How to start a consultancy helping small retailers set up local e-commerce delivery systems?

As someone who helped my family's kirana store go online, I can tell you that the tech is the easy part. The real challenge is change management.Your consultancy's value is in hand-holding. The shop owner is busy, skeptical, and afraid of losing money. You need to build confidence.Start with a Pilot Project: Don't try to overhaul their entire business at once. Propose a 2-week pilot. Pick 10-15 of their best-selling items and get just those online. This reduces the risk for them and allows you to demonstrate a quick win.Create "Cheat Sheets": Your deliverables shouldn't be technical manuals. They should be one-page, laminated cheat sheets with big fonts and screenshots. "How to check a new order," "How to pack an order," "How to call Dunzo for pickup."Be Their Advocate: You'll likely be the one talking to the delivery app's customer service or the payment gateway's support when there's a problem. Your ability to solve these problems quickly is worth every rupee they pay you.Measure Success in Their Language: Don't show them graphs of "monthly unique visitors." Show them a simple report: "This month, you received 25 online orders totaling ₹15,000. The top-selling online item was...". Connect your service directly to extra revenue.Finally, word-of-mouth will be your best marketing. A successful small retailer will tell ten other shopkeepers in the market about you. Offer a referral discount to encourage this. You're not just selling a service; you're helping preserve small businesses in the digital age.

This is an incredibly timely business. Many small retailers were forced online during the pandemic but struggle with the logistics. Here's a blueprint.1. Understand the Retailer's Pain Points:They are not tech-savvy and are overwhelmed by options. They need a simple, affordable solution that integrates with their daily routine. Your job is to be a translator between complex tech and their simple need: "I want to sell online and deliver to my customers."2. Offer a Menu of Solutions:Don't push a one-size-fits-all approach. Have different options: The WhatsApp Catalog: For the least tech-savvy, help them create a PDF or Instagram-style catalog. Orders come via WhatsApp/phone. You then help them set up a simple delivery system using a log sheet and a delivery boy. The Social Commerce Route: Set up a Facebook/Instagram Shop. This is often the easiest next step as they are already on these platforms. The Micro-Wesbite: Use platforms like Dukaan or Shopify Lite to create a simple, mobile-friendly website with a catalog and payment gateway.3. Focus on the Delivery Logistics:This is the core of your service. You have three main models to present: In-House Delivery: For very local areas. Help them hire a part-time delivery person and plan efficient routes. Hyperlocal Delivery Partners: Integrate their store with services like Dunzo or Swiggy Genie for on-demand delivery. You set up the account and train them on how to create delivery orders. Courier Partners: For larger parcels or non-urgent deliveries, set up accounts with Delhivery or Shiprocket for discounted rates and easy label printing.4. Your Revenue Model:Charge a one-time setup fee for getting them online. Then, offer a monthly retainer for ongoing management, support, and analyzing their sales/delivery data to suggest improvements. You become their outsourced e-commerce manager.