Small traders in the 4.0 era

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - For generations, the image of small traders in traditional markets has always been associated with the unique cultural features of the Vietnamese people. But now, as the digital age has penetrated every corner of life, a new class of small traders is "quietly" transforming - they are "small traders 4.0" who know how to use QR codes, make cashless payments, sell via social networks, livestream to call for orders and record revenue using phone applications...

Traders at Dien Bien market use QR codes for payment, gradually approaching digital transformation.

The story of Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, a 43-year-old vegetable vendor at Vuon Hoa market, is a typical example. Once familiar with only a bunch of vegetables, a scale and cash, Ms. Phuong now uses a smartphone to take orders, scan payment codes via Momo and Viettel Money, and even posts pictures of fresh vegetables on Zalo for regular customers to order in advance.

“The first few months of using technology, I was clumsy. Sometimes I scanned the wrong thing, sometimes I pressed the wrong price. But I gradually got used to it. Now every morning I receive orders in advance by phone, prepare them in advance, and when customers come to pick them up, they can go right away, saving time. When the vegetables are in good condition, I post them on Facebook and they sell quickly,” Ms. Phuong said with a smile.

This change is not only a step forward in the way of doing business, but also reflects the new thinking of those who have stuck to the old ways. If in the past, small traders in the market were often labeled as "afraid of change, backward", now many people have proven the opposite, that they are completely capable of adapting to the new, as long as they have the opportunity to access and are properly supported.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade of Thanh Hoa , from 2024 to now, more than 2,500 traders in markets in the province have been trained in cashless payments and digital sales skills. Markets such as Dien Bien (Hac Thanh ward), But Son (Hoang Loc commune), Cot Do (Sam Son ward) ... have been implementing the model of "civilized market - digital market" with the support of technology enterprises and credit institutions. Notably, the proportion of female traders accounts for 85% of those registered to participate in digital transformation at the market, showing the important role of women in this journey.

Not only stopping at scanning QR codes or using e-wallets, many retailers also proactively put their products on online sales channels. In Tinh Gia ward, Ms. Do Thi Nhan - a retailer specializing in selling dried goods at Cong market has successfully built a booth on her personal Facebook, combining livestream sales every afternoon.

“I jokingly call it the virtual afternoon market. Regular customers from Hanoi and Hai Phong also buy my shrimp paste and dried shrimp regularly. Sometimes there are so many orders that I have to ask my daughter to help with the packaging,” said Ms. Nhan.

Behind that transformation is the persistent effort of many people who do not have a technology background. Some people have to borrow smartphones from their children to learn how to operate them. Some people figure it out step by step, selling and learning at the same time. Supporting them are training classes organized periodically by the Department of Industry and Trade and telecommunications units. In particular, many programs on digital small businesses owned by women in technology, also coordinated by the Provincial Women's Union, have become a support for thousands of female small businesses to boldly step out of their comfort zone.

Chairwoman of the Provincial Women's Union Ngo Thi Hong Hao shared: "Most female traders, especially the elderly, are often hesitant with smartphones, even more hesitant to install applications. Many people confess, I am "very bad" at technology, I can't use it. But when union officials persistently go to the market, hold their hands and help them see the practical benefits, after just a few sessions, they have mastered scanning codes, writing orders, and using e-wallets. Digital transformation does not exclude anyone, as long as there is companionship and determination, anyone can do it."

However, besides the “pioneering” traders, there are still many traders who are not ready to enter the “digital world”. The main reasons come from fear, lack of technology skills, limited infrastructure conditions, especially in remote markets. On the other hand, many traditional markets still do not have an active management board or lack specific incentive policies, which slows down the application of technology.

Faced with these barriers, Thanh Hoa is developing a plan to comprehensively promote the modern traditional market model. In addition to upgrading facilities, the province will promote digitalization of market management processes, digitalization of trader information, camera applications, electronic price lists and especially popularization of appropriate technology solutions for each target group. Along with that, honoring and inspiring typical "4.0 traders" will also be promoted, to create a ripple effect in the community.

Traditional markets are not disappearing, but are gradually taking on a new look, more modern, transparent, neat, and importantly, more friendly to both sellers and buyers. People like Ms. Phuong, Ms. Nhan... are not only selling vegetables and dried goods, but are also spreading the belief in innovation. They are living examples showing that technology is not a barrier for street vendors, but is a bridge to help them step into the future.

Article and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tieu-thuong-thoi-4-0-256098.htm