‘Forced to sell cheap when they bargain’
BENGALURU: From dealing with well-to-do customers who bargain beyond one could comply to, to struggling with monsoon in the city, Venketesh N has had it all. The Madurai native tells City Express about his journey around Bengaluru streets, selling root vegetables in a cart.
What do you do ?
I sell various kinds of root vegetables such as potatoes, tapioca and some time carrots too.
How did you take to this business?
I have been doing this for a decade now. I took to this business as I was unable to find a job.
When do you start work and where do you set up your business?
I usually start work at 5 am. I get the vegetables from KR Market and bring it to Koramagala in an autorickshaw. I push the cart around different areas such as Diary Circle, SG Palaya, Taverekere, Madiwala and BTM Layout. I wrap up work by 10.30pm.
How much do you earn?
On an average, I earn a profit of around `500- 600 rupees and during weekends around `400.
Who are your regular customers?
Mostly homemakers as I usually go around residential areas. In the evenings, I have my regular office going customers at SG Playa and Madiwala.
Where are you from? When did you come to Bengaluru?
I am from Madurai. I came to Bengaluru for a job. A few of my relatives are here. I planned to start some business but the capital investment was a problem for me to get a room or space, so I bought this cart.
What about your family? Where do you stay?
I stay at Bismillah Nagar with my wife and two children. We live in a rented house. Both my kids are in school.
What challenges do you face with your business?
The traffic. I struggle with pushing the cart with the heavy traffic. Sometimes, I struggle with crossing the street with the cart. During monsoon, I struggle a lot with the produce I sell as it gets drenched in the rain. I don’t have a roof on my cart.
Another struggle is dealing with those who bargain. Sometimes, those with white colour jobs too bargain and I am forced to sell vegetables at a throw away price.