Perbandingan Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Kecil dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Pedagang di Pasar Tradisional Sekitar Medan Kota

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the comparison of small business development strategies in improving the income of traders in traditional markets around Medan City. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach using interviews, observations, and documentation involving three traders of fruit, vegetables, and tomatoes. The results show that each trader applies different strategies depending on the characteristics of their commodities and business capacity. Fruit and tomato traders tend to implement quality sorting, price adjustments, and trust-building through honest customer service. Meanwhile, the vegetable trader relies more on traditional approaches such as giving bonuses to customers. Market facilities significantly influence the effectiveness of business strategies, where traders with proper stalls are better able to maintain income stability compared to those using temporary tents in muddy and uncomfortable areas. Seasonal factors also strongly affect income fluctuation as they determine the quality and supply of commodities. This study concludes that small business development strategies in traditional markets are shaped not only by traders’ managerial abilities but also by market infrastructure conditions and external environmental factors. It is recommended that market managers improve market facilities to support the sustainability of small traders’ businesses.