A STUDY ON ADOPTION AND USAGE PATTERNS OF PAYTM AMONG SMALL SCALE TRADERS IN COIMBATORE DISTRICT

Small-scale traders form an essential part of the economy in many developing countries, including India.These traders, who operate businesses such as small shops, street vending, and local markets, often face challenges in handling cash transactions, maintaining records, and managing payments efficiently.With the increasing digital transformation in India, digital payment platforms have emerged as a crucial tool for small businesses.Among them, Paytm has gained widespread acceptance due to its user-friendly interface, accessibility, and integration with various financial services.This study explores the adoption and usage of Paytm among small-scale traders in Coimbatore, a rapidly growing city in Tamil Nadu.The objective of this research is to understand how small-scale traders in Coimbatore utilize Paytm for their daily business transactions.It examines the reasons behind their preference for digital payments, the benefits they experience, and the challenges they encounter.Many traders in urban and semi-urban areas have shifted from traditional cash transactions to digital wallets due to the government's push for digitalization and the increased convenience of mobile payments.This study also considers the role of digital payments in enhancing business efficiency, record-keeping, and customer convenience.With features like QR code payments, instant money transfers, and integration with banking services, Paytm offers traders an alternative to conventional cash handling.The research also explores the impact of government policies and initiatives, such as the Digital India campaign, in promoting digital payment solutions among small businesses.Many traders have embraced digital wallets due to increased smartphone penetration, affordable internet access, and awareness campaigns highlighting the advantages of cashless transactions.However, some businesses, particularly those with lower technological exposure, still hesitate to adopt digital payment platforms fully.