The digital bookkeeping application for warung CrediBook launched two new products, CrediMart and CrediStore, to help accelerate the digitization of wholesale stall operations amidst the pandemic situation. Both of these products can be used by all CrediBook users across second and third tier cities.
CrediBook‘s Co-Founder and CEO, Gabriel Frans said, CrediMart was developed to remove obstacles in the procurement process of merchandise stocks among SMEs. In addition to the financial record issues, MSMEs such as shops and stalls have faced obstacles in procuring merchandise stocks, from the long distance to wholesale centers, the hassle of carrying groceries, and the must-cash payment method.
“As a result, shops or stalls have fairly incomplete stock of merchandise. It has the potential to reduce their sales, therefore, we present CrediMart, an online wholesale store for MSMEs can shop for stock items without having to leave the place,” Gabriel said in an official statement.
CrediMart is accessible online via its website and orders will be delivered to the customer’s location 1×24 hours after the order is placed. In running CrediMart operations, the company plays a role in collaborating with conventional wholesale stores to enter as merchants. Currently, CrediMart is available in Greater Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java, focusing on second- and third-tier cities.
Separately contacted by DailySocial, Gabriel explained that in performing his role as sales, his team connects existing conventional wholesale stores, not with brands or product principals. Thus, wholesalers are really helped by additional income, not replacing their role.
“For example, Wholesale Damai in West Jakarta, one of our partner wholesale stores, is getting an increase in turnover of up to 50% every day due to sales from CreditMart.”
Although this solution is not new in the industry, he continued, CrediMart operates with a light-asset approach because CrediBook alone does not have its own warehouse. It provides distribution facilities for delivering goods from partner wholesale stores to shop owners who buy through CrediMart.
Another added value for shop owners is that they can enjoy the flexibility of payment methods, from cash, CoD, to the schemes for customers with good credit scoring. This solution is expected to make it easier for shop owners to manage their business cash flow, therefore, they can survive and even continue to grow.
“We are partnering with Modal Rakyat in providing this payment method [payment due]. To ensure the payment runs smoothly, we always prioritize the performance assessment and transaction history of retail MSMEs.”
Both CrediBook and CrediMart will act as digital operating systems for wholesalers. CrediBook will play a role from the bookkeeping side, while CrediMart on the sales side.
Meanwhile, CrediStore is a social commerce application that allows shop traders to sell online via social media platforms. Users can provide the name of their online store, fill in information about the products being sold, such as photos, descriptions, and prices of goods. Next, users will get a link to their online store which can be shared on various social media platforms.
“All orders will be listed into the CrediStore application dashboard, therefore, users can monitor orders in one application without having to manually open each of their social media accounts.”
For Gabriel, the company is targeting two focuses through the application. First, helping SMEs onboard in e-commerce services by having their own online store easily and for free and then inviting them to engage in social commerce. Second, after the online store was established, CrediStore helped make it easier for MSME players to manage online orders came through their online stores.
CrediStore target audience is wider as it can be used by various MSME sectors, from grocery stores, credit agents, laundry, food and beverage, to the service sector.
“We want CrediStore to be used by various types of MSMEs. The simple and practical appearance is suitable for business beginners, housewives, to experienced sellers. This product is still in its early stages, there are still many feature developments that will complement this application in the future.”
SME empowerment solution
Withouth the detail number of users, Gabriel said that CrediBook’s MSMEs user profile in the retail and wholesale segments. They come from the categories of home businesses, shops and services, and agents. The locations are in second and third tier cities, including Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Cirebon, to Medan, Makassar, and Palembang.
In addition tobusiness strengthening, the company also participated in the government’s socialization program regarding the recording and bookkeeping of the financial reporting system for MSMEs. This program is part of the implementation of Government Regulation Number 7 of 2021 concerning Ease, Protection, and Empowerment of Cooperatives and MSMEs, especially in article 87.
“We are currently preparing collaborative activities with the government to increase the number of financial literacy and adoption by MSME players. This is also part of our strategy in developing our user base,” he said.
In the realm of digital bookkeeping for MSMEs, CrediBook competes with BukuKas, BukuWarung, and many more. Beyond that, more and more companies are providing a variety of digital solutions to make it easier for MSMEs to go digital from various business aspects.
Based on data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, out of 64.2 million MSME units, only 19% of them have entered the digital ecosystem. The government alone targets 30 million MSME units to enter the digital ecosystem by 2024. The following are MSME solutions provided by startups.
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Original article is in Indonesian, translated by Kristin Siagian
