- Some 5,000 independent traders, in need of cash due to the coronavirus, have registered on the website.
- According to its creator, consumers are at the rendezvous with 100,000 euros of vouchers ordered daily in recent days.
“I didn't expect to have any cash inflows during this time. You could say that this initiative saved me a little. Like many merchants in France, Béatrice Poujade has not seen a single client for more than five weeks. However, this owner of a café-bookstore in Nantes can still count on them to help pay the charges and invoices that continue to fall. In one month, they have already ordered 2,500 euros worth of vouchers valid for meals that they will come to taste on the spot, upon reopening.
Pay now and consume later, this is the principle of support-commercants-artisans.fr, an online platform that has grown since its creation in late March. "We started very early, so that independent businesses and artisans can quickly cope while maintaining a minimum of cash," says Jonathan Chelet, who launched the project in line with his website petitcommerces.fr. Aid has been promised by the state but it will take time to come. "
Over 5,000 traders registered
In one month, success is there. According to its creator, nearly 1.5 million euros (less bank charges, equal to 1%) have already been paid to some 5,000 florists, hairdressers, store managers, restaurateurs and other traders from all over France who are registered for free. In total, more than 23,000 purchase order orders (20, 50 or 100 euros), valid until December 31, were placed online. "On average, people reserve for 50 euros," observes Jonathan Chelet, who manages the site with 15 volunteers. The record is currently 750 euros, with purchases in several businesses! The system works best in smaller cities, where traders are well identified. "
In Cherbourg for example, the mayonnaise took: almost 900 vouchers were bought, in the 65 shops that have spread the word. And solidarity also works towards the new stores. A month after opening her organic cosmetics store, Estelle Lemercier thought she would be "broken in her tracks". In the past three weeks, however, 2,000 euros have gone into its coffers. "It feels good, in a very frustrating and scary time to live," reports the manager. It is reassuring to see that people are waiting for me, without all of them having had the opportunity to enter my shop. I look forward to thanking them in person. "
"Don't feel lonely"
Beyond the financial aspect, the objective of this platform (which has inspired others but seems to be among the most followed) is to renew this brutally lost link. Because it is possible for consumers to join a little word of encouragement, in addition to its transfer. "Some customers came to eat at my house every noon, I know their favorite dishes, we get to know each other," says Béatrice Poujade, in Nantes. Knowing that they have given [a listing is sent weekly to the merchant] helps me not to feel alone. Since then, we communicate by email, we send each other news to find out how everyone experiences containment. "
The initiative has already won over several partners, such as the Chamber of Trades and, more recently, Le Bon Coin, who are taking over. The site would record 100,000 euros in orders and 400 requests to register businesses on average per day. "This approach goes beyond commerce to reach the social bond," is convinced Jonathan Chelet. These independent traders, who each have a unique history and concept, make one city center different from another. "
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