New normal is in sight, this is non-negotiable. This means that conditions will never be the same as they were before the pandemic hit. To be ready to face this era, we must be able to adapt. The adaptation in question is not only related to health protocols, but also all aspects of life, including the economy.

For entrepreneurs, the best way to adapt is to pay attention to changes in consumer behavior. In fact, the adaptation process has been going on for approximately three months during the pandemic and social restrictions. If you are a micro and small business owner who continues to operate in the midst of the pandemic, you must have noticed several changes in consumer behavior when shopping at your store. You've probably also made some adjustments during the pandemic.

However, if you are a business owner who was closed during the pandemic, you can take these points into consideration when reopening your business in the near future.

1. Consumers are more careful in spending. When consumers struggle to meet monthly bills with fragile income conditions, they have turned into consumers who are wiser in spending. Conditions of uncertainty also make consumers hold on to the belief: Cash is better kept in reserve, not spent.

2. Consumption is directed at things related to “survival” and “staying healthy”. That's why healthy food, fruit and vegetables, supplements, agricultural tools, yoga mats, and basic necessities have become popular products lately. On the other hand, sales of the fashion industry, collectibles and all accessories have decreased due to the pandemic.

3. Shift in online shopping. Tonline purchasing just got wider and deeper. Wider in meaning: From products that are desires to products that are needs. From non-essential to essential items. Meanwhile, depth means that the volume of purchases is getting bigger.

4. Consumers are starting to get used to not eating out, but switching to delivery services. The difference is, if previously delivery services were only used for "indulgence" types of food (such as: boba tea, pizza, burgers, or fried chicken), now they have shifted to "utility" or for routine daily food (affordable but frequent side dishes). Apart from that, consumers are also starting to get used to cooking themselves. But don't imagine that they cook from scratch like old people in the past. Today's mothers prefer things that are practical, namely cooking from semi-finished to ready-to-eat. Or just fry/warm frozen food, for example.

5. Local businesses are increasingly becoming an option. Apart from restrictions on imported goods, the pandemic situation has given rise to concern for others. As a result, local industry and businesses are becoming increasingly popular. Starting from food and drinks, clothing products, and other needs.

Therefore, what steps do micro and small businesses need to take in facing the new normal that is in sight? Here are some tips that Qasir summarized for you entrepreneurs.

Consumers have gone digital, so should you

As explained above, online shopping is getting wider and deeper. Millions of new buyers are enlivening the online shopping market, some of whom only started shopping online during the pandemic. Not only limited to fashion and hobby products, but also almost all necessities. For this reason, you should also start providing a comfortable and easy online shopping experience for your consumers, equipped with a digital marketing approach as well.

Deloitte research results show that only around 9% of Indonesian MSMEs have run their business through a formal e-commerce platform. Around 36% of MSMEs still do not use information technology at all. This is very unfortunate because the use of digital by MSMEs can increase income by up to 38% in general and encourage economic growth by 2%. "The barrier is, people don't want to try what they don't know. Even though in times like this (the pandemic), experimentation is really important," explained Arvy Egadipoera, CEO of Office Mekari in Q-Talks via IG Live some time ago.

You should also start utilizing digital platforms to meet new customers. One ​​of the platforms that accommodates MSMEs is #JagaUMKM, you only need to enter your business and product data, consumers will look for you.

Have a Website

If you don't have a website yet, start now. You need a website to showcase your brand and products to consumers. You can use the facility Business Website Features in Qasir to get a website very easily and at a very affordable cost.

Also read 5 Reasons Every Small Business Needs to Have Website

Take advantage of eCommerce

Also take advantage of existing eCommerce platforms such as Shopee, Tokopedia, Lazada, and others, to expand your market. Try to have an account on each eCommerce, because each eCommerce has its own loyal customers. Using an eCommerce platform can help you switch to online business quickly, if offline business is no longer relevant for your brand.

Manage Inventory Neatly

Don't take inventory and product stock data for granted. You need to have clear visibility of this data. It's a bit troublesome if you still use the manual method with books and pens. But you also don't need to use a complicated or expensive platform, especially if you are a micro business owner who is still starting out. If you are already using the Qasir application, you can now take advantage of the Manage Products feature easily and for free.

Optimize Social Media

Also take advantage of social media to let your customers know that your business is open again. Also inform your customers if there are any changes in the way you sell. For example, they can only come for takeaway, not dine-in. Or there are special protocols that must be adhered to when coming to your shop.

Use Digital Payments

Use contactless payment methods. For health reasons, avoiding contact during transactions is better. This is also in line with the socialization of the use of non-cash digital payments. If you already use Qasir, you can also use this facility and accept all types of non-cash digital payments starting from Go-Pay, OVO, DANA, Link Aja and ShopeePay.

Not only for health and practical reasons, contactless transactions are also guaranteed by security technology that has been proven to reduce counterfeit money fraud and change miscalculations.

Choose a Point of Sales (POS) that does not burden operations

"Efficiency of all possible expenses can be done. Cut unnecessary costs, if possible. One thing you can consider is the use of POS," suggested Ervy when talking with Qasir on Q-Talks via IG Live.

Just calculate, how much do you need to spend on a paid POS service every month? Hundreds of thousands, or even millions of rupiah? If the question is reversed, how much do you save in a year if you use a POS that doesn't require a subscription fee like Qasir?

Using paid POS technology is almost as much of a hassle as not using a POS at all. In fact, a neat and validated recording system has become an essential requirement for all types of businesses. POS is also a means for entrepreneurs to gain business visibility. But unfortunately there are still entrepreneurs who don't use POS. "Sometimes they often find that the reason they don't use software is because there is no admin. Because they still think: Every software must have an admin who operates it. Well, that's also a stigma that needs to be removed, really. What's more, many systems that have been created have adapted to the needs and adaptability of the user, like Qasir," Arvy said.

The most important key in preparing a business towards the new normal is the flexibility of entrepreneurs in adapting (adaptability). Entrepreneurs must also be willing to open their eyes to technology and utilize digital platforms. Don't be lazy and afraid to try new things. Lastly, have a growth mindset in facing all forms of change.