A Chartered Accountant called me a few days ago.He was starting a CA exam coaching business and wanted a simple website.

Then he added, “Let’s integrate a payment gateway so students can pay online.”

Sounds logical, right? But here’s what I told him : “You’re new. No one is paying you online without trust.”

Early-stage businesses copy what funded startups do: Online payments, Automated flows, Full digital journeys. But that doesn’t work at that phase.

So instead of adding complexity, I suggested something simpler: “After having met the student, just give them a QR code.” They will make the payment.

What works at scale often fails at the start. So build for your current stage.

Curious : have you seen businesses overbuild too early and regret it?