Winning the Back-to-School Rush: Simple Payment Solutions for Merchants

Traders at a market.

The back-to-school season has arrived, and for many traders, it brings a familiar surge in activity.

Parents and guardians are streaming into markets and shopping centres in search of uniforms, books, shoes and other essentials as they prepare for the new school term.

For merchants, it is one of the busiest trading periods of the year, often rivaling the December rush.

But the heightened demand also comes with stiff competition. Shoppers are increasingly looking for convenience, speed and flexibility when paying for goods.

Many prefer to lipa bila presha, choosing options that allow them to complete purchases quickly without worrying about cash shortages or long queues.

Traders at a market.

For traders without seamless payment options, this can mean lost sales, especially during peak hours.

It is not uncommon for a customer to walk into a shop ready to buy, only to realise they are short on cash.

In such moments, the availability of alternative payment methods can determine whether a sale is completed or lost to a neighbouring stall.

As merchants navigate this busy period, financial institutions such as Equity Bank have positioned themselves to support small and medium businesses by simplifying how payments are received and managed.

Through solutions like One Equity Till Number, traders are able to accept payments from multiple channels, including Equity platforms as well as mobile wallets such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money.

Payments made by Equity customers using Pay With Equity attract no charges, a factor that can influence customer choice at the point of sale.

Beyond convenience, digital payment solutions help reduce the risks associated with handling large amounts of cash while ensuring funds are received in real time.

Traders can serve customers whether they are based in urban centres or upcountry, without worrying about delays in accessing their money.

Card payments are also becoming more common, particularly among customers who prefer using debit or credit cards for security reasons.

By accepting card payments, merchants are able to cater to a wider range of shoppers, many of whom increasingly opt for cashless transactions during high-spending seasons like back-to-school.

Managing finances during such a rush can be challenging, especially when transactions are happening fast.

Digital tools provided by banks, including mobile and online banking platforms, allow business owners to track payments in real time, access funds instantly and keep clearer records.

This makes accounting easier and gives traders better visibility of their cash flow during the peak period.

Stocking up is another critical consideration. Demand rises sharply during the school reopening season, and running out of essential items can mean missed opportunities.

To bridge this gap, Equity offers business loans and overdraft facilities that help traders increase stock levels or manage short-term expenses, with repayment terms structured around business needs.

Security also remains a priority as transaction volumes grow.

Digital payments reduce exposure to theft and fraud associated with cash handling, while simple measures such as verifying transactions through official banking apps and safeguarding PINs help keep businesses protected.

As merchants prepare for the back-to-school rush, flexible payment options, access to financing and secure transaction systems are increasingly becoming part of staying competitive.

With tools such as till numbers, QR payments and business financing, traders are better placed to serve customers smoothly, keep operations organised and allow shoppers to pay bila presha during one of the busiest seasons of the year.

Traders at a market.