"The idea is also to show a human side": a Menton application to help small businesses

It all began at the port of Garavan, in response to the complaints of industry professionals. So, of course, everyone there already has an R-TYX.

R, for network. TYX, like an onomatopoeia mimicking the sound of a camera. And, by extension, like an image promoting a business we love. That's the concept: creating a network to strengthen the visibility of merchants and facilitate exchanges with customers.

Launched three months ago—after a year and a half of work—they were Sara and Rutty. A mother and daughter determined to do their utmost to help small local businesses, which are not always equipped to cope with the current model.

"Before, everything worked by word of mouth. Now, you have to master social networks, websites, algorithms, know how to make videos... The alternative is to pay someone at least 600 euros per month to do it. Except that when you start, you're often broke," says Sara.

Rutty shares this observation. She started a video company for businesses, primarily targeting the smallest of them. But she quickly realized that even with the lowest rates, these companies weren't able to meet her needs.

"So when my mother had this idea for a platform where we see all the businesses locally, with professionals and customers together – but without having their personal lives in the middle – I followed her."

Maximum visibility

Even if it uses some of their graphic codes, R.TYX is the opposite of traditional social networks.

"Their algorithms are designed so that when you publish, less than 5% of your followers see your post. This is to encourage you to pay to sponsor it. We will be visible to everyone no matter what," assures Sara.

Another feature: the Menton-based app doesn't resell data. Nor does it sell advertising space. "That would further favor those with the most resources. Here, everyone is on the same level. Likewise, there's no commission for the link we create," adds Rutty.

In this network, individuals are also highly protected. They can only be tracked if they know their username. Likewise, "TYX" users are anonymized. A merchant cannot subscribe to a private user unless the latter has subscribed to them. However, all professionals can connect with each other.

As you can see, there are two ways to "tyx." First, as a customer. To do this, simply post a photo or video to promote your favorite businesses, so that they appear on the profiles of the identified professionals.

"We become a kind of local influencer," Rutty emphasizes. He adds that consumers can also stay informed about offers, promotions, and events published by their favorite business—with real-time, but not invasive, notifications.

And have all your business cards at hand, saved in your wallet.

A professional, on the other hand, can use Tyx to introduce their team, their store. To communicate about their schedule, their menu, a special closure, reservation information, a search for employees, a slot that becomes available… "The idea is also to show a human side. We need that in a system that has become individualistic," says Sara.

Defining R.TYX as a kind of digital directory. "Everyone has their own profile, like in a large shopping mall."

More than 160 businesses

To date, the application has nearly 400 tyxers and more than 160 businesses.

"When we go to see a retailer, we tell them: go into the app and we'll take care of everything. We create an interactive business card – which allows you to call directly and share –, a QR code to link to their profile in the app, a presentation video…" It's then up to the professionals to post the TYX and ads of their choice.

Sara and Rutty hope to help overcome prejudices. "Sometimes we don't enter a store because we have a preconceived notion. Now, all we have to do is open the app to see the energy there. We can be surprised by prices we thought—wrongly—were excessive."

Since the app was created in Menton, mother and daughter felt it was a no-brainer to conduct the test period here. Until the official launch, local professionals were able to benefit from a lifetime subscription.

"They believed in us, so it's normal. For the commercial side, we weren't ready. We went here and there. But fortunately, lots of professionals guided us towards others," says Sara.

To recoup the heavy investment, a premium plan will be launched, costing €120 for one year. A basic plan, including an interactive business card and essential information, will remain available. Customers, however, will continue to have free access to the application.

Rutty and Sara now plan to expand to Monaco, then France. And develop new features, little by little. "We're not doing this to make money off people's backs, but on the contrary to make them shine ," they proclaim. " We see a lot of businesses closing, it's essential to give visibility to those who need it."