If you are a sundry shop owner, you would have felt the heat of COVID-19. The business of sundry shops has been around for generations in Malaysia.
Staying afloat is vital
Most of these businesses have been around and passed down from the earlier generations. Known as the traditional 7-Elevens, they sell all types of everything like groceries, toiletries and even vegetables. If you (or your family) runs such businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic would surely have affected your operations greatly. While you are considered an essential service, it would also mean dropping your revenue as people are going out less.
Getting through the pandemic
So, what should you do to get through these hard times? Cash flow will always be a concern as you need to survive through your daily operations. While opening a shop might not be the best option during the pandemic, it does not mean you cannot sell your products as before. This is the time to rethink your strategy and to get into areas that you might not have done before.
- Go online – Sundry shops are cash business operations. You want to sell as many as you can each day and if you are unable to have walk-in customers, it is time to let them ‘surf in’. Create a simple website that has a catalog of what products you are selling. Be sure to categorize them accordingly so that your customers can find the things they need. It need not be a fully-functional e-commerce site but one where your customers can browse and select what they want. You can then communicate with them on delivery and payment later.
- Start your digital reputation – Like any other businesses today, this is a good time to create your social media accounts. Your products might not be different from other sellers but your reputation can be. Start with the people around your vicinity and neighborhood and then start venturing further. One thing for sure, your returning customers will be more than happy to connect with you on Facebook because you are a familiar face to them. Take note that you need to monitor what people are saying there and to reply as soon as possible.
- SOPs – Your customers need to know that you are aware of the SOPs and that you comply with them. For them, safety is now everything. When you sell your products, show that you practice the SOPs that are required. This must be shown in your social media accounts like packing of products and other processes. This has a positive effect especially after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
- Payment and delivery – Let your customers use contactless payment platforms like e-wallets or online transfers because they might not be too receptive to dealing with physical cash. Educate them on the processes involved in paying for their products. Once that is done, inform them about how their products will be delivered. Ensure that your employees practice and wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) throughout the processes that should include handling of the products to your customers. You MUST also commit to same-day delivery.
