Bhan Pratap, a 70-year-old vendor at Nausori Market, has been selling mudcrabs, lobsters, and prawns for over a decade. His warm and friendly demeanor makes customers feel welcome, allowing him to connect easily with them. “I enjoy coming to the market as I get a chance to meet different people,” he shared, highlighting the sense of community among the vendors and customers, describing it as a caring family atmosphere.
Living in Vunimono, close to Nausori town, Mr. Pratap travels to the market five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. He notes that weekends are particularly busy, drawing a larger crowd of shoppers. The market serves as the primary source of income for him and his family, enabling them to manage their finances effectively. “I buy from fishermen and those who sell fresh produce in the market. I’m just a middleman, and this business has really helped me and my family a lot,” he explained.
Daily competition from other vendors poses a significant challenge. Mr. Pratap is conscious of this scene, where many sell similar products, and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing himself through quality and service to sell his seafood successfully. He believes that ensuring his produce is fresh and attractively presented is key to attracting customers.
Moreover, Mr. Pratap dedicates time to understanding his regular customers, remembering their preferences, and making personalized recommendations. He acknowledges that bit of competition is unavoidable, but emphasizes the need for vendors to provide quality goods to avoid disappointing customers, which he believes should be discouraged.
Despite his age, Mr. Pratap finds joy and purpose in his weekly market visits, which keep him active. He encourages fellow vendors and small business owners to consistently offer high-quality products to their customers, reflecting on his experiences with subpar goods from both vendors and supermarkets.