Running a small kiryana or corner shop isn’t easy. Long hours, counting cash, and keeping track of daily sales can be stressful. But what if we told you there’s a way to make payments faster, safer, and hassle-free all while increasing your customer base?
Yes, we’re talking about digital payments with QR codes and mobile wallets. And the best part? Even small shops can easily go digital today. Here’s how.
Why Your Shop Should Go Digital
If you run a small kiryana or corner shop, you know cash handling can be a real headache counting notes, giving exact change, and keeping track of every sale. Going digital isn’t just a trend, it’s a game-changer that makes your daily operations smoother and more profitable.
Here’s how digital payments can take the stress out of your shop:
- Speed up transactions: No more long lines or waiting for change. Customers can simply scan your QR code and pay on the spot, which means faster service and happier shoppers.
- Cut down on risk and mistakes: Less cash in the drawer reduces the risk of theft, lost money, or counting errors. Every digital payment is logged automatically, giving you peace of mind.
- Keep customers coming back: More and more people prefer paying with mobile wallets or bank apps. By going digital, you make life easier for your customers and a happy customer is a loyal customer.
- Simplify accounting and inventory: Every digital transaction leaves a clear record. You can keep tabs on sales, manage stock, and prepare for taxes without breaking a sweat.
With the State Bank of Pakistan supporting the shift toward a cashless economy, small shops like local kiryanas or corner stores can quickly and easily join the digital bandwagon. Going digital isn’t just about keeping up it’s about staying ahead and growing your business with modern payment solutions.
How the State Bank Supports Digital Payments
The good news? The State Bank of Pakistan has made it easier than ever for small shops to go digital:
In Pakistan, banks and wallet providers are obligated to offer QR payment options for businesses of all sizes. Due to streamlined onboarding procedures that eliminate the need for extensive documentation, opening a merchant account or wallet has become considerably easier. By August 31, 2025, all stores are urged to offer a digital payment method, such as a QR code, to maintain compliance and modernity. Additionally, to encourage QR payments and lower transaction costs for store owners, the government has set aside PKR 3.5 billion in subsidies.
A Simple Guide for Small Shops to Go Digital with QR & Wallet Payments
If you run a kiryana, corner store, or any small retail shop, digital payments might sound complicated. But trust us, it’s easier than you think! With AssanPay, you can start accepting QR and wallet payments in no time. Here’s how:
1. Pick the Right Bank or Wallet Provider
Many banks and wallet providers in Pakistan now support QR payments for small businesses. For example, Bank Alfalah and UBL let merchants onboard quickly and start accepting payments through QR codes. With AssanPay, you don’t need to worry about compatibility your customers can pay using any bank or wallet app that supports Raast or mobile wallets. To better understand how platforms like AssanPay fit into the broader payments ecosystem, you can explore our detailed guide: How to Choose a Payment Gateway in Pakistan: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide to Digital Payments Success.
2. Open a Merchant Account or Wallet
Through Pakistan’s simplified onboarding framework, opening a business account or wallet is now fast and easy no piles of paperwork required. Once your account is set up, you’ll receive your QR code. And the best part is that all procedures fall under government initiatives, making them easier and more accessible for merchants.
3. Display Your QR Code
Place your QR code somewhere visible at your shop near the counter, on the wall, or wherever your customers pay. With AssanPay, your QR is fully interoperable, meaning any customer with a compatible wallet or bank app can pay, even if they use a different bank than yours.
4. Train Your Staff & Guide Your Customers
Some customers may be new to digital payments. Take a moment to show them how it works scanning the QR, entering the amount, and confirming payment. Once they see how quick and convenient it is, many will prefer it over cash every time.
5. Track Transactions & Enjoy Faster Settlements
Every digital payment goes straight to your merchant account or wallet. That means no cash piles, fewer mistakes, and automatic records for accounting, inventory, and taxes. With AssanPay, you can even check transactions in real-time, making your life a lot easier.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
For small businesses, moving to digital payments can be quite beneficial, but there are drawbacks. Here are some things store owners should be aware of and strategies for overcoming each obstacle:
1. Hesitation Among Merchants
Some shopkeepers worry that adopting QR or wallet payments might attract tax scrutiny or additional documentation. This is a common concern, but the good news is that digital payments don’t automatically trigger taxes.
Solution: Start small. Try accepting payments digitally for a week or two alongside cash. Keep clear digital records. This actually makes bookkeeping easier and protects you if any questions arise. With platforms like AssanPay, all transactions are automatically logged, making your life simpler and more authentic or clear.
2. Digital Literacy & Customer Habits
In many neighborhoods, both customers and shop owners may be used to cash. Limited smartphone access or unfamiliarity with wallet apps can slow adoption.
Solution: Educate and help. Show customers how to scan the QR code and complete payments. Consider small incentives like a discount for first-time digital payments to encourage them to try it. Over time, this builds confidence and creates repeat users. Training your staff to assist customers also goes a long way.
3. Dependence on Infrastructure & Banks
Payments with wallets and QR codes rely on banks and EMIs offering reliable services. Apps might fail or have erratic internet connectivity.
Solution: Make a backup plan. Select a trustworthy payment gateway like AssanPay that is compatible with numerous banks and wallets, and keep cash on hand for emergencies. Moreover, using standardised QR codes, such as Raast QR, guarantees payment compatibility, allowing your clients to make payments using any wallet or bank.
4. Costs, Charges, and Merchant Discount Rate
Although the government’s subsidies for QR payments, some banks or third-party service providers may still impose costs for onboarding or transactions.
Solution: Evaluate other options before registering. Choose a service that clearly explains cost up front and offers the best value. AssanPay minimises extra costs and keeps rates low while enabling you to benefit from government incentives for QR transactions.
Small businesses can confidently switch to digital payments by being aware of these obstacles and implementing these solutions. Faster transactions, safer operations, and happy clients make the initial investment profitable.
Why Now is the Perfect Time
Shops are well positioned to go digital right now. All retailers are urged to display digital payment methods, such as Raast QR codes, by August 31, 2025, according to the government’s timetable. Additionally, a 0.5% incentive per transaction is provided through a PKR 3.5 billion subsidy scheme. As a result, MDR expenses are reduced, making digital payment adoption more affordable for banks and businesses. Being “QR-ready” will not only facilitate transactions as more consumers use wallets and banking apps, but it will also help businesses increase sales, pull in more customers, and foster long-term loyalty.
Quick Tips to Go Digital Today
- Contact your bank or wallet provider for merchant onboarding.
- Get your QR code printed and display it at the counter.
- Encourage customers to pay digitally maybe offer a small first-time discount.
- Track all transactions digitally for better business management.
Final Thoughts
Digital payments aren’t just for big stores even small kiryana shops and corner stores can reap the benefits. With QR and wallet payments, you get faster transactions, safer operations, and happy customers.
AssanPay, which provides simple digital payment options for small companies and stores, is leading the way in these trends. It streamlines the entire process so you can concentrate on running your shop, which is what you do best. So why hold off? Go digital now to prepare your company for the future!
