From zero to a thriving business: How to establish a network of Ozon pickup points.

The international marketplace Ozon is rapidly expanding in Kazakhstan. The number of platform buyers is steadily increasing, as it is much more convenient to select products, find the best deals, and then pick them up on the way home or to work rather than spending time and effort on offline shopping. According to the platform's statistics, 8 out of 10 customers prefer to receive their orders at pickup points. Moreover, the network of such locations in the country is just beginning to develop, meaning now is the perfect time to start this business while many attractive locations are still available.

Choosing the right location is key to the success of this business. Begin by thoroughly studying the city. You need to assess the population density in different areas, the most popular routes taken by residents, and places with high foot traffic. Customers prefer to collect their orders while running other errands. Therefore, it makes sense to position pickup points near major shopping and business centers, as well as in populated residential areas close to popular stores.

Once you've done this, decide on specific locations where you will search for premises. When planning your network, it's wise to understand where your first point will be and where subsequent ones will follow. At this stage, the interactive map of Ozon will be helpful. The company provides partners with financial support of up to 7,100,000 tenge in the first six months, and the map shows areas where the payout amounts will be the highest.

Next, you can start looking for a premises. There are certain requirements for it: it should be on the ground floor and have a minimum area of 25 square meters. At this stage, you can already count on the support of the company's territorial manager, consulting with them about various options.

Before starting to build your network, it is necessary to launch the first pickup point to personally go through all the stages and understand how the processes should be structured. Opening a pickup point is easy; it only requires four steps that can be completed in two weeks.

The main expenses at the start are rent and cosmetic repairs, the requirements for which are detailed in the Ozon brand book. Additionally, the platform provides a sign and all marketing materials from wallpaper to a schedule sign free of charge. For furniture, you will need shelves for storage, a table or counter for the administrator, a chair, and equipment for fitting rooms. In terms of technology, only a smartphone and a computer with a printer are necessary.

Alongside the repairs, you should look for employees. Ozon pickup points operate on a unified schedule from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM without breaks or weekends, so it would be better to find two people to work in shifts. Many entrepreneurs at the start handle product acceptance and order issuance themselves to thoroughly understand all processes. Detailed answers to most questions are provided in the company's directory. Ozon also takes care of employee training.

After opening the Ozon pickup point, the company will notify its clients about the new location and add it to all maps. You will only need to maintain the service level, and your own advertising expenses are at the owner's discretion. Partnering with a large brand is convenient because Ozon is already quite well-known in the CIS region. This means you won't have to spend on advertising; the platform does that effectively, attracting customers. When people choose a delivery method, they indicate the most convenient pickup point for them.

Once the point is operational, and all processes are established without requiring constant owner intervention, you can move on to expansion. Double-check the locations you have chosen and ensure they are indeed areas with good foot traffic and that there are no nearby competitors. After that, you can confidently submit applications and look for premises for future points. It makes sense to open them sequentially to allow sufficient attention to each new pickup point at the start.

After launching the first pickup point, you will already have an understanding of how to quickly and cost-effectively carry out repairs, where to purchase furniture and equipment, and you may even be able to negotiate volume discounts. At this stage, you will need to focus on expanding the team and organizing employee workflows. With each new point, the opening process will become easier, but more management tasks will arise.

Ozon's financial support greatly simplifies the development of this business. In the first six months, each point can receive funding that will cover rent, salaries, or other expenses while the new point reaches self-sufficiency.

The income of the pickup point owner is generated from the turnover of goods issued at their location, amounting to 5% of the product price for items costing up to 23,921 tenge and 1,196 tenge for each item in an order if the price is higher. You can also supplement this income by accepting products from sellers or collaborating with other logistics companies.

Furthermore, if there is free space in the customer area of your pickup point, you can utilize it to launch a side business. Any activity not prohibited by law is allowed. For instance, you could install a vending machine for selling coffee.

Today, millions of people shop on Ozon for a vast array of products—from home goods to clothing and groceries. A significant portion of these transactions occurs through pickup points, generating income for their owners. To learn more and start collaborating with Ozon, visit the company's website.