Kolkata and Howrah are connected to sub urban areas of west Bengal through fast moving local trains. They travel up to 3 hours to reach distant places like Katwa, Bardhman, Habra, Kalyani, Canning etc. On these long route local trains, one can easily see excellent example of salesmanship by local hawkers. My observations on them are :
1. They know the qualities of product they are selling - Pen with multiple colours, perfume for toilets, Napkins, Handkerchiefs , seasonal fruits , snacks etc etc... they know the source of products, qualities of the product, their durability. They deliver all the qualities and price in Bengali language only in a very friendly and easy to understand manner.
2. Almost all the hawkers are very active , polite and very cooperative. Cooperative means they can sell low value product even if a buyer gives them currency of higher denomination i.e they never complain for change.
3. They do not sell any product harmful for health. Quite possible , their products are not best of quality and in long run it may affect good health. Like " Churan " ( eating powder ) , dry sweets, moori, etc.
4. Health of all the salesman are good. They are stout and their stomach are flat.
5. All of them are debt ridden and on the mercy of lenders and now by microfinance people. Micro finance companies have big time opportunity to help them and get themselves helped
6. All of them are hard work. In a particular journey they try to cover all the compartments of a train.
7. Their products are substandard to low quality except fruits. If they introduce a new product, they sell good products initially.
8. Most of them are good speakers. Sometimes, they become philosophers while describing the good effects of their products. Like herbal medicines for stomach. They start with the daily problems of the passengers and they nicely link it with their stomach problems
9. They sell locally manufactured products which they may purchase on credit for few days. Now a days , some hawkers sell China made toys.
10. They don't believe in quarrelling with customers and don't waste time.
One of the examples of their framing of words
" HATHEY NIYE BHALO LAAGE, CHUSTEYO BHALO LAGEY".. BOLOOON ???? " EK TAKAY HAATHYE NEBEN KI CHUSBEN"
( It feels good if you either take in your hands or suck Tell me what will you prefer - taking in hands or sucking in a rupee )
Don't worry - He is selling toffees :):):)
1. They know the qualities of product they are selling - Pen with multiple colours, perfume for toilets, Napkins, Handkerchiefs , seasonal fruits , snacks etc etc... they know the source of products, qualities of the product, their durability. They deliver all the qualities and price in Bengali language only in a very friendly and easy to understand manner.
2. Almost all the hawkers are very active , polite and very cooperative. Cooperative means they can sell low value product even if a buyer gives them currency of higher denomination i.e they never complain for change.
3. They do not sell any product harmful for health. Quite possible , their products are not best of quality and in long run it may affect good health. Like " Churan " ( eating powder ) , dry sweets, moori, etc.
4. Health of all the salesman are good. They are stout and their stomach are flat.
5. All of them are debt ridden and on the mercy of lenders and now by microfinance people. Micro finance companies have big time opportunity to help them and get themselves helped
6. All of them are hard work. In a particular journey they try to cover all the compartments of a train.
7. Their products are substandard to low quality except fruits. If they introduce a new product, they sell good products initially.
8. Most of them are good speakers. Sometimes, they become philosophers while describing the good effects of their products. Like herbal medicines for stomach. They start with the daily problems of the passengers and they nicely link it with their stomach problems
9. They sell locally manufactured products which they may purchase on credit for few days. Now a days , some hawkers sell China made toys.
10. They don't believe in quarrelling with customers and don't waste time.
One of the examples of their framing of words
" HATHEY NIYE BHALO LAAGE, CHUSTEYO BHALO LAGEY".. BOLOOON ???? " EK TAKAY HAATHYE NEBEN KI CHUSBEN"
( It feels good if you either take in your hands or suck Tell me what will you prefer - taking in hands or sucking in a rupee )
Don't worry - He is selling toffees :):):)
