Occupation Profiles

This category has estimated monthly sales of Rs. 35,000 – 40,000 and savings of Rs. 12,000 – 15,000. Revised savings target is Rs. 15,000 – 20,000. Intense competition and decreased demand from customers has led to price wars and declining margins. Customers now want whatever is cheapest and competition leads to constant fluctuation of customers.

Carpenters have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 35,000 – 45,000 and savings of Rs. 15,000 – 25,000, with an aim to improve the latter to about Rs. 25,000 – 30,000. Customers are reluctant to spend on luxuries or get any work done beyond that which is absolutely necessary. Catering to the general public, they feel that getting work done is a luxury and people would rather save.

Mechanics have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 45,000 – 65,000 and savings of Rs. 15,000 – 20,000. The aim is to boost savings to Rs. 20,000 – 25,000. Customers prefer making small repairs and opt for quick fixes rather than complete overhauls and replacement of parts. Many mechanics cannot afford to advertise as they want to keep incurred costs to a minimum.

This category has estimated monthly sales of Rs. 25,000 – 30,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 15,000; we aim to boost it to about Rs. 15,000 – 20,000. Mobile setups suffer at the hands of extortion (‘bhatta’) mafia and lack of support from local authorities. Sales also decline in the winter as relatively fewer varieties of fruit are available in the local market, making the work very seasonal.

This category has monthly sales of Rs. 20,000 – 50,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 20,000, which can be brought up to Rs. 20,000 – 25,000. Price increases from suppliers, passed on to customers, have resulted in reduced demand.

Daily sales vary considerably with average saving of Rs. 200 – 500 and the aim is to boost that to Rs. 500 – 1,000. Revenue stream is inconsistent (‘hawai rozee’) and there are limited opportunities to scale up and expand operations over time.

These enterprises have estimated daily sales of Rs. 3,000 – 4,000 and savings of Rs. 1,500 – 2,000 which can be brought up to Rs. 2,000 – 2,500. Intense competition in various areas and price wars has led to fall in margins. Some suppliers have also tightened terms of payment.

Estimated daily sales of mobile vendors vary considerably, while savings range from Rs. 500 – 1,000/day, however, the aim is to boost it to about Rs. 1,000 – 1,500/day. The vendors must continuously move their carts about when harassed by extortion mafia, or pay off the police to remain in an area. They have no fixed location to deal in, they are constantly mobile.

Paan shops have estimated daily sales of Rs. 1,500 – 2,500 and daily savings of Rs. 500 – 800; we aim to increase this by Rs. 800 – 1,500. Long and awkward work hours (with some vendors even operating round the clock) and unstable city conditions make for a tough duty.

Flower shops have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 45,000 – 75,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 15,000, which can be brought up to Rs. 15,000 – 20,000. Big orders have declined, even during the wedding season. Customers wish to spend less and rely more on event managers to get the work done. However, this is also is very season-dependant.

Dry cleaners have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 35,000 – 50,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 20,000, with the aim to boost savings to up to Rs. 20,000 – 25,000. Customers mostly trust well established, large set ups rather than small ones.

Lock makers have estimated daily sales of Rs. 300 – 600 and daily savings of Rs. 200 – 400, which can be brought up to Rs. 400 – 1,000. There is no guarantee of daily work outcomes and a very inconsistent revenue stream.

This category has estimated monthly sales of Rs. 50,000 – 70,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 15,000 with an aim to increase to that to at least Rs. 15,000 – 20,000. Overall decline in investment, particularly in big housing and industrial projects, has led to fall in business.

These enterprises have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 50,000 – 80,000 and savings of Rs. 20,000 – 25,000, which can be boosted to about Rs. 25,000 – 30,000. Gas and other utility bills are increasing, together with load-shedding. Owners have to purchase separate gas cylinders for back up.

Milk shops have estimated monthly sales of Rs. 30,000 – 50,000 and savings of Rs. 10,000 – 15,000, with an aim to boost savings to up to Rs. 15,000 – 20,000 at least. Consumption has declined as people would rather save more.