From Local Shopkeeper to Digital Entrepreneur: How API TXT Took a Kirana Store National with Just a Phone
Rajesh bhai ran a modest kirana (grocery) store on a quiet street in Rajkot, Gujarat. His shop, which had been the heart of his family’s livelihood for years, relied heavily on walk-in customers and a few occasional phone orders. Like many small businesses, Rajeshbhai’s success was closely tied to the rhythm of daily life in his locality. He knew his customers by name, and they knew him in return — a simple yet powerful connection.However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, everything changed. The once-bustling street outside his store became eerily quiet, and his foot traffic plummeted. With the lockdowns in place, Rajeshbhai found himself in a deep crisis. His loyal customers could no longer visit, and orders dwindled to a trickle. Having never used social media, email, or any kind of online marketing, Rajeshbhai was unsure of how to adapt. Every day, he asked himself, "What will I feed my family?"Just when he thought he was running out of options, a neighbor’s son introduced him to API TXT, a WhatsApp marketing automation platform that promised to change the way businesses engage with their customers. Initially skeptical and unsure of how digital tools could help his humble shop, Rajeshbhai decided to give it a try. He sent out a simple bulk message to his existing contacts, announcing home delivery and offering a special discount.To his surprise, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Within hours, he received 72 orders. By the end of the week, that number had tripled. Rajeshbhai couldn’t believe it — his phone buzzed non-stop with notifications, and for the first time in months, he felt a spark of hope.Realizing the potential of this new way of communicating with customers, Rajeshbhai quickly set up automated order confirmations, delivery notifications, and special festive offers. These simple but powerful features built a sense of trust and reliability with his customers, who were now able to place orders and track them seamlessly.With the help of API TXT, Rajeshbhai not only revived his business but took it to new heights. He expanded his operations and hired two delivery boys to meet the growing demand. What was once a small local store now provided grocery deliveries across three districts in Gujarat. His business was thriving, and so was his confidence.In just a few months, Rajeshbhai’s income had increased fivefold. He no longer worried about making ends meet; instead, he was focused on scaling up and mentoring other small business owners in nearby villages. Rajeshbhai now regularly holds sessions on how small shop owners can harness technology, like WhatsApp marketing, to expand their reach and ensure their survival in an increasingly digital world.“I never thought I’d become a digital entrepreneur with just my phone,” Rajeshbhai says, a proud smile on his face. “API TXT didn’t just save my business, it changed my mindset. It opened my eyes to the power of technology, and now I can help others discover it too.”
Rajesh bhai ran a modest kirana (grocery) store on a quiet street in Rajkot, Gujarat. His shop, which had been the heart of his family’s livelihood for years, relied heavily on walk-in customers and a few occasional phone orders. Like many small businesses, Rajeshbhai’s success was closely tied to the rhythm of daily life in his locality. He knew his customers by name, and they knew him in return — a simple yet powerful connection.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, everything changed. The once-bustling street outside his store became eerily quiet, and his foot traffic plummeted. With the lockdowns in place, Rajeshbhai found himself in a deep crisis. His loyal customers could no longer visit, and orders dwindled to a trickle. Having never used social media, email, or any kind of online marketing, Rajeshbhai was unsure of how to adapt. Every day, he asked himself, "What will I feed my family?"
Just when he thought he was running out of options, a neighbor’s son introduced him to API TXT, a WhatsApp marketing automation platform that promised to change the way businesses engage with their customers. Initially skeptical and unsure of how digital tools could help his humble shop, Rajeshbhai decided to give it a try. He sent out a simple bulk message to his existing contacts, announcing home delivery and offering a special discount.
To his surprise, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Within hours, he received 72 orders. By the end of the week, that number had tripled. Rajeshbhai couldn’t believe it — his phone buzzed non-stop with notifications, and for the first time in months, he felt a spark of hope.
Realizing the potential of this new way of communicating with customers, Rajeshbhai quickly set up automated order confirmations, delivery notifications, and special festive offers. These simple but powerful features built a sense of trust and reliability with his customers, who were now able to place orders and track them seamlessly.
With the help of API TXT, Rajeshbhai not only revived his business but took it to new heights. He expanded his operations and hired two delivery boys to meet the growing demand. What was once a small local store now provided grocery deliveries across three districts in Gujarat. His business was thriving, and so was his confidence.
In just a few months, Rajeshbhai’s income had increased fivefold. He no longer worried about making ends meet; instead, he was focused on scaling up and mentoring other small business owners in nearby villages. Rajeshbhai now regularly holds sessions on how small shop owners can harness technology, like WhatsApp marketing, to expand their reach and ensure their survival in an increasingly digital world.
“I never thought I’d become a digital entrepreneur with just my phone,” Rajeshbhai says, a proud smile on his face. “API TXT didn’t just save my business, it changed my mindset. It opened my eyes to the power of technology, and now I can help others discover it too.”
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