Bhan Pratap, a familiar face at the Nausori Market, has been selling mudcrabs, lobsters, and prawns for over a decade. At 70 years old, Mr. Prasad embodies a warm personality that makes visitors feel welcomed in the bustling market environment.
He expressed his enjoyment of engaging with diverse individuals, stating, “I enjoy coming to the market as I get a chance to meet different people. Everybody knows each other here, and it feels like one big caring family.”
Residing in Vunimono near Nausori town, Mr. Pratap visits the market five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. He noted that weekends attract the most customers, making it an essential time for his business, which is crucial for his family’s finances.
Mr. Pratap describes himself as a middleman who purchases from local fishermen and other fresh produce vendors, emphasizing how this business has significantly supported him and his family. However, he faces daily challenges from competition among fellow vendors, acknowledging the difficulty of standing out when many sell similar products.
To maintain his success, he focuses on the quality of his offerings and attentive customer service. “By ensuring that my produce is fresh and attractively displayed, I am able to draw a lot of customers,” he explained. Mr. Pratap also invests time in building relationships with regular customers, remembering their preferences, and making personalized recommendations.
He warns fellow vendors about the importance of providing quality goods, stating, “Nowadays, some of the things we buy from the market and supermarkets don’t meet our expectations because some vendors aren’t offering quality products to their customers. This needs to be discouraged.”
Despite the competitive landscape and his age, Mr. Pratap finds fulfillment in working at the market and encourages others to ensure their offerings are fresh and valuable to buyers.