At the first stage of the project, the "home point" plan will be available for 2,500 thousand villages with 1,000 to 3,500 residents. To open a home point, simply submit an application on the Ozon franchise website. Under new "home point" plan, partners will receive 2.55% of the total sales at the point. However, the entrepreneur only needs to invest in basic equipment, purchasing a laptop, scanner, printer and the simplest video surveillance equipment. Internet access is also required. There is no need for a separate space with a front entrance and branding, which is required in urban areas. The main requirement is to highlight the "home point" using an appropriate illuminated sign. Ozon provides the sign and other brand materials to partners for free.
This approach greatly simplifies the process for partners to open a pick-up point, since small towns and villages generally have few premises that can meet Ozon's standards. Also, because partners are not required to have a separate premises, they don't have to pay rent, which is one of their main expenses.
Denis Dyachenko, Director of Partner Logistics Development at Ozon
"According to partners who operate pick-up points in villages, developing the network in such locations requires a different approach due to many factors. For example, it is extremely difficult to find a place that meets our criteria there, or a more flexible work schedule is required. We see huge potential for entrepreneurs and customers in these small areas, so we streamlined the corporate standards, leaving only the minimum necessary. Importantly, in doing so we removed the burden of renting from our partners, and now they can open pick-up points with little or no investment and significantly reduce their maintenance costs."
Also, each new point will receive free marketing support to make locals and the residents of neighboring villages aware of the new location for picking up Ozon orders. Free training on all work processes will be available for all partners. Additionally, Ozon also decided on a lighter work schedule for "home points". Unlike pick-up points in cities, their business hours will begin at 10 AM, five days a week.
To date, Ozon's branded network has more than 16,000 pick-up points operated by franchise partners. Depending on the plan, partners receive either 3.55% or 4.45% of the total sales at the point. Of course, the pick-up point must comply with brand standards and room criteria. Now the two main plans are joined by a third — the "home point" plan, which has a 2.55% reward and simplified requirements.