicacies, demonstrating dedication to diversity and choice. This thoughtfully-curated collection features products from over 400 FMCG brands, offering consumers a vast array of options.
In the fast-paced FMCG world, reliability is paramount. udaan takes immense pride in its extraordinary NextDay Delivery (NDD) rate, boasting an impressive 98.4% compliance rate over the past year.
This success is rooted in their meticulously organized supply chain, made sharper with cutting-edge technology. The platform ensures that products reach buyers, whether they reside in bustling urban centers or remote rural landscapes, acting as a catalyst for economic growth on every front.
Shrivastava points out, “Over the past year, we have moved to Anchor FC (Fulfillment Centers) and Micro FC model with the presence of 20 Anchor FC and 200+ Micro FCs. This has made our supply chain more responsive and ensures high availability of our entire portfolio every day to the buyer.’’
Udaan’s commitment to transparency is reflected in its pricing model, providing retailers with real-time access to essential data, fostering trust and predictability while eliminating uncertainties associated with conventional supply chains. With a Minimum Cart Value of Rs. 499, udaan simplifies daily order processes, enabling businesses to optimize their working capital.
Additionally, udaan plays a significant role in:
- Providing structured credit
- Empowering retailers and
- Offering essential financial support
The company extends its services beyond product offerings by embracing financial adaptability.
Through udaanCapital, the company provides flexible payment and financing solutions, allowing businesses to stay in sync with their evolving financial needs in today’s dynamic economic landscape.
They also prioritize the customer experience through.
- Their responsive customer support, coupled with an intuitive digital platform for ordering and payments, sets high service standards.
- Their Hassle-free returns and efficient solutions streamline business operations, placing the overall customer experience at the forefront.
- udaan’s forward-looking vision shines through the Bolt app, a tool designed to enhance efficiency and save precious time, solidifying their commitment to a swiftly evolving market.
In a dynamic business landscape where innovation is the linchpin of success, udaan’s steadfast dedication to the FMCG sector exemplifies a model of transformation, trust, and growth. udaan is reshaping the industry’s dynamics, emphasizing on the significance of foundational principles
Redefining Commerce with Quality, Diversity, and Customer Wisdom
udaan’s portfolio covers a vast expanse across the country. Shrivastava points out, “Currently through our extensive nationwide distribution setup, we have a presence across 1500+ cities/towns and cover 12,500+ pin codes.”
In a crowded market filled with various products, udaan stands out as a reliable choice. Quality and authenticity are central to their mission, catering to the discerning preferences of consumers who prioritize excellence.
Imagine a shopping experience crafted with meticulous attention to your preferences. udaan’s platform brings this vision to life by harnessing the power of data analytics to offer personalized product recommendations. It’s not just shopping; it’s a personalized journey, tailored to your unique tastes. The platform meticulously tailors its product offerings to align with the distinct tastes of various regions and demographics
The udaan marketplace thrives on the collective wisdom of its users. They don’t just buy; they become critics, sharing their experiences through reviews and ratings. These insights shape a gallery of inspiration for future buyers, creating a repository of shared wisdom.
udaan’s platform is more than a marketplace. It’s a comprehensive source of real-time data. It offers insights into 3P’S
- Product availability
- Pricing fluctuations
- Precise delivery schedules
This meets the contemporary consumer’s demand for transparency and immediate access to information with every transaction.
udaan has extended its role beyond being an online marketplace. It functions as a strong comprehensive customer support. The company makes significant investments in customer service, ensuring swift and effective issue resolution for users. This commitment underscores their dedication to efficient service delivery in the ever-evolving business environment and enhances its consumer experiences.
Technology as the Beating Heart of the Platform
In the current digital landscape, technology assumes a central role, orchestrating a data-driven processes and advanced systems. The process commences with efficient availability management, guaranteeing easy access to each product at the click of a button. Following this, a carefully structured strategy is set in motion to streamline product distribution, paving the way for the impeccable execution of next-day deliveries.
udaan has mastered the art of route optimization, ensuring the most efficient use of their resources, resulting in swift and cost-effective product deliveries. Technology’s influence further plays a pivotal role in intelligent inventory management. Every product in their vast inventory is meticulously controlled at Anchor and MFCs (Market Fulfillment Centers), leading to cost optimization.
Automation assumes a pivotal role as the replenishment system efficiently generating purchase orders, and significantly contributing to an impressive 85% stock availability. This highlights the profound impact that technology has on every aspect of their supply chain.
But udaan doesn’t stop there. Their pursuit of innovation fuels continuous investments in their supply chain, with a single purpose—to elevate the buyer’s experience. Their goal is to guide their audience toward nothing less than excellence. In the dynamic world of commerce, udaan serves as a driving force, propelling the industry forward through a series of technological breakthroughs.
udaan’s Blueprint for Digital Commerce
udaan’s narrative commences with the embrace of Digital Transformation. Their transition to a user friendly digital platform wasn’t mere adaptation; it was a deliberate stride toward enhancing efficiency and elevating the user experience.
One of their compelling aspects centers on Prioritizing Accessibility. udaan underscores the significance of accessibility, reaching remote and rural areas where digital commerce was once a distant dream. This commitment expands their customer base and nurtures economic growth, extending the dividends of digital commerce to even the most remote regions.
The narrative continues with a focus on Fostering Transparency, where open and honest communication about pricing, product quality, and delivery schedules forms the cornerstone of trust, building lasting relationships based on transparent sharing of every detail
Leveraging Data Insights is a prominent theme, reflecting udaan’s astute use of data to empower businesses with informed decisions, granting them a competitive edge in the dynamic marketplace. Data isn’t just a collection of numbers; it’s a narrative shaping their strategic decisions.
Quality Assurance is a pivotal aspect, not merely an afterthought but a guiding principle in udaan’s journey. Rigorous quality checks and verification processes uphold industry regulations and standards, testifying to their unwavering commitment to quality.
The platform makes adept use of the Harnessing User Feedback feature. Users play a crucial role in shaping the narrative, providing valuable insights that guide udaan through strengths and weaknesses, shedding light on pain points and directing the path of improvement.
Fostering Collaboration underscores the strength of alliances with industry stakeholders, brands, and manufacturers, representing a promise of authenticity that reassures users about authorized product sourcing.
A critical element is Personalization, a commitment to tailoring the user experience to individual preferences and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of individual connections in a digital world.
Customer Support is of paramount importance in udaan’s narrative, addressing user inquiries and concerns, ensuring user satisfaction, and placing the user’s wellbeing at the core of the story.
The commitment to Prioritizing Innovation celebrates udaan’s dedication to exploring new horizons with technology, features, and services, ensuring they stay fresh and competitive in a constantly evolving landscape.
udaan’s Strategic Vision: A Path to Industry Leadership
udaan is dedicated to reshaping the FMCG industry through a steadfast commitment to strategic objectives, a focus on innovation, and a mission to adapt to the dynamic industry landscape. In a world where industries evolve at the speed of light, udaan is well-positioned to redefine the FMCG landscape.
Some of its strategic visions are:
- Market Expansion and Business Empowerment: The company’s strategic vision extends beyond geographical boundaries, encompassing uncharted territories from urban hubs to rural India. The company is committed to expanding its footprint and empowering businesses across a broader spectrum by breaking boundaries and reaching untapped markets.
- Technological Leadership: In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, udaan maintains its position at the forefront of the digital revolution. The company doesn’t merely adopt innovation; it takes the lead. Its strategic vision revolves around AI-driven recommendations, blockchain for supply chain transparency and advanced data analytics. The platform is ever-evolving, setting new standards in digital commerce, consistently advancing its technological capabilities, and establishing itself as a pioneer in digital commerce.
- Prioritizing User Experience: In the digital realm, user experience reigns supreme, and udaan recognizes this, and is resolutely committed to enhancing platform usability, personalization, and mobile accessibility. With a vigilant focus on evolving user requirements, the company ensures a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers. User satisfaction is not just a goal; it’s a promise.
- Supply Chain Optimization: udaan acknowledges the pivotal role of a robust supply chain in achieving success. The optimization of the supply chain holds a prominent position within their strategic framework. This involves the deployment of innovative methods to minimize lead times and guarantee punctual order deliveries, effectively streamlining the supply chain for a dependable and efficient platform.
- Harnessing the Power of Information: In this era of data-driven decision-making, udaan harnesses the power of insights. The company furnishes invaluable information such as market trends, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization, enabling businesses to make well-informed decisions. Data, in their view, transcends its role as a mere resource, emerging as a transformative catalyst.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaboration lies at the core of udaan’s success. The company is actively cultivating robust partnerships with brands, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders. Their focus extends beyond expanding product offerings; it centers on nurturing profound relationships within the FMCG sector. These strategic partnerships not only enhance the platform’s outreach and credibility but also foster a mutually beneficial environment for all stakeholders involved.
- Customer Support and Engagement: At the core of udaan’s strategy lies an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer support and engagement initiatives. Leveraging technology, the company seeks to enhance its core Customer Value Proposition, with a clear objective of delivering unparalleled support to its users. For udaan, customer satisfaction is not a mere checkbox; it stands as the cornerstone of their strategic priorities.
- Innovation in Financing: udaan understands the importance of cash flow and working capital, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. They’re actively exploring innovative financing solutions, providing effective financial tools to empower businesses in the digital commerce landscape.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: udaan is dedicated to fostering inclusivity within the digital commerce ecosystem, transcending considerations of size or location. The company’s unwavering commitment is to ensure their platform remains accessible to all. At the heart of their vision are smaller and rural retailers, embodying their aim to contribute to economic growth and prosperity through the prioritization of inclusivity and accessibility.
In conclusion, udaan’s strategic vision transcends mere planning; it is a journey marked by growth, innovation, user-eccentricity, and inclusivity. The company is resolute in its determination to lead the digital commerce landscape, shaping the future of the FMCG industry with an unwavering commitment to its strategic priorities. This narrative remains an ongoing story, closely observed by a global audience, eagerly anticipating the transformation it pledges to usher into the FMCG sector.
