4 steps to scan a small retailer

By Eros Jantsch, vice president of Micro and Small Business at Totvs

Much is said about how technology is evolving and helping large retailers, but little is heard about the impact of this transformation on small businesses. In view of the expansion of large retail chains and the prospects of economic recovery in the country, the micro-entrepreneur should seek his space in the market. However, you will only be able to achieve it if you understand the benefits of digitizing your business and investing in the right technology.
 
In the quest to make the business grow quickly, but without proper controls, many get lost along the way. It is the custom of the small retailer to control the company by the simple entry and exit of cash from the cashier and this is quite dangerous. The ideal is to monitor sales, company costs, accounts payable and capital movements through a tool that helps to visualize the cash flow accurately.

Another fundamental point for retailers - and one that is increasingly determinant for the survival of establishments - is the search for consumer loyalty. For this, it is important to have the consumption profile of each of the customers, based on it, offering personalized service, predicting behaviors and demands, offering accurate promotions and increasing sales. Not using technology in favor of this movement is like throwing yourself into a bottomless pit when, in fact, there is an opportunity to take a leap and get ahead. And it can be done in just four simple steps. Put them into practice and scan your company safely and effectively.
 
1 - Talk to your accountant, other retailers and look for references
Every micro and small establishment has a counter to support it. It is important to talk to yours to understand how best to manage your business and to know which tax obligations your company must deliver in order to then identify the technologies that meet your needs. In addition, it is important to talk to people who have the same type of trade as you to understand the day-to-day operation and all the issues that the management software must address.
 
2 - Search for a technology company to offer you the ideal solution
In Brazil, as in many other countries, companies need to automate their processes in order to have more efficient operations, good control of the business and meet various tax obligations. When we talk about micro and small enterprises, this concern also exists. The lack of organization in management, of having a clear view of costs versus gains and of performance indicators can determine the success or failure of a company. Not to mention the fines imposed for non-payment of taxes, or even the wrong calculation, which can easily happen in a manual operation and result in very heavy expenses in the accounts of a small business. Therefore, when deciding to invest in a system that helps you in this mission, look for a supplier that understands your business, the Brazilian laws and is able to meet all your demands and needs.
 
3 - Escape problems that can be avoided
When looking for an IT supplier, make sure you are hiring a company that will solve your problem instead of creating another one. So, look for an organization that has been present in the market for years and offers a solution that meets all your needs and that fits in your pocket. Today, when buying a complete solution - hardware and software - it is no longer necessary to make a high initial investment. Through small monthly installments, small business owners are able to hire all the equipment necessary to modernize the management of their company.
 
4 - Get modern and functional solutions
Another important factor for entrepreneurs who want to digitalize their operation is mobility. It allows, among many other benefits, to better serve customers and transform managers' daily lives by allowing them to view the operation - sales, payments and future receipts - anytime and anywhere using their smartphone or tablet. So stay up to date, but don't buy a solution just because it is modern. Study the product, see the reports offered and evaluate how the tool will help you have a more profitable operation before purchasing it. Even more so in a scenario where, regardless of their size, there are already complete and mobile solutions at a cost compatible with their reality and developed especially for each specialty of the sector - from a food truck to a clothing or jewelry store. In other words, it is much easier to invest in the digitization of your retail and achieve more savings, efficiency and productivity in order to offer quality service to your customers.?