HYDERABAD: Demonetisation has dampened the spirit of Numaish and this is clearly reflected in the sales registered this year.
“Last year, in a week we made at least Rs 1 lakh, but this year we haven’t touched even Rs 20,000 mark. Most of the customers flash cards for payment. We have to turn them away as we don’t have PoS machines or PayTm app,” says Vani, a handloom stall owner.
When asked why haven’t they moved to machines or digital mode of payment, most of the traders lament that theirs is a business of handmade goods imported from villages. “We get the goods on spot payment. If we need to import goods worth Rs 10,000, we must pay them in cash.”
Some traders also rue the lack of small currency. Proprietor of Sparsh Home Décor from Bengaluru says initially, change was a major problem. “People are doing a business of providing change here. They take Rs 5,000 and give Rs 4,000 worth of change. Such is the demand,” he says, adding that, “It looks as if people are making purchases just to get change. They hand over Rs 2,000 for purchases worth Rs 200. Where do we get the change from?”
Tech helps some traders
While business has been damp for many, there are also several traders who have adopted to the new ways and are reaping benefits of it. Those who have a yearly business at the exhibition say their sales haven’t been affected much as they generally deal in notes of smaller denominations, and also digital mode of payment has eased the cash woes.
Telanaga Khadi Grameena stall owner says their business hasn’t been affected much since it’s a yearly business.
The customers make it a point to buy their products since they are available only once a year.
While most businessmen are lamenting the drop in sales, the owners of APCO stall, that sells handlooms, differ. They claim their sales haven’t been affected at all.
In fact, they say, business for them has been better than last year. The reason: PoS machines.
“Earlier, if the bill was Rs 232, customer would pay Rs 230. Now, with PoS machines we earn those two rupees as well.”
Along with price board, now one finds ‘PayTm’ or ‘all cards accepted’ boards at several stalls.