Small businesses adapt to digital business

*Cam Le Ward cooperated with BIDV bank to support QR code creation for small traders in the area. Photo: TRAN TRUC*

Essential requirement

The strong development of modern retail systems (shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.) and e-commerce activities have directly affected the business activities of small traders in traditional markets.

Faced with that challenge, at the beginning of the digital transformation, markets promoted the use of cashless payments and initially succeeded. Notice boards "accepting transfers" or QR codes for payment are no longer strange.

Many small traders also bring products from the market to e-commerce platforms and social networking platforms to expand consumption channels and reach customers.

For nearly a year now, Ms. Le Thi Hoa (who sells clothes at Con Market, Hai Chau Ward) has become familiar with selling goods via livestream, something she never thought she would do before. Ms. Hoa's livestreaming tools include a smartphone and a specialized lamp. Every day, she livestreams once at a fixed time, about 2 hours.

Payment via QR code brings many conveniences to both customers and shop owners. Photo: TRAN TRUC

“At first, I was a bit hesitant because selling in a completely new environment, and speaking with a local accent made it difficult to attract viewers, but thanks to perseverance, the number of buyers increased day by day, and the amount of goods sold also increased significantly. The market management board regularly organized training sessions, thanks to which I was also given detailed instructions on how to livestream as well as how to communicate and attract customers better,” Ms. Hoa shared.

In addition to selling via livestream, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, a trader at Tam Ky market, has also promoted the sale of her household goods on e-commerce platforms as well as social networks. Overcoming initial obstacles, Ms. Nhung now has a certain number of followers on Facebook and Shopee platforms.

Ms. Nhung said: “To retain and attract customers, I have proactively adjusted my sales methods, providing more services such as: home delivery; using non-cash payment methods... Because I can reach many customers in many different places, the number of online shoppers is also quite large, helping to increase income.”

According to many retailers, selling via livestream can increase revenue by 20-40% per month compared to traditional methods. The advantage of this sales channel is that it does not require initial investment costs such as premises, labor, etc.

However, livestreaming is mainly for young traders who are willing to learn and invest; for older traders in traditional markets, there are still many difficulties.

Support small businesses to keep up with technology

In rural areas, where traditional markets still play a major role as a shopping and goods exchange channel for people, localities actively support small traders to meet modern payment trends.

Customers pay via QR code at Tuy Loan market (Hoa Vang commune). Photo: TRAN TRUC

Duy Xuyen commune has 7 markets with about 360 traders. The locality coordinates with a number of banks to support opening bank accounts and provide free QR codes for traders.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Cong, Vice Chairman of Duy Xuyen Commune People's Committee, said that over 50% of small traders doing business at the markets have bank accounts and are equipped with QR codes for online payments.

Some retailers have also expanded to provide diverse services such as home delivery, receiving and processing fresh food, etc. Thanks to that, trading activities at the market have developed stably, meeting and better serving the needs of consumers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Vo Dinh Trung, Chairman of Que Son Commune People's Committee, said: "Promoting digitalization brings practical benefits to people and makes traditional markets more modern. Currently, traders in local markets have begun to promote digitalization in business activities such as cashless payments; selling goods via social networks. The Commune People's Committee also promotes propaganda to people about the convenience of cashless payment methods, contributing to reducing the risk of counterfeit money, easily managing revenue and expenditure, making quick payments, saving time for both sellers and buyers."

Mr. Nguyen Van Tru, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said that recently, the department has coordinated with relevant agencies and units to implement many practical activities to support traders at traditional markets to participate in the digital transformation process.

Specifically, such as instructions on creating booths, posting and introducing products on e-commerce platforms; organizing training courses on online sales skills, livestream sales skills; promoting the application of cashless payment solutions, popularizing QR payment codes.

Notably, the Livestream Festival for Selling Goods at Traditional Markets in 2024 held at Con Market attracted the attention and response of many small traders. With positive effects, this model has been replicated in other markets in the area, contributing to gradually forming modern business habits for small traders.

“In an increasingly competitive business environment, small traders proactively applying digital technology not only helps save costs but also creates new advantages, expands customer base and gradually enhances the image of traditional markets in modern consumption trends,” Mr. Tru emphasized.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/tieu-thuong-thich-ung-voi-kinh-doanh-so-3299424.html