I have argued about this with many people, some of them said, it is good that supermarkets are coming up, we are getting more options.. some of them said, because of supermarkets, small guys are shutting down their business coz everyone is getting things at dirt cheap rate there..

But ever thought why it happens? Just because those biggies have more money? No, actually most of the small shop guys get into unethical stuff, they do not provide good service, they do not keep themselves updated with the latest trends. I know, not all are same but most of them surely are.

Just few examples to make whole thing simpler.. We have a general store just near our building, I went there yesterday to buy some cold drink, the MRP was written as Rs. 20 but he charged me Rs. 22.. why? Rs. 2 extra to keep in the refrigerator.. Does it make any sense?

There is one more shop near my friend’s place.. his mom sometimes buys the stuff from there.. one day she bought some biscuit.. she paid the money and returned back home.. and after checking the pack properly, they found out that, it was the duplicate biscuit pack.

One more guy runs a general store, sells the stuff at higher price.. but when argued.. we get vague answers like.. you can buy from other shops if you want, my rates are going to be same..

Now, I know, these the experiences I had with shopkeepers and it does not mean that everyone must be facing the same issue but I am pretty much sure that more than 90% of the people are facing the same kind of issues..

Now, the question is.. if.. i.e. IF.. they stop doing these kind of activities, is it still going to help? What about the prices?

Well, now.. as the time moves.. we have to move along with that and look out for more options.. lookout how we can improve our business…

Say, for example.. if some wholesaler is giving heavy discount if you buy xx number of quantity and you alone cannot buy so much.. then simply gather other shopkeepers and buy together.. this way, everyone gets benefited and you can compete with other big guys too.

I have seen malls specially started for wholesale purpose.. there is a mall called Metro in Bhandup (Mumbai), it is meant only for shopkeepers and you get goods at very cheap rates.

Okay, now let’s assume that still supermarket rates are cheaper then yours.. so now what?

Now, here comes the personalized service in picture..

Supermarkets will never be able to provide personalized service to their customers.. and if they do, they will have to hike the rates a bit to meet the expenses..

So a small shopkeeper provides better service and the rates are bit higher than supermarkets.. most of the customers are not gonna worry coz they are getting the best service at their doorstep.

There are many other ways in which small shopkeepers can compete with the biggies but they just need to follow the right path.. they should be aware that customers are smarter than earlier these days..

SO, the purpose of this post is to say that, to stay in the market.. we should always keep ourselves updated.. this applies to any kind of business, any field.. and if we do not keep ourselves updated.. it won’t take time for someone to kick us out from the market..

Just my 2 cents though..

Mera India, Tips