What’s Stopping Nepali Businesses from Automating? (And How to Overcome It)

Automation can save time, reduce errors, and boost efficiency—yet many businesses in Nepal still hesitate to adopt it. Whether it’s fear of losing quality, unreliable infrastructure, or resistance to change, several roadblocks stand in the way.

Let’s break down the biggest challenges Nepali businesses face in automation and explore how to overcome them.

1. Fear of Quality Degradation

Many business owners worry that automation will reduce the quality of their products or services. This fear isn’t baseless—switching from manual to automated processes can have a learning curve.

Example:
A restaurant owner might fear that using an automated billing system will lead to errors in orders or payments, frustrating customers.

Solution:

• Start small – Automate one process at a time (e.g., invoicing, inventory tracking).
• Train employees – Gradually introduce tools and provide proper training.
• Monitor & adjust – Track performance and make improvements as needed.

“If someone else can do a task at least 70% as well as you, delegate it.” – Over time, with training, employees often perform even better than before.

2. Government Regulations & VAT Complications

Nepal’s tax system can be a headache for businesses trying to automate. Once a company crosses a certain sales threshold, it must switch to digital billing and VAT compliance. But many suppliers don’t issue proper VAT invoices, making record-keeping difficult.

Problem:

• Small businesses struggle to maintain compliance.
• Manual record-keeping becomes messy and inefficient.

Solution:

• Use accounting software (e.g., Tally, QuickBooks) to streamline tax filing.
• Push for digital invoicing with suppliers to maintain clean records.
• Advocate for better government support in simplifying tax automation.

3. Loadshedding & Unstable Infrastructure

Nepal’s frequent power cuts disrupt digital operations. Many businesses still rely on manual processes simply because electricity isn’t reliable.

Solution:

• Invest in UPS/inverters to keep systems running during outages.
• Use cloud-based tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Trello) that sync when power returns.
• Explore solar power backups for long-term sustainability.

4. Resistance to Change (Employees & Owners)

Many workers prefer familiar manual processes over new digital systems. Owners, especially in traditional businesses, may also resist automation due to:

• Fear of job losses
• Lack of tech knowledge
• Mistrust in digital systems

Solution:

• Show benefits – Demonstrate how automation saves time and reduces errors.
• Involve employees – Train them and show how automation makes their jobs easier.
• Start with low-risk automation (e.g., email marketing, payroll software).

5. High Costs & Unreliable Tech Services

Many local tech providers:

• Charge extremely high prices for basic automation tools.
• Delay projects unnecessarily.
• Provide poor after-sales support.

Example:
A business owner pays for a custom CRM system, but the developer keeps demanding extra payments without delivering results.

Solution:

• Compare global vs. local options (e.g., Shopify for e-commerce instead of expensive local solutions).
• Use freelancers or remote developers (Upwork, Fiverr) for cost-effective automation.
• Start with free/affordable tools (Zapier, Canva, Mailchimp).

6. Lack of Automated Payment & Delivery Systems

For businesses selling digital products (courses, eBooks, subscriptions), Nepal lacks seamless automation compared to global platforms.

Challenges:

• Payment gateways (e.g., Khalti, eSewa) are harder to integrate than Stripe or PayPal.
• WhatsApp is manual—no automated replies or order tracking.

Solution:

• Use international platforms (Gumroad, Teachable) if selling globally.
• For Nepal, explore local APIs (Fonepay, IME Pay) with developer help.
• Use chatbots (ManyChat) to automate WhatsApp responses.

Final Thoughts: How to Start Automating in Nepal

Automation isn’t an all-or-nothing game. Start small:

1. Identify repetitive tasks (invoicing, social media posting).
2. Choose one tool (e.g., Hootsuite for scheduling posts).
3. Train your team and adjust as needed.

Yes, Nepal has hurdles—power cuts, resistance to change, costly tech—but the benefits (time savings, fewer errors, scalability) make automation worth pursuing.

What’s stopping YOU from automating? Let’s discuss solutions! 🚀