In the Philippines, retail continues to thrive with both large chains and small businesses fighting for customers’ attention. Big retailers often dominate because they have the resources, brand recognition, and wide reach. However, this does not mean startups cannot compete. When smaller businesses pay attention to what large players do best and find ways to adapt those practices to their own scale, they can thrive in the same competitive market.
Below are some of the strongest practices of big retailers and how startups can emulate or even improve on them.
They Ensure Every Transaction Is Safe and Convenient
Large retailers make shopping easy by accepting a wide range of payment methods. Whether it be a credit card, debit card, e-wallet, or OR Ph, shoppers can choose what feels most convenient and secure for them. This flexibility smoothens out friction during checkout and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.
Startups and smaller retailers can level the playing field by leveraging modern payment technologies like POS terminals and digital link payment solutions. A POS terminal such as the Maya Terminal enables businesses to accept a wide variety of payment methods—including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and QR Ph—directly at the point of sale. Its intuitive interface and secure transaction processing mean that even small retailers can offer a checkout experience on a par with larger stores, helping build customer confidence and streamline operations.
Meanwhile, Maya Payment Links is sort of like a virtual payment terminal, allowing businesses to generate and send secure links for payment to customers via SMS, chat, or email, making it possible to collect payments even without an e-commerce site. This flexibility is particularly valuable for startups and online sellers, as it opens up multiple sales channels while keeping transactions safe and convenient.
Together, these tools empower smaller retailers to provide the same level of payment convenience and security as established retailers.
They Reach Customers through the Right Digital Channels
Big retailers do not limit themselves to having a physical presence. They make themselves visible wherever their customers spend time, whether that is on e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, or social media channels. Their strong presence across multiple touchpoints ensures they remain top-of-mind in their niche.
For startups, competing on this level is not about matching the budget of large brands but about being consistent and strategic. Social media can be used as a low-cost yet powerful tool to share engaging content, respond to inquiries, and showcase products. Joining established marketplaces can also extend reach and make products more discoverable beyond the primary e-commerce site.
Unlike large companies that tend to have strict content guidelines, startups also have the agility to experiment with creative campaigns and adopt trending content quickly, helping them stand out even without massive advertising spending.
They Turn Customer Feedback into Opportunities
Retail giants regularly gather insights from customer feedback through reviews and direct interactions. This data helps them adjust their offerings and improve services, ensuring they remain relevant to consumer needs. When customers feel that their voices are heard, they are more likely to develop loyalty toward the brand.
Startups can take this practice further because of their smaller size and closer connection to customers. They can respond faster and more personally to both compliments and complaints, often addressing issues in real time. A heartfelt reply to a social media comment or a thoughtful acknowledgment of a review can strengthen trust more effectively than an automated response. In this way, startups can transform feedback into opportunities for growth and deeper customer relationships.
They Create a Positive Shopping Experience
When customers step into a large retailer’s store, the experience is carefully designed. From the store layout and lighting to the availability of helpful staff, everything is meant to make shopping more enjoyable. This environment encourages customers to browse longer and return in the future.
Smaller businesses can deliver equally memorable experiences by leaning into their personal touch and local flair. A cozy coffee shop might greet visitors with the aroma of freshly ground beans and handwritten notes from the barista. A lifestyle boutique could curate playlists that reflect its brand’s personality, offer complimentary gift wrapping, or share the story behind each artisan-made product. Even small gestures, like remembering a regular customer’s name, offering samples, or hosting in-store workshops, create authentic connections that not all big retailers can replicate.
For online small businesses, the same principle applies: a thoughtfully designed website, easy checkout, and personal touches like thank-you emails or surprise discounts can transform a simple transaction into a loyal relationship.
They Build a Professional and Customer-Oriented Team
Large retailers invest heavily in employee training, ensuring their staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. This level of preparation reassures customers that they are dealing with a reputable business and makes the shopping process more efficient.
Startups may not have extensive training programs, yet they can still create a strong customer-first culture. With a smaller team, entrepreneurs can mentor employees directly and set clear expectations for excellent service. Personalized interactions, such as remembering regular customers’ preferences or offering product recommendations, can make shoppers feel valued. In many cases, this kind of genuine care can leave a stronger impression than the formal professionalism of bigger retailers.
Leverage Maya Business Solutions for Smarter Payments and Growth
Sign up for Maya Business and empower your customers with secure, flexible ways to pay, just like big retailers do.
Setting up a Maya Business account also lets you open a Maya Business Deposit account that you can use as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. Furthermore, you’ll be able to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, letting you save more.
Additionally, signing up qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, allowing you to have another funding source to develop your business and keep pace with the strategies of big retailers. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be.
Take your business further by signing up for Maya Business today.
