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Report on

COMMUNITY IMMERSION PROGRAMME


(FLOWER VENDOR’S COMMUNITY)
Submitted to
JSS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY, MYSORE
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Submitted by
CHANDRAKANTH V 01JST22PFM011
JAHNAVIMANJUNATH 01JST22PFM026
SUDHARSHAN 01JST22PFM056
GANESH M R 01JST22PFM022
SUPRITHA K V 01JST22PFM057
NAVEEN KUMAR 01JST22PFM037
Under the guidance of
DR. ARUNA ADARSH (Associate professor)
MR. ABHILASH P (Assistant professor)
DR. YUVARAJ NATH (Assistant professor)
JSS CMS, Mysuru
JSS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY,
MYSURU-570006

JSS MAHAVIDYAPEETHA
JSS CENTRE FOR MANAGEMANT STUDIES
JSS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
JSS Technical Institutions Campus, Mysuru-570006
DECLARATION

I _SUPRITHA K V(USN:01JST22PFM057) hereby declare that the COMMUNITY


IMMERSION report titled FLOWER VENDORS prepared by me under the guidance of
MR. ABHILASH P, DR. YUVARAJ NATH and DR. ARUNA ADARSH faculties of
MBA department, JSSCMS, Mysuru.

I also declare that this community immersion work is towards the partial fulfilment of the
university regulations for the award of degree of Master of Business Administration by JSS
Science and Technology University, Mysuru.

I have undergone immersion program for a period of 4 days. I further declare that this study
undertaken by me and has not submitted for the award of any degree/diploma from any other
university/Institutions.

Place: Mysuru SUPRITHA K V

Date: 05-06-2023 USN: 01JST22PFM057


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Any presentation completed successfully gives a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
The report would remain incomplete if the people who made it possible and whose constant
guidance and encouragement go without mention.

I would like to express my gratitude to DR. P NAGESH, Dean of Management, JSS Science
and Technology University, Mysuru. For always being a great source of inspiration for
providing me a congenial environment for carrying out the community immersion program.

I would like to express my gratitude to DR. SWAROOP SIMHA, Professor and Head of the
Department, JSS Centre for Management Studies, Mysuru. For always being a great source of
inspiration for providing me a congenial environment for carrying out the community
immersion program.

I express my heart filled thanks to MR. ABHILASH.P, DR. ARUNA ADARSH and DR.
YUVARAJ NATH Professors JSS Centre for Management Studies, Mysuru, who are also
my guides. Their constant support, inspiring guidance and persistent help has
provided useful insights into the issues being addressed in immersion program at various
stages during its execution. Their guidance and support go beyond words.

I would like to thank my parents and friends for their cooperation and God, the Almighty, for
his blessings and strength.

SUPRITHA K V

01JST22PFM

JSS Centre for Management studies

Mysuru-570006

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JSS CENTRE FOR MANAGEMENT STUDIES
JSS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
JSS TECHNICAL INSTITUTION CAMPUS
MYSORE – 570006

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that SUPRITHA KV (01JST22PFM057), a student of Master of Business


Administration at JSS Centre for Management Studies, JSS Technical Institution Campus,
Mysore, India, has carried out a Community Immersion Program and submitted a report on
“FLOWER VENDORS” In partial fulfilment of requirements of the award of MASTER
OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

DR. SWAROOP SIMHA DR. P. NAGESH

Professor and Head of the Department Dean of Management


Department of JSSCMS Department of JSSCMS
JSS Science and Technology university JSS Science and Technology University
Mysuru-570006 Mysuru-570006

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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Contents

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INTRODUCTION
Flower vendors are individuals or small businesses that sell flowers and floral arrangements
on the streets or in public areas. They are a common sight in many cities around the world,
adding color and beauty to urban landscapes. These vendors typically set up temporary stalls
or carts where they display a variety of fresh flowers, potted plants, and sometimes even
gardening .

Flower vending is often a family business, with multiple generations working together to
grow, arrange, and sell the flowers. In some cases, vendors source their flowers directly from
local flower farms or wholesalers, while others may cultivate their own flowers in gardens or
greenhouses. They carefully select and arrange the flowers to create eye-catching bouquets
and arrangements that attract customers.

The appeal of Flower vendors lies not only in the convenience they offer but also in the
personal touch they bring to the flower-buying experience. Unlike commercial flower shops
or online flower delivery services, interacting with street vendors allows customers to see and
smell the flowers up close, choose their favourite blooms, and receive personalized
recommendations or advice on floral arrangements.

Flower vendors are known for their ability to adapt to different seasons and occasions. They
often offer a wide variety of flowers that change depending on the time of year and the
availability of different blooms. They cater to various customer needs, whether it's
purchasing a single stem for a special occasion or buying a full bouquet for a gift or
decoration.

The presence of Flower vendors not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the streets but also
contributes to the local economy. They provide employment opportunities for individuals
who may not have access to formal employment or prefer the flexibility of working outdoors.
Additionally, street flower vending can be a way for individuals to showcase their creativity
and passion for floral design.

However, it's important to note that the specific regulations and practices surrounding street
flower vending can vary significantly from one location to another. Some cities have
designated areas or permits for street vendors, while others may have restrictions or licensing
requirements. These regulations are often in place to ensure public safety, fair competition,
and adherence to local laws.

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BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
They have a rich history rooted in cultural traditions and informal economies. Street flower
vending often takes place during religious festivals, weddings, and other ceremonial
occasions, where vendors play a significant role in providing floral decorations. These
vendors are entrepreneurial, utilizing their creativity and expertise to arrange flowers in
unique and visually appealing ways. They establish personal relationships with customers,
contributing to the social fabric of their communities. While street flower vending offers
economic opportunities, vendors face challenges such as limited access to formal financial
services and vulnerability to weather conditions. Nonetheless, they are integral to urban
beautification, adding natural beauty to concrete environments. Understanding the
background of community street flower vendors fosters appreciation for their contributions to
local communities and economies.

1. Historical Significance:
The practice of selling flowers on the streets has a long history that can be traced back
to ancient civilizations. In many cultures, flowers hold symbolic meanings and are
used in religious rituals, celebrations, and expressions of love and gratitude.
2. Informal Economy and Livelihoods:
Street flower vending often falls within the realm of the informal economy. It
provides a means of livelihood for individuals who may face barriers to formal
employment, such as lack of education or limited job opportunities.
3. Cultural Diversity:
Community Street flower vendors can be found in various regions around the world,
each with their unique cultural practices and flower preferences. For example, in
Southeast Asia, street vendors may specialize in selling orchids, jasmine, or
marigolds, which hold cultural significance in religious ceremonies and traditions.
4. Urbanization and Migration:
As cities have grown and urbanized, so too have the number of street flower vendors.
Street vending, including flower vending, provides a relatively accessible avenue for
these individuals to start businesses and earn a living.
5. Social and Environmental Sustainability:
Street flower vending is often rooted in sustainable practices. Many vendors source
their flowers locally, supporting local growers and reducing carbon footprints
associated with long-distance transportation.
6. Preservation of Traditional Knowledge:
Street flower vendors often possess deep knowledge of flowers, including their
meanings, care, and arrangements. This traditional knowledge is passed down through
generations, ensuring the preservation of cultural practices and expertise related to
flowers and floral design.

Community of flower vendors bring life and color to the streets, embodying the cultural
heritage and traditions of their respective regions. Their resilience, creativity, and

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contributions to the local economy make them an integral part of urban communities
worldwide.

METHOD OF STUDY

The method of study that we used for the interview of flower vendors involved conducting
one-on-one interviews to gather insights and perspectives directly from the individuals
working in the delivery industry. Here is a brief explanation of the study method:

1. Selection of Participants:
The study involved selecting a diverse group of flower vendors guys from different
places to ensure a broad representation of experiences and perspectives within the
industry. Participants were chosen based on their willingness to participate and their
availability for interviews.
2. Structured Interviews:
The interviews followed a structured format, with a predetermined set of questions to
guide the conversation. The questions were designed to explore various aspects of
their work, including motivations, challenges, experiences, and overall impressions of
their job.
3. Face-to-Face interviews:
The interviews were conducted as face-to-face depending on the circumstances and
preferences of the participants. Face-to-face interviews allowed for in-depth
discussions and non-verbal cues.
4. Open-Ended Questions:
The interview questions were open-ended, allowing the participants to share their
experiences and perspectives in their own words. This approach encouraged the
participants to provide detailed and personal responses, fostering a deeper
understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
5. Active Listening and recording:
During the interviews, the interviewer actively listened to the participants' responses,
taking audio records to capture important points, key insights, and noteworthy quotes.
This ensured accurate recording of the information shared during the interviews.
6. Respectful and Engaging Approach:
The interviews were conducted in a respectful and engaging manner, creating a
comfortable environment for participants to share their thoughts openly. The
interviewer maintained a non-judgmental stance, encouraging participants to express
their experiences honestly.
7. Ethical Considerations:
The study adhered to ethical considerations, ensuring participant confidentiality,
informed consent, and voluntary participation. The participants' privacy and
anonymity were respected throughout the study.
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OBSERVATION AND DATA COLLECTION
While conducting interviews with flower vendors, we have observed and gathered detailed
information about their experiences, perspectives, and practices. Here is a explanation for
this;

1. Background and Motivations:


Asked about their personal background, including their journey into flower vending
and any previous experience or training in the field. Explored their motivations for
becoming flower vendors, such as their love for flowers, cultural traditions, or
economic opportunities. Inquired about any challenges they faced when starting their
businesses and how they overcame them.
2. Daily Operations and Work Routines:
Asked about their typical daily schedule, including the hours they work, preparations
they undertake, and any specific routines they follow. Inquired about the process of
sourcing flowers, including where they purchase them, considerations for quality and
variety, and any relationships they have with suppliers or growers.
3. Customer Interactions and Sales Strategies:
Discussed their approach to customer service and how they engage with potential
buyers. Inquired about their strategies for pricing their flowers and any factors they
consider when determining prices, such as flower quality, market demand, or
competition.
4. Challenges and Opportunities:
Explored the challenges they face as flower vendors, such as seasonal fluctuations,
weather conditions, competition, or local regulations. Inquired about any strategies
they employ to overcome these challenges and maximize their opportunities.
5. Cultural Significance and Community Engagement:
Explored the cultural significance of flowers in their community and how it influences
their work. Discussed their interactions with the local community and any
involvement they have in community events, celebrations, or cultural traditions.
6. Economic Aspects:
Asked about their income levels, including average earnings and any variations
throughout the year. Inquired about the factors that impact their profitability, such as
costs of flowers, transportation, permits, or other expense.

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ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
After conducting interviews with street flower vendors, several key findings and analysis
points have emerged. Here is an analysis based on the interviews:

1. Business Dynamics:
Street flower vendors operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment. They
rely on foot traffic and impulse purchases, making location a crucial factor for their
success. Vendors strategically choose busy public areas or popular attractions to
maximize their visibility and attract customers.
2. Price Sensitivity and Bargaining:
Customers who frequent street flower vendors tend to be price-sensitive. Vendors
reported that customers often negotiate and bargain for lower prices, posing a
challenge to maintaining profitability. Street flower vendors must carefully manage
their pricing strategies to offer competitive prices while still covering their costs.
3. Seasonal Availability and Variety:
Street flower vendors adapt their offerings based on seasonal availability. They take
advantage of the local climate and utilize a diverse range of flowers and plants. This
allows them to provide unique and fresh options that may not be readily available in
traditional retail stores.
4. Visual Appeal and Presentation:
Vendors emphasized the importance of visually appealing displays. They utilize
vibrant colors, artistic arrangements, and eye-catching presentation to attract
customers. The visual aspect of their stalls plays a crucial role in capturing attention
and enticing potential buyers.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability:
Street flower vendors demonstrated their ability to quickly adapt to changing
circumstances. They adjust their inventory based on customer demand and current
trends. This agility allows them to cater to specific occasions or events, ensuring they
meet the diverse needs of their customer base.

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WHAT I HAVE LEARNT

1. Be happy with the job we are doing no matter whatever the field we are working
in. Have pride and smile in your face and keep on working hard.
2. To have patience while dealing any tougher situation and solve those situations
with calm and composed nature. Have a brave nature to face any kind of bad
situation and not try to hide off from it.
3. Learn to accept both good and bad things in life, because accepting both these
things helps to lead and learn some things in our life.
4. Be self-dependent and responsible, where in if you are depending on other people,
you can’t make your life as good as anything and also you will be not feeling good
and satisfied in your job.

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PROBLEMS ENCOUNTRED

1. Uncertainty of sales, sometimes they don’t sell what they expect to sell or it could
also be that they have many customers that day but there is no enough supply of
flowers and they do not have the stock with them.
2. Since they are flowers and they cannot be stored for more than few days it will be a
waste and if there are many flowers that are leftover, they just have to throw them
away which is a huge loss for them.
3. Storage and packaging of flowers- certain flowers must be stored in the refrigerator
which is an extra cost to the sellers for those who don’t have the refrigerator they have
to buy a new one which can be a cost for them.
4. Flower availability is also one of the biggest challenges for them because sometimes
the customers demand for a certain type of flower which would not be available.

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LEARNING OBSERVATION RELATE TO ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE
1. Supply and distribution channel management can be seen here, as some of them
transport and get the flowers from different states and use different channels of
distributions
2. Time management- Working in certain hours, managing the time from when they will be
getting the flowers to when they are going to sell them as well as the number of flowers
that should be sold in that particular time.
3. Planning and organizing- they plan everything before they would come and do the
business and make sales strategies related to it.
4. Other retail related activities.

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IMPROVEMENTS FOR PERSONAL LIFELONG LEARNING

1. Hardworking:
They work hard by not giving up despite all the hardships that they face and take up
their responsibilities and does with passion
2. Humanity and Patience: They have a lot of patience while they deal with certain
customers who are rude to them and they show humanity and helps everyone as
much as they can
3. Being open to challenges: They do not fear a takes up any challenges that comes in
their way and while performing the duty.

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CONCLUSION

We started off as a group of 6, naming our group and then immediately after few
thoughts selecting this flower vendor’s community. There went a lot of discussions
as well as arguments but then we were able to draw the final point. We sat together,
brainstorming about the questionnaire and we were also doubtful about how to
approach them as it was our first time, we were scared of failure too but with the
team's efforts and their assistance we all were able to interview successfully as well
as learn about them from a new perspective rather than depending on online forums.
this all led us to implement things we've learn in class unknowingly and made us
realize about the importance of team management as well as planning before making
any decision. The place and problems come secondary, what matters the most is
people, their thoughts and how we perceive it.

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ANNEXURE 1

OUESTIONNAIRE:

1. What makes you happy for being a flower vendor?


2. What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor?
3. What factors affects you for not liking a customer?
4. How was your life during covid time?
5. If only few flowers are unsold, how will you store and manage your stress?

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ANNEXURE 2

TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 1:

M: From how many years you are doing this business and why you chose this business

Person 1: from past 2 to 4 years, I am doing this business, my mother was doing this business
and just to help/support her I am continuing this and she is aged.

M: what makes you happy for being a flower vendor/merchant

Person: yes, I am completely happy doing this business whole heartedly by god’s grace I am
doing this business for my family especially for my mother. Especially during the festival
days we will be happier because the flowers will purchased by the public in large to submit
their namaskar to god when compare to other day during festival time we will be happy as a
flower merchant.

M: what make you unhappy for being a flower vendor/merchant

Person : when I decided to continue the business as flower merchant, starting peoples are said
why are doing this job, leave it & go for any other job where you will get more income than
here as flower merchant, at that point of time I felt unhappy by listening to others words but
my family supported me a lot to do what you like and not to listen to others and also other
vendors next to me commented on me saying go do your business elsewhere, by hearing this
from others I feel not happy for being a flower vendor.

M: what factor makes you for not liking a customer

Person: like some/most of the public/customer will come and ask for flower very rudely, they
show others frustration on me and asking for low price, at that point of time I feel like what
type of customers are they & all. Another factor is that customers will ask for very low price
below the margin price, they bargain more because they say the merchant next to you will
give it for low price why can’t you sell the flower to me at that price.

M: The worst experience so far?

Person: One customer came to me while talking on the phone suddenly he took the garden
and threw away to road on frustration like these types of customers I feel like not worthy
people to live on the earth.

M: how did you manage your work during the covid-19 period

Person: it was difficult during corona period because of time restriction and social distancing.
And also, we are unable to bring flowers from market because of restriction but still managed
to bring the flowers from market. Though during that time, the public were concentrated
more on daily necessaries like rations vegetables compare to flowers but somehow people
came and purchased. After giving some lenience after 15days they themselves came from
market to my place to supply flowers to me. The major problem that I faced is when my
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mother and my aunt suffered from corona positive for more than 20 days at that time, we
suffered a lot in because I unable to take care of my mother and aunt but still managed
patiently continued the work.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 2:

M: From how many years have you doing this business

Person: Almost from 18-19 years I am doing this business as a flower vendor

M: Why did you choose this business

Person: Why I choose this business is because to lead my life , mainly to survive in this
world. Why I am doing this business is because I didn’t get any job outside so I decided to set
my up own business, but even if I got the job, I have to work for more than 10 hours a day
for just 10,000 or 15,000 rupee salary. Why should I work for 10 hours and more for just
15000, so I decided to start my own business and to get money as much as I can in a day, so I
started this as a flower merchant.

M: Are you happy with what you are doing

Person: Yes, I totally happy doing the business that I like most rather than doing any other job
I am satisfied with this as a flower merchant.

M: What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor

Person: Some customers will come and says why do you charge more cost for small flower
bouquet in a rude manner and some of them will scold in a bad words showing others
frustration on me, at that time I feel like not happy for being a flower merchant. At some
extent I will provide for low price and send them off because why should I listen those words
from them, at that time I feel unhappy

M: From where do buy those flowers and other things and how did you manage

Person: Most of the stuff I purchase from Bangalore at low price and fresh items from there. I
need to travel to Bangalore at 11 pm in night to fetch the flowers and other stuffs and then
return back from Bangalore to Mysore by 7.00 am in the morning and again I have to open
my store at 11.00 am and serve whole day is very difficult to do without taking rest.

M: How is your business going on after covid-19 pandemic

Person: It was really going well now, though I didn’t open my store during the covid-19
pandemic because of safety purpose.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 3:

Interviewer- How was your business during covid?

Flower vendor- It was very tough during that time for us we didn’t have rice to eat, I was not
feeling well at that time but I was not even allowed inside the hospital also even if I was
wearing mask, there was no business, we washed our hands with our tears during those times.
I can’t even describe how difficult it was one of the worst times of our lives. There were no
customers, people were scared to even touch the flowers because they feared that they would
get corona, it is goddess chamundeshwari and all the gods that saved us and because of that
we are all alive today. We have not studied didn’t go to school also this is what we have been
doing from many years. But yeah……Corona was one of the worst times and I really hope
and pray to God that something like that should never come again especially to our country.

Interviewer- Now how is your business going on after covid?

Flower vendor- It is fine now and its just going on normally

Interviewer- What was your best or worst you have experienced till now?

Flower vendor- Ahh……there is no such one thing but as I was telling corona time was the
worst and best means whenever we sell more that is during festival that’s it ma

Interviewer- If very few flowers sold in day how do you manage and what will you do?

Flower vendor- Nothing in that case we just throw the flowers away we cannot to do anything
else from that and these days customers ask for fresh flowers only and even we want to give
them the best ones so we throw the ones that are not good what else can you do ma with
flowers if they are not fresh its waste only.

Interviewer- What are the challenges that you face?

Flower vendor- Challenges means when the flowers don’t sell, we have no other options but
to throw them that means no sales and we won’t get enough money to buy new flowers for
the next day, so for that we go and take money from someone buy the flowers sell them and
then repay them later it’s like a loan sometimes what happens is that we cannot repay the
money back and there is no sales happening, that is a challenge for us.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 4:

Interviewer- From how many years have you been doing this business?

Vendor- I have been doing this from 18 years

Interviewer- What is your happiest moment that you have experienced while doing this
business

Vendor- Whenever we sell more or make profits than what we expected, some days I feel that
not a lot of customers would come and that it could be a loss, but suddenly there would be
many customers and we would sell everything.

Interviewer- What are the challenges that you face?

Vendor- There are many challenges, my husband is a farmer and I have a daughter who
recently got married, I am relieved because of that we were worried and didn’t have enough
money to get her married, but me and my husband still have to work because we are
struggling with money, we have taken many loans. Farmers income these days have become
very less there is no guarantee that we would get money this month and I sell flowers because
we can’t just manage with the money that he gets, but we still love what we are doing as we
have been doing this for many years and we want to work as long as we can.

Interviewer- How was the business during covid time?

Vendor- What should I even tell, almost everyone and every business suffered because of this
and same for us as well. The business was at loss we could not sell any flowers, and if we
came outside to sell the police would send us back home, I even got covid once but thanks to
God I recovered, meanwhile we could not sell anything we produced on our farm, we took a
lot of loans during this period and we are still paying it back, we never expected something
like this would happen, with lot difficulties we passed through that rough phase.

Interviewer- What are those factors that makes you like a customer?

Vendor- (laughs) There isn’t anything some customers are rude and bargain a lot but some
customers are my regular customers and they buy from my shop only and I know them really
well.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 5:

Interviewer: from how many years u are in this field?

Seller: from 30 years

Interviewer: are you happy with ur work?

Seller: ya, am very happy with my work

Interviewer: we u feel sad while hdoing business?

Seller: when I dint have business ,then I feel sad and when we get loss in business.

Interviewer: how you managed ur business at tie of pandemic situation?

Seller: (owner shouted on seller,ajh ahh ahhhhh, seller sid eyy am talking in mike be silent)
we got punished from police but also we done our business in pandemic situation,

Interviewer: how u manage ur life by balancing house and shop?

Seller: its like miracle ,,our situations will ,amage according tomour situations.

Interviewer: for example you spend 10000 to purchase daily ,, one bad day you got loss in
the business,,how you manage that stress?

Seller: if suddenly rain comes then the customers didn’t come to buy flowers, the flowers
flowers wll dispose for next day, if will buy flowers we need to sell the flowers today itself ,
for tomorrow the flowers got wasted. As much as possible we sell the flowers that day only
suppose we get loss also (ex:we purchased flowers for 50rs, we sell it for 10rs also) we get
loss but also we sell flowers.

(see the flowers are going for chamundi betta)happen at th time of conversation,

Interviewer: the customers will come to buy the flowers how the customers treat with u ?

Seller: we get different type of customers, headache persons,mental persons when they come
we get mental, officials also come when they come they say what also carry the flowers
without giving money, bargainers will comeand ask one much that costhow much this costs
why that cost is so much, different perons will come to buy persons we should be in patience
and sell the flowers to customer.and also the customers check our patience ,we get angry.(ajji
arrived at the time of interviewing the seller said 40rs that ajji said give it for 20rs at that time
we 2 got laugh ah ahh ahhhh ahhhhh ).

Interviewer: u didn’t get sad when the customer shouts on u ?

Seller: (at that time that ajji started to scold , if u give it for 20r give if u don’t don’t give why
r u saying it to others) the seller said see how the customers will get rash on us. But also we
motivate ourselves and sell the flowers with patience.

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Interviewer: at what time you start business in morning ?

Seller: with open our shop at 6am and we close shop at 8pm.we get fresh flowers at 11am.

Interviewer: budget u spend daily for business?

Seller: this business is not like rice , the flower rate is changes hour to hour, 400rs flower will
reduse after 1 hour to 200rs, last week 600rs per kg, when the marriages are going on at that
time the flowers rate will high,

We get loss also we sell flowers for loss….if today we get loss, but tomorrow we get get
more profit then todays loss that’s our trust on our businesss..

Interviewer: how u balance your home and business stress?

Seller: when we get loss we get angry at that time we stay calmly and run the business, and
we balance our life equally.

Interviewer: is wholeseller get more profit are retailer get more profit?

Seller: wholeseller will get more profit.(seller shop opposite only they have wholesale flower
shop, they buy flowers from them only.

Interviewer: why u came to flower vendor field ?

Seller: 15years back we have our own garden we grown flowers in our garden itself, but
know we came to this market field, 15 years back we are the one who sell flowers more in
mysore.

Interviewer: overall u r happy with ur job?

Seller: yes happy,because the flowers well for god, death persons,when we sell flowers to
them we feel happy.

Interviewer: u never thought u don’t want to do this business?

Seller: no I never,we are satisfy with our job , by this we get food,shelter----etc.

Interviewer: any words u want tell for students?

Seller : said that siddaramaiah will give 3000 ah ahh ahhhhhhhh, interviewer said still it is not
announced ,then the seller said no it is already announced.

Students want to study well they need do depend on them ,they don’t want to depend on
others , don’t do jobs under others hands, create your own companies and give job to others.

If u farmed own companies ,u don’t get shouts from others,, you r the boss of your life.

God bless you all .stay well and read well.

Interviewer: how you treat ur permanent customers?


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Seller: if we have fresh and quality flowers , the customers are always ready to come to our
shop.we need to build trust in them. we get customers from urban, rural areas they speak like
(adu eng laa eedu eng laaa) they ask. And also rowdies they treat us like cheap persons.

Our motivation is how the customers treat us we treat same as they.patience is the key ...

THANK YOU

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 6:

Interviewer: From how many years u r doing this business


Seller: he said that am in this field from 40 years.
 Interviewer: when u feel happy by doing business,
Seller: when I earn I feel happy, in 1 month 20 days I feel happy by earning more,
other 10 days we get loss are profit we manage that.
 Interviewer: Saddest day is ,
Seller: when we get loss in business we feel sad. by selling flowers we earn daily 4 to
5 thousand, and also that the customers at the time of purchase they ask flowers at that
time when the seller is packing the flowers the customer will keep the flowers without
asking the seller ,this no for seller but also he didn’t argue with the customers,
because the seller will earn money from customers he said that we treat them like god.
 Interviewer: Daily u purchase bulk of flowers to sell, what u do with remaining
flowers at end of the day,
seller: he seller said that we store the flowers in fridge ,while keeping in fridge also
we get loss, for example today we purchased flowers for 600rs , tomorrow we sell it
for 300rs by doing this we get loss and we get satisfy when we sell all the flowers. we
manage profit and loss. As that seller said if 20 days we get profit, other 10 days we
get loss.
 Interviewer: At the time of pandemic situation (corona) how u managed the business?
Seller: said that we done business in home at the time of pandemic, the agricultures
got more loss at time of pandemic , at that time we sold flowers for 100 to 150rs, the
reason behind the earning in pandemic situation also we need money for expenses.
And also the shops in markets are closed due to pandemic, at that time the agriculture
persons got more loss.
 Interviewer: Never u thought that I don’t want to do this business?
Seller : said that never ,we are happy with our business, in my 40 years of service I
purchased one building and I done marriage for my five daughter and son, that
lakshmi devi god kept happy us , we never felt uncomfortable in our business,
sometimes we feel bad that others talk bad about us, then the seller motivate him self
(that 100 members will talk different ,we know what we are).
 Interviewer: How u balance home and business situations?
Seller: said that we never bring home problems to shop and shop problems to home,
they said that we solve home problem in home and shop problem in shop, by mistake
if we carry home problem to shop we didn’t do business actively, (motivation is
patience is the key to success) if we get angry we get loss.
 Interviewer: From where u carry the bulk of flowers?
Seller: said that we didn’t go to other place to buy the flowers the agents will come to
market, we purchase from them. That agents will come from hunsuru, kr nagara,
srirangapatana, all we come to market and they sell the flowers in bulk to us,(at time
of asking this question the agents are came to sell the flowers). How much kilograms
P a g e 26 | 61
of flowers u buy daily, the seller said we buy daily 150kgs of flowers,our daily budget
is 10 to 15 thousand, (seller said that agriculture person in out budget and everything,
from them we are leaving in society). We are happy in our life because we never
learnt hab habits in our life , if we learn had habits we never leave happy ,(100grm
60rs, ) what ever that business we do in our life we do it with prompt. What ever that
problem will come we should finish it , by tht day only, we cannot bring that problem
to other place. (see I purchased one building worth 60lakhs)with addicting to any bad
habit.
 Interviewer: With ur permission what is your name ,
Seller: said that my name is subbayya, (250grm 30) .

 Interviewer: What u r expected to tell for students?


Seller: said that patience is the key in everything, the students should stay silent
whatever other think ,the time will tell answer, what the teachers tell the students
should listen calmly, if the students follow all this motivation they will beome the
future good leaders. Not everyone will tell good motivations to us ,we need to
understand which is good and which is bad. (the main aim is that we don’t want to
addict for bad habits). Nowadays generations the whole society is filled with
cigarette, tobacco, drugs, ganja, the students don’t want to addict for this.the students
don’t want to do ragings, they want to leave friendly with all and study well.
(nodamma tagolamma said to buyer) motivation factor is we don’t want to addict for
bad habits and should build only good habits.
We didn’t studied in our generations because we don’t have money at that time ,but
now generation parents are earning lot so the students want to read well and stand in
good position.

 Seller: nowadays the youths are spoiling lot because the parents are giving lot of
money to son r daughter with asking the reason. The parents don’t want to do this.
In colleges the lecturer didn’t care the students if the student didn’t listen the class the
lecturer will punish the student out from class, by doing this the student will addict to
had habits, the lecturer want take care of students. But also the student don’t be rash
with lecturer because (1st guru is amma,2nd guru is lecturer)we should teat them like
god.

In our generation we got good classmates and good lecturers but we didn’t studied well
that time but now we are suffering lot.as like us our childrens don’t want to suffer in future.
this is my thoughts.

P a g e 27 | 61
TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 7:

Interviewer: What is your name?

Seller: Nagesh

Interviewer: From how many years are you in this field?

Seller: From past 20 years.

Interviewer: What makes you happy being a flower vendor?

Seller: This business is carried from our grandparents; I know the loopholes and advantages
in this business. When business is good, I feel happy. Usually during festival time, the profit
margin will be more compare to other time. Daily we will see variety of customer, so that
makes me happy being flower vendor.

Interviewer: What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor?

Seller: Price will be fluctuating in this business. Flowers can’t be stored more than 1 day then
it will be loss for us. Customers will bargain and insult in a way that your weighing machine
is not correct you are cheating on us. Customer sometimes they will be rude and ask us to put
more flowers.

Interviewer: What factors makes you for not liking a customer?

Seller: One thing we don’t like customer is bargaining. They will ask below the margin line.
Few customers will be rude, which we should tolerate. From past 4 years we do home service
daily, which they will delay in the payment or negotiate price after the service.

Interviewer: How did you manage your work during the COVID time?

Seller: We didn’t open the shop in the 1 st stage of COVID because my father was affected
with corona virus. There was no money and very hard to survive, some people provided
ration kit. After some months government granted permission to do business between
morning 6:00 – 10:00.

Interviewer: If very few flower sold in a day, how would you manage your stress.

Seller: It feels bad when business is low because we will be having commitments and
business doesn’t reach your expectation. Some flowers could be stored for 2-3 days that we
somehow manage and others flowers we will throw to garbage.

P a g e 28 | 61
TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 8:

Interviewer: What is your name?

Seller: Raju

Interviewer: From how many years are you in this field ?

Seller: From past 15 years.

Interviewer : What makes you happy being a flower vendor ?

Seller : Doing this business will only give hapiness for me. We do this business to survive. I
will put limited stock which is enough for me. Daily seeing the flowers makes me happy. If
we get profit, it make me happy.

Interviewer : What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor ?

Seller : There is lot of competition in this field. Customer will bargain more. They will ask
25rs product for 10rs. Some customers will be rude. Price will depend on the season and
climate. Business will be unpredictable. Flowers will go because of sun heat.

Interviewer : What factors makes you for not liking a customer ?

Seller : They will ask everything here and purchase in other stall. They will ask below the
margin line. Few customers will be rude. If we provide good product, customer will not be
willing to buy.\

Interviewer : How did you manage your work during the COVID time ?

Seller : It was too hard for us to survive. We were not getting the stock. The stock which we
had, we used to sell on the road. Somehow we managed in the COVID time because there
were no much expenses.

Interviewer : If very few flower sold in a day, how would you manage your stress.

Seller: We feel bad at that time. If it can be stored we will store it and other item we will
throw it to dustbin or we will give it to temple.

P a g e 29 | 61
TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 9:

Supritha: What makes you happy for being a flower vendor?

Vendor1: when my father came from K R Nagar to Mysuru 13 years ago, we had so many
loans from past few years now it has reduced, about 10 lakhs loans was there from past 13
years when we are in K R Nagar but now, the loan has reduced to few 2 to 3 lakhs. From
morning to evening we will sell the flowers, evening finance people will come to us for
collecting instalments we will pay them daily some amounts so that we are able to pay loans
(customer came to buy the flowers) so this makes us happy for being a flower vendor this
gives us food every day, repaid our loan, my parents bought me a vehicle and mobile so we
are very happy for doing this job. Today our life is very much happy first we had so many
problems in our life but now we are happy.

Supritha: What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor?

Vendor1: means I am studying, now I have to go at 10 o clock for college even though now
its 11 my father didn’t come he went for having breakfast now its late but my college is here
only, I will go now to college and come back at 3 o clock to shop for selling and later I will
go out for 30 mins and then I will go home by closing the shop at 8 o clock. Sometimes I will
unhappy because when one day I was out with my friends for some reasons that time my
father will call me and say come to shop I am some work outside at that time I will little sad
even though I will help my father from early morning to 10 AM then from 3PM to 8PM
sometimes I feel very sad for not going out with friends. Sometimes I will not come even
though when my father called and sometimes, I feel like going somewhere from this. But my
father never thought like that because it him food when he is facing his tough situations in
life so he is very happy for being a flower vendor and he never felt unhappy for doing this.

Supritha: Is there any situation where your friends tease you for being a flower vendors
Son?

Vendor1: Yes, some rich kids will see us like as if we are doing some illegal but in my
friend’s gang, I am having friends like daily wage workers son like that so in our gang no one
will tease us we are all equal. While making friends or while talking to someone I won’t talk
to those who disrespects me. I never felt bad for doing flower business infact I am very happy
for doing this because this business gives us food and money not the people who disrespects
us.

Supritha: How was your life during covid time?

Vendor1: In covid time we are not allowed to put shop, the shop was closed for our earnings
we had too many problems. In that time, we are allowed to open our shop for only one hour
the earnings were less sometimes we faced too many losses because we had opened for only
half an hour and for one hour so, at that time our business had faced loss but not the earnings
are good we are happy. At that time, I felt like (he said means too times here), we had to stay
P a g e 30 | 61
in home all the time no earnings only seating at home was very boring and no cash was there
in our hand for our day-to-day expense’s life was too difficult to handle, we had no cash for
purchasing items. Only one hour was allowed to open the show so our earnings were
decreased from 5000 to 1000 because no one knows that our shop was opened at that time so
sales was decreased. And some people hesitated to buy flowers from our shops because they
are assuming that if they buy flowers from our shop, they will also get infected so we faced
too many losses.

Supritha: If some flowers are left unsold? Will you store it and resell or how will you
manage that.

Vendor1: I will go and give it to few temples at evening or we will throw to garbage. We can
store some type of the flowers for up to 3 days but some flowers for only one day in that case
we will give that particular type of flowers for temples or for some of the shops who buys
flower from us daily and pay us monthly. Not all flowers will be sold daily few will remain,
that we will treat that as loss itself. Friday and Monday the sales will be high we can make
upto 5000 per day but Wednesday we will close at 12 because sales are less in that day,
Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday the sales are normal usually we will try to sell all the flowers
by night so that we can sell fresh flowers daily.

Supritha: What factors makes you to not liking a customer?

Vendor1: Means some people will come and ask for lower price and talk to us very rudely at
that time we have to convince them to buy our flowers, after when customer leaves few
minutes, I feel sad later I will ignore and move on. But some day I will ignore that type of
customers and I will directly say sorry mam we can’t give at that price at that time they will
go by scolding us. But there few customers who became our family by daily purchasing
flower from us if they give 10 or 20 Rs low I will accept that because one day they will give
10 Rs low but other day they will give us 20 Rs more so.

P a g e 31 | 61
TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 10:

Supritha: What is the main reason for setting up this business?

Vendor2: After my husband left me and went at that time, I am having 3 years old daughter
so I thought of doing this business. I am doing this from past 10 years before I was working
in film industry, I did 1 short movie and 2 movies but it didn’t release due to some reasons.
And I’m big fan of crazy star Ravi Chandran (we all laughed). By seeing flowers, I can forget
my past because flowers will give me some kind of relaxation and this business requires less
investment so I decided to start this business 10 years ago. And I like this business so much.

Supritha: What makes you happy for being a flower vendor?

Vendor2: Ooh I am very happy for doing this because it is my own business and I am not
working under someone so. If business runs with profit or loss, it’s my own responsibility, I
have to manage this. Assume if one day I am having fewer I can close the shop and I can rest
in my home but if I am working garments or provision store, I have to ask them for leave, if
they scold, I have to take that also and I have to butter them for asking leave for visiting
hospital or for my daughter’s parent’s teachers meeting. Before setting up this business I was
working in garments and I can’t manage that stress so I decided to stop that and later I started
this business. By seeing all types of difficulties in work, actually now I am very happy for
selling flowers.

Supritha: What makes you unhappy for being a flower vendor?

Vendor2: Actually, I was never thought like that because someday we may see profit and
someday loss so we have to take both equally. I neither be sad for loss nor too much happy
for profit. In season the profit will be high in off season it will be low, so we have to take both
in a same manner. Some people tease me and talk 100 words behind me but I never felt sad
because that people will not give me food, money or they will not pay my daughter’s college
fees. We have to move on even though if the life is too hard. From the past 10years to till the
date I never felt unhappy, I am telling lie because the truth is I am leading my life in this
business, I am having food by doing this business so I never felt unhappy. We are having 12
months in a year where we experience rain, summer and winter, like that in our life we will
experience all types of difficulties so we have to take everything in a same manner. Assume
that you

have to go to one place but to reach that place the road is not neat there will be stones,
thrones etc in that situation we have to be strong and we have to cross that road to see a
beautiful place so we have to take everything equally.

Supritha: How was your life during covid time?

Vendor2: The life was tough but not bad we had managed everything. Most of the times
people are not coming and they were seeing us differently as if they purchase flower for from

P a g e 32 | 61
us, they will get corona and their mind set was like that. At that time, it was common we can’t
say that they are wrong. People are like that if they feel something is bad, they will try to
avoid that so for us it was normal reaction from people during covid time.

Supritha: How is your business now?

Vendor2: Not bad, for managing our life it is enough and we are eating food from this. We
are living our life by trusting this business so I am satisfied and happy. In festival time there
will be huge profit and during off season we will face loss. But I am happy that’s it. Even the
business men who puts crores in their business, sometimes they will also face losses so we
have taken everything equally. sometimes I feel if I had studied, I would have been in a good
place but I had only done my education till 3 rd standard people will talk behind us ignoring
them all we have to move on. My general knowledge is good so I am doing this business, and
I am happy.

Supritha: How will you manage your rude customers?

Vendor2: We can’t do anything we have manage them and convince them. If I say the price
is 100, they will y that much lower down your price like that, we have to be patience at that
time only with patience we can run the business otherwise we can’t. The important element
for doing business is patience otherwise we can’t run a business. Some rude customers will
bargain if I say no, I can’t give for that price they will keep the flower and go at that time I
feel sad and later I think if someone goes the other customers will come like that so, we have
to be very patient.

Supritha: If only few flowers are sold? How will you store and resell it?

Vendor2: Some flowers we can keep up to 3 days so I will keep that in fridge and next day I
will resell it. Monday and Friday the sales will be high remaining days it’s normal.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 11:

Interviewer:- what are the things which have made you happy while doing this work

Vendor :- Many are there , but during the festive days we feel very happy because of the
sales and the profit we have like in ganesha festival, ayudha pooja all these festivals .during
these times we can recover whatever the loss we have previously experienced, as the rate we
more than those in the normal days.

Interviewer :- is there anything which have made you unhappy or have any customer have
you feel unhappy

Vendor :- no no I didn’t had any that kind of a feeling. I am happy to do this job, there were
some customers who had made me unhappy but we have to control our emotions and behave
nicely with them where we can make them buy even though their mood is not good. We
should not be bothered about those things we should keep on moving we should not keep all
those things in mind

Interviewer :- how do you manage your worklife

Vendor :- I keep the from morning 7-11am then from evening 5-9:30pm where in between I
will be spending time with my family. The peak time will be in the morning, during Monday
and Friday the sales will be good, but in Tuesday and Wednesday the sales will be not as
much the other days.

Interviewer :- how did you manage your work during covid time

Vendor:- we didn’t had our business during the 1 st wave, but we kept it during the 2 nd wave
the reason was to stay safe and be healthy and early morning I used ti go to the market and
buy the flowers in the market.

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TRANSCRIPT OF VENDOR 12:
Interviewer:- what are the things which have made you happy while doing this work

Vendor :- many are there sir , but specifically during old times where we were having the
low labour cost and profit was high , but now the labour cost is high and profit is low ,
another one was during the covid times where in there were no money lenders torture was
there we were happily doing business without anyones interference , we were working from 6
am to 10 pm which made us to have good sale of flowers

Interviewer :- is there anything which have made you unhappy or have any customer have
you feel unhappy

Vendor :- moments which made me unhappy was when some money lenders was coming to
our shop and troubling us which made us get irritated and feel very bad, about customers is
there are many customers like that but we have tolerate them and behave calmly and we give
them some 20-30 rupees discount where in it can make them buy the flowers from us

Interviewer :- how do you manage your worklife

Vendor :- Basically we work based on shifts like one day me and other workers will work and
in some other days our owner comes and works even we work based on morning and evening
shift, these kind of work helps us to manage both our family and our work

Interviewer :- how did you manage your work during covid time

Vendor:- we were selling flowers keeping a 6 feet distancing and police were fully co-
operating to us and even public were supportive to us, we would buy the flowers from the
devaraja market at early morning because of some of the rules that were implied at that time
and we used to wear masks and selling the flowers or else even they would deliver the
flowers from the market through auto and all.

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ANNEXURE 3
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 1:

The flower merchant has been in the business for 2 to 4 years, initially joining to support their
aging mother who was already in the same business. They find happiness in their work,
particularly during festival days when there is a higher demand for flowers. However, they
face criticism from others negative comments from others who questioned their choice of
profession. Negative customer experiences include rude behavior and persistent bargaining
for lower prices. The worst encounter involved a customer throwing flowers in frustration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the merchant faced challenges due to restrictions and
limited flower supply, but managed to sustain their business. They also had to handle
personal difficulties when their mother and aunt contracted the virus. Overall, despite the
challenges, the merchant continues their work diligently to support their family, especially his
mother.

Customers often ask for low prices and bargain more than the margin price, making it
difficult to sell flowers. The major problem was when their mother and aunt suffered from
corona positive for more than 20 days, but still managed to continue the work.

The flower merchant finds complete happiness in their business, wholeheartedly attributing it
to the grace of God. They are driven by their love for their family, particularly their mother.
The joy intensifies during festival days as the public purchases flowers in large quantities to
offer their prayers and respect to God. The festive atmosphere brings additional happiness to
the flower merchant, creating a sense of fulfilment in their role.

He is happy doing the business for his family. However, they feel unhappy when people tell
them to leave, but their family supports them and other vendors comment on them. Even
though, he managed his work during the corona period due to time restriction and social
distancing. They were unable to bring flowers from the market due to restrictions, but still
managed to bring them. flower vendors also face challenges, including seasonal fluctuations
in demand, competition from other vendors.

Overall, flower vendors play a crucial role in connecting the customers with the blossom and
helping to enhance the special moments, cultural moments and occasion with the beauty of
flowers

P a g e 36 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 2:

The flower merchant has been doing this business for 18-19 years, and is satisfied with it. He
is unhappy with some customers who are rude and scold him. He buys flowers and other
items from Bangalore at low prices, and travels to Bangalore at night to fetch them. After the
Covid-19 pandemic, the business is going well, though he didn't open his store due to safety
reasons.

choosing this path as a means to survive and support themselves. They explain that they
couldn't find a job that offered decent pay for long hours of work, so they decided to start
their own business as a flower vendor to earn as much money as possible in a day.

Despite facing challenges and criticism from certain customers, the merchant expresses their
overall happiness and satisfaction with their chosen profession. However, rude customers
who question prices or express frustration can make them feel unhappy. In such cases, the
merchant may offer lower prices or choose to let those customers go to avoid dealing with
their negative behavior.

The merchant sources most of their flowers and other items from Bangalore, purchasing them
at a low cost and ensuring freshness. They go through the effort of traveling late at night to
Bangalore, returning early in the morning to open their store by 11 am. This demanding
schedule leaves them with little time for rest.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the merchant prioritized safety and did not open their store.
However, they mention that their business is now going well, indicating a positive trend after
the challenging period. He is supposed to sell the bouquet to institution as well which the
order is received from the institution. He started this long before by the inspiration of his wife
where she is also a flower vendor. The vendors often have a deep knowledge of different
types of flowers, their meanings. They buy flowers from wholesalers, local growers, to
ensure a fresh and diverse selection for their customers.

Flower vendors play a significant role in various cultural and social events, such as weddings,
funerals, and festivals, where flowers are used for decoration, gifting, or religious purposes.
They provide a convenient and accessible option for individuals to purchase flowers for
personal use or to send as gifts

P a g e 37 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 3:

From this interview we can understand that how the flower vendors take care of their
business and they manage it, got to know how these small street vendors suffered during the
pandemic times when their whole lives were dependent on the flower business. Even though
now their business is doing fine now they still think about how difficult it was for them
during those times and they said that it is something they could never forget. Small and micro
businesses have been affected a lot because of the covid pandemic, The vendor spoke about
the fear the customers had while buying the flowers even though the seller had taken all the
precautions no one was ready to buy the flowers. She also told us about how her health was
bad during that time with the business not going on and other factors she thought that this
would be the end, and now that they are doing fine and health has gotten better she thanks
god and tells that nothing like this should happen ever again to anyone. After the pandemic
that struggles they face is the wastage of flowers if they don’t sell them then it’s a waste and
they have to throw that away which also means that it’s a waste of money and there is
nothing that they can do if they don’t make enough profits as they wished. From speaking to
her I understood that how flower vendors businesses work and what are the challenges that
they face and how their communities work.

P a g e 38 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 4:

I spoke to a flower vendor lady who has been selling flowers from past 18 years, she spoke
about her business as well as her family and that belongs to farmers, from speaking to her I
learnt about how the flower business is working and also how the farmer community works.
She told me the challenges that they face in their work such as flowers not selling and loans
that they take and how difficult it is for them to repay that back and in her husband’s business
she told us that there is no guarantee if one month they would make profits and the next
month there is no earning at all, they cannot predict anything and it is very risky. But
however she told me that she loves her business and selling flowers and even her husband
loves farming and loves being a farmer because this what they have been doing from many
years and said that her father and grandfathers were also farmers and they would like to
continue this business. She also told me that she helps her husband in their farm along with
selling flowers and during those days when she is working in the farm she cannot come to
Mysore during those days and sell flowers, she told me that her and her husband are
becoming old and managing both the farm as well as this flower business is hard for them,
but still they told that they like to work even tough they are old and their children work and
can take care of them they don’t want to stop working and they don’t want to sell their farm.
After speaking to this flower vendor I got to know about how the situation is different foe
every individual flower vendor and why they started their flower business.

P a g e 39 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 5:

The seller, Subbayya, has been in the flower-selling business for 40 years. He finds happiness
in earning profits, but also accepts that there are days of losses which they manage. The
saddest days are when they experience business losses. Subbayya treats his customers with
respect and doesn't argue with them, as he believes in treating them like gods.

At the end of each day, the remaining flowers are stored in a fridge, but sometimes they still
incur losses when selling them the next day. Subbayya manages both profit and loss,
experiencing profit for around 20 days and losses for 10 days in a month.

During the pandemic, Subbayya conducted business from home due to the closure of shops in
the market. Despite the challenges, he managed to sell flowers at lower prices to meet
expenses, as the agricultural sector suffered significant losses.

Subbayya has never thought of quitting the business. In his 40 years of service, he has
achieved personal milestones like buying a building and getting his children married. He
remains content and motivated, ignoring negative opinions from others.

To balance home and business, Subbayya ensures that he separates home and shop problems
and addresses them in their respective environments. He believes that patience is the key to
success and avoids anger, as it can lead to losses.

Bulk flowers are purchased from agents who come to the market from various places.
Subbayya buys around 150 kilograms of flowers daily, with a budget of 10 to 15 thousand
rupees.

Subbayya advises students to practice patience and remain calm, listen to their teachers, and
distinguish between good and bad advice. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding bad
habits and urges students to live harmoniously with others while focusing on their studies.

He expresses concern about the youth getting spoiled due to excessive money from parents.
He believes that lecturers should take care of students and students should respect their
teachers. Subbayya regrets not studying well in his time due to financial constraints and
encourages today's generation to study hard and secure a good future.

In conclusion, Subbayya shares his experiences and thoughts to inspire students and younger
generations to stay away from bad habits, prioritize education, and value the guidance of their
parents and teachers.

P a g e 40 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 6:

The interviewer spoke with a flower seller who claimed to have 30 years of experience in the
field. When asked if they were happy with their work, the seller expressed great satisfaction.
They mentioned feeling sad when they didn't have any business or experienced losses.

Regarding managing their business during the pandemic, the seller mentioned getting
punished by the police but still being able to conduct their business.

In terms of balancing their personal life and work, the seller referred to it as a miracle, where
they adapt to different situations as needed.

When asked about managing stress after a loss, the seller explained that they try to sell the
flowers the same day to avoid wastage. Even if they incur losses, they remain resilient and
continue selling the flowers.

The seller shared that customers varied in their behavior, including difficult individuals,
officials who took flowers without paying, and bargaining customers. The seller emphasized
the importance of patience and the need to maintain even when dealing with challenging
customers.

When asked if the seller gets upset when customers shout at them, they mentioned the
occurrence of such instances and the need to motivate themselves to maintain patience while
selling flowers.

The seller mentioned opening their shop at 6 am and closing at 8 pm. They receive fresh
flowers at around 11 am.

Regarding the daily budget for the business, the seller explained that flower prices fluctuate
throughout the day, making it challenging to have a fixed budget. They also mentioned
selling flowers at a loss if necessary, as they trust that future profits will make up for it.

In terms of balancing home and business stress, the seller shared the importance of staying
calm and managing both aspects equally.

When asked if wholesalers or retailers make more profit, the seller mentioned that
wholesalers generally earn higher profits. Their shop is located opposite a wholesale flower
shop where they purchase flowers.

The seller explained that they entered the flower vendor field 15 years ago, having previously
owned their own garden where they cultivated flowers. They expressed satisfaction with their
current job, as they find joy in selling flowers for religious purposes.

The seller stated that they have never considered leaving the business and expressed
contentment with their job, which provides them with food, shelter, and more.

P a g e 41 | 61
When asked if they had any advice for students, the seller mentioned the importance of self-
dependence and creating their own companies to provide jobs for others. They encouraged
students to be their own boss and wished them well.

Regarding permanent customers, the seller emphasized the significance of offering fresh and
quality flowers to build trust with customers. They mentioned customers coming from both
urban and rural areas and the various ways they are treated, including some individuals being
disrespectful. The seller highlighted the importance of patience in such situations.

The interview concluded with the seller thanking the interviewer and offering blessings to the
readers, encouraging them to study well and create successful lives for themselves.

P a g e 42 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 7:
The seller, who has been in the flower business for 20 years, is happy with the profit margin
and variety of customers. However, they face challenges such as fluctuating prices, customers
threatening to bargain below the margin line, and rude requests for more flowers. They also
face delays in payment or negotiations after home services. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
the seller had to close the shop due to their father's coronavirus infection, which made it
difficult to survive. After some months, the government granted permission to operate
between 6:00 and 10:00 AM.

The seller manages stress by storing some flowers for 2-3 days and discarding others. Despite
these challenges, the seller is determined to maintain their business and maintain a positive
reputation in the industry.

P a g e 43 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 8:
The seller, who has been in the flower business for 15 years, is happy with their limited stock
and daily sighting of flowers. They are unhappy with competition, customer bargaining, and
unpredictable prices. They also face challenges such as rude customers, fluctuating prices,
and the impact of sun heat on the business. They also face challenges in managing their work
during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they struggled to obtain enough stock to sell on the road.
Despite these challenges, they managed to survive by minimizing expenses. If few flowers
are sold in a day, they store them in a dustbin or give them to a temple.

P a g e 44 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 9:
When I started doing interview I first went to this boy, before going to this boy I was thinking
whether this boy knows everything or he is just simply sitting for 5 to 10 mins to help his
father, later after interviewing this boy I felt very happy because he too manages the business
even though by doing his education. He wakes up early morning and goes to Devraj market
to buy flowers from the farmers and opens the shop at 6 am and after 10 am to 3 pm he goes
to college then after returning from college he again goes to shop till 8, after 8 pm he will
close the shop and goes to his home. His father was running this business from past 13 years,
when his father shifts from K R Nagar to Mysuru they are having around 13 lakhs loan but
today it has reduced to 2 to 3 lakhs so they are very happy for doing this business, it has
saved them from past 13 years.

From this business he had also bought one bike and one mobile phone. He and his family
members are very happy for doing this business because in most of the difficult times it has
helped them. They are earning around 5000 every day in that 4500 they will pay to finance
people who comes to collected small instalments every day near their shop. During covid
time It was very difficult to them because they are only allowed to open the shop for half an
hour to one hour at that time people are not aware of this so the business was less that time.
Sometimes he feels unhappy because he is studying and he is managing both studies and
shop. If at all sometimes if he wishes to go out with his friends at that time only his father
will call him and ask him to look after the shop at that time, he will sad for doing flower
business. When some rich kids talk to him rudely, he will feel very sad, besides this he is very
happy for doing this business.

They will also sell their flowers to temples and to some petty shops. If they had left with
some flowers that day, they will give that to temples or else they will throw them to garbage.
He said that some of the flowers be will be there upto 3 days but some flowers for only one
day so he will throw them to garbage but the flowers which will be there upto 3 days he will
keep that by putting some water to that and by covering the flowers in newspaper.

What I felt after doing this interview was not everybody’s life is same, we are coming to
college without any worries but he is attending his college by managing both business and
studies. I really felt very happy for doing his interview and spending some quality time with
the him and gaining some knowledge about how the flower vendors life is all about.

P a g e 45 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 10:

Life is not same for all and for the women whose husband left her and went it is definitely not
easy for her to run a family. But she is so brave, after trying so many jobs she decided to set
her own business as flower shop. When her husband left her, she was having 3 years old
daughter. She is doing this business from past 10 years before she was working in film
industry, she did 1 short movie and 2 movies but it didn’t release due to some reasons. And
she is a very big fan of crazy star Ravi Chandran so she started this business. She said that by
seeing flowers, she can forget her past because flowers will give her some kind of relaxation
and this business requires less investment so she decided to start this business 10 years ago.
And she like this business so much.

she neither be sad for loss nor too much happy for profit. In season the profit will be high in
off season it will be low, so she said that we have to take both in a same manner. Even
though Some people tease her and talk 100 words behind her but she never felt sad because
that people will not give her food, money or they will not pay her daughter’s college fees.
From the past 10years to till the date she never felt unhappy. Actually, I liked the way she
said this, “We are having 12 months in a year where we experience rain, summer and winter,
like that in our life we will experience all types of difficulties so we have to take everything
in a same manner. Assume that you have to go to one place but to reach that place the road is
not neat there will be stones, thrones etc in that situation we have to be strong and we have to
cross that road to see a beautiful place so we have to take everything equally”.

I really felt very happy after visiting her not just happy actually I’m inspired for what she is
even though she faced her most difficult times alone without friends and family today she is
very happy for what she is today. What I have learnt from her is that we have to be strong in
difficult situation so that we can see the beautiful life after difficulties. Every woman must be
like her to face the hard situations. I think she is role model for many people.

P a g e 46 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 11:
First we went to this vendor who was selling flowers from past 20 years, when we first saw
him we thought that he might not give us the information because he was like a strict guy.
But when we talked to him he gave a smile and was good with us. Basically He starts the
business in the morning from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and in the evening he starts at 5:00 PM
till 9:30 PM where in the morning he buys the flower from the devaraja market and brings it
to his home and makes the flowers. The happy moment he experienced is during the festival
days where the sale will be good and they will be having a good profit which can recover
their previous loss and also different kind of customers appear where some have anger, for
these kind of guys they try to beave in good manner and make them buy by giving 20-50
rupees discount and giving some rose floers as an complimentary. During the covid times in
the 1st wave they didn’t kept any stall because to take care of their reason that they said is if
we have good health we can gain money but what if we don’t have a health where I have to
care of my family , but in the 2nd wave they managed to keep the stall and have their business
where every people and even the police department have helped them during those days.
Basically they are happy doing this job and don’t have any regret in doing this job.

P a g e 47 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 12:
The other guy we met was doing this from past 20 years and reason made him to do this
business is that he was dropped out from the studies ad his parents made him to start this
business, the happy days he had was during the covid time where no money lender was
disturbing and the whole profit was with them and also the timings helped them to have a
good sale ,they also said another thing where they said that if they want to have that kind of
profit another pandemic like covid has to come. The challenges and unhappy they facing is
that now the labour cost is high where the profit is low which made them feel low and
unhappy, but earlier the labour cost was low wherein the profit was high and also they say
that they deal with some unhappy customers by giving some discount of 10-20 rupees which
can make them buy the flowers in their shop. Also we asked how they manage both their
work life and their family, they answered like they work based on the shifts like from
morning to evening one batch of people work there and from evening to night another batch
of people work which can help everyone to have flexible working hours. Finally they said
one thing about how they feel to do this job, they said that mainly we should not have any
loan from anyone if then we can manage everything peacefully and also they feel that this job
is much as good as a government job and also they had a saying where they mentioned that in
any kind of work or business we have accept any kind of situation even if it is a sweet or
bitter , then only we can experience and learn some things in our life.

P a g e 48 | 61
ANNEXURE 4
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 1 AND 2:
The flower merchant has been in the business for 2 to 4 years, initially joining to support their
aging mother who was already in the same business. They find happiness in their work,
particularly during festival days when there is a higher demand for flowers. However, they
face criticism from others negative comments from others who questioned their choice of
profession. Negative customer experiences include rude behavior and persistent bargaining
for lower prices. The worst encounter involved a customer throwing flowers in frustration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the merchant faced challenges due to restrictions and
limited flower supply, but managed to sustain their business. They also had to handle
personal difficulties when their mother and aunt contracted the virus. Overall, despite the
challenges, the merchant continues their work diligently to support their family, especially his
mother. Customers often ask for low prices and bargain more than the margin price, making it
difficult to sell flowers. The major problem was when their mother and aunt suffered from
corona positive for more than 20 days, but still managed to continue the work.

The flower merchant has been doing this business for 18-19 years, and is satisfied with it. He
is unhappy with some customers who are rude and scold him. He buys flowers and other
items from Bangalore at low prices, and travels to Bangalore at night to fetch them. After the
Covid-19 pandemic, the business is going well, though he didn't open his store due to safety
reasons.choosing this path as a means to survive and support themselves. They explain that
they couldn't find a job that offered decent pay for long hours of work, so they decided to
start their own business as a flower vendor to earn as much money as possible in a day.
Despite facing challenges and criticism from certain customers, the merchant expresses their
overall happiness and satisfaction with their chosen profession. However, rude customers
who question prices or express frustration can make them feel unhappy. In such cases, the
merchant may offer lower prices or choose to let those customers go to avoid dealing with
their negative behavior.

P a g e 49 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 3 AND 4:

From this interview we can understand that how the flower vendors take care of their
business and they manage it, got to know how these small street vendors suffered during the
pandemic times when their whole lives were dependent on the flower business. Even though
now their business is doing fine now they still think about how difficult it was for them
during those times and they said that it is something they could never forget. Small and micro
businesses have been affected a lot because of the covid pandemic, The vendor spoke about
the fear the customers had while buying the flowers even though the seller had taken all the
precautions no one was ready to buy the flowers. She also told us about how her health was
bad during that time with the business not going on and other factors she thought that this
would be the end, and now that they are doing fine and health has gotten better, she thanks
God and tells that nothing like this should happen ever again to anyone. After the pandemic
that struggles, they face is the wastage of flowers if they don’t sell them then it’s a waste and
they must throw that away which also means that it’s a waste of money and there is nothing
that they can do if they don’t make enough profits as they wished. The other vendor spoke
about her business as well as her family and that belongs to farmers, from speaking to her I
learnt about how the flower business is working and how the farmer community works. She
told me the challenges that they face in their work such as flowers not selling and loans that
they take and how difficult it is for them to repay that back and in her husband’s business she
told us that there is no guarantee if one month they would make profits and the next month
there is no earning at all, they cannot predict anything and it is very risky. But however, she
told me that she loves her business and selling flowers and even her husband loves farming
and loves being a farmer because this what they have been doing from many years and said
that her father and grandfathers were also farmers and they would like to continue this
business. She also told me that she helps her husband in their farm along with selling flowers
and during those days when she is working in the farm she cannot come to Mysore during
those days and sell flowers, she told me that her and her husband are becoming old and
managing both the farm as well as this flower business is hard for them, but still they said
that they like to work even though they are old. After speaking to the flower vendors, I got to
know about how the situation is different for every individual flower vendor and why they
started their flower business. And how this flower vendor community works.

P a g e 50 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 5 AND 6:

The first flower vendor, has been in the flower-selling business for 40 years and finds
happiness in earning profits. He understands that losses are a part of the business and
manages them accordingly. He treats his customers with respect and believes in treating them
like gods.First vendor has experienced both profit and loss days, with around 20 profitable
days and 10 days of losses in a month. During the pandemic, first vendor conducted business
from home due to the closure of shops in the market. Despite the challenges, he managed to
sell flowers at lower prices to meet expenses, considering the significant losses in the
agricultural sector. Quitting the business has never crossed first vendor mind. In his 40 years
of service, he has achieved personal milestones like buying a building and getting his
children married. He remains content and motivated, disregarding negative opinions from
others. To balance his personal and business life, first vendor ensures that he separates home
and shop problems and addresses them in their respective environments. He believes patience
is key to success and avoids anger, as it can lead to losses. He purchases bulk flowers from
agents who come to the market from various places, buying around 150 kilograms of flowers
daily with a budget of 10 to 15 thousand rupees. First Vendor advises students to practice
patience, remain calm, listen to their teachers, and distinguish between good and bad advice.
He emphasizes the importance of avoiding bad habits and urges students to live harmoniously
with others while focusing on their studies. First Vendor concern about the youth getting
spoiled due to excessive money from parents. He believes that lecturers should take care of
students, and students should respect their teachers. Having regrets about not studying well in
his time due to financial constraints, First vendor encourages today's generation to study hard
and secure a good future.

The second flower vendor, with claimed 30 years of experience, expressed great satisfaction
with their work. They feel sad when there is no business or when losses occur. During the
pandemic, they faced punishment from the police but were still able to conduct their business.
Balancing personal life and work is considered a miracle by the second vendor. They adapt to
different situations as needed. After a loss, the vendor tries to sell the flowers the same day to
avoid wastage. They remain resilient and continue selling even if they incur losses. The
second vendor mentioned encountering different types of customers, including difficult
individuals, officials who took flowers without paying, and bargaining customers. They
stressed the importance of patience and maintaining composure when dealing with
challenging customers. The vendor opens their shop at 6 am and closes at 8 pm, receiving
fresh flowers around 11 am. Budgeting is challenging for the second vendor due to
fluctuating flower prices throughout the day. They are willing to sell flowers at a loss if
necessary, trusting that future profits will compensate for it. Balancing home and business
stress requires staying calm and managing both aspects equally. The second vendor
mentioned that wholesalers generally earn higher profits compared to retailers. Their shop is
located opposite a wholesale flower shop where they purchase flowers. They entered the
flower vendor field 15 years ago after previously owning a garden for cultivating flowers.
The vendor finds joy in selling flowers for religious purposes and expressed satisfaction with

P a g e 51 | 61
their current job, providing them with sustenance and more. They have never considered
leaving the business and find contentment in their job.

P a g e 52 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 7 AND 8:
The seller, who has been in the flower business for 20 years, is happy with the profit margin
and variety of customers. However, they face challenges such as fluctuating prices, customers
threatening to bargain below the margin line, and rude requests for more flowers. They also
face delays in payment or negotiations after home services. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
the seller had to close the shop due to their father's coronavirus infection, which made it
difficult to survive. After some months, the government granted permission to operate
between 6:00 and 10:00 AM.

The seller manages stress by storing some flowers for 2-3 days and discarding others. Despite
these challenges, the seller is determined to maintain their business and maintain a positive
reputation in the industry.

The seller, who has been in the flower business for 15 years, is happy with their limited stock
and daily sighting of flowers. They are unhappy with competition, customer bargaining, and
unpredictable prices. They also face challenges such as rude customers, fluctuating prices,
and the impact of sun heat on the business. They also face challenges in managing their work
during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they struggled to obtain enough stock to sell on the road.
Despite these challenges, they managed to survive by minimizing expenses. If few flowers
are sold in a day, they store them in a dustbin or give them to a temple.

P a g e 53 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 9 AND 10:
When I started doing interview I first went to this boy, before going to this boy I was thinking
whether this boy knows everything or he is just simply sitting for 5 to 10 mins to help his
father, later after interviewing this boy I felt very happy because he too manages the business
even though by doing his education. He wakes up early morning and goes to Devraj market
to buy flowers from the farmers and opens the shop at 6 am and after 10 am to 3 pm he goes
to college then after returning from college he again goes to shop till 8, after 8 pm he will
close the shop and goes to his home. His father was running this business from past 13 years,
when his father shifts from K R Nagar to Mysuru they are having around 13 lakhs loan but
today it has reduced to 2 to 3 lakhs so they are very happy for doing this business, it has
saved them from past 13 years.

From this business he had also bought a bike and one mobile phone. He and his family
members are very happy for doing this business because in most of the difficult times it has
helped them. They are earning around 5000 every day in that 4500 they will pay to finance
people who comes to collected small instalments every day near their shop. During covid
time It was very difficult to them because they are only allowed to open the shop for half an
hour to one hour at that time people are not aware of this so the business was less that time.

What I felt after doing this interview was not everybody’s life is same, we are coming to
college without any worries but he is attending his college by managing both business and
studies. I really felt very happy for doing his interview and spending some quality time with
the him and gaining some knowledge about how the flower vendors life is all about.

Life is not same for all and for the women whose husband left her and went it is definitely not
easy for her to run a family. But she is so brave, after trying so many jobs she decided to set
her own business as flower shop. When her husband left her, she was having 3 years old
daughter. She is doing this business from past 10 years before she was working in film
industry, she did 1 short movie and 2 movies but it didn’t release due to some reasons. And
she is a very big fan of crazy star Ravi Chandran so she started this business. She said that by
seeing flowers, she can forget her past because flowers will give her some kind of relaxation
and this business requires less investment so she decided to start this business 10 years ago.
And she like this business so much.

Even though Some people tease her and talk 100 words behind her but she never felt sad
because that people will not give her food, money or they will not pay her daughter’s college
fees. From the past 10years to till the date she never felt unhappy.

I really felt very happy after visiting her not just happy actually I’m inspired for what she is
even though she faced her most difficult times alone without friends and family today she is
very happy for what she is today. What I have learnt from her is that we have to be strong in
difficult situation so that we can see the beautiful life after difficulties. Every woman must be
like her to face the hard situations. I think she is role model for many people.
P a g e 54 | 61
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW 11 AND 12:

First we went to this vendor who was selling flowers from past 20 years, when we first saw
him we thought that he might not give us the information because he was like a strict guy.
But when we talked to him he gave a smile and was good with his. He starts the business in
the morning from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and in the evening he starts at 5:00 PM till 9:30 PM
where in the morning he buys the flower from the devaraja market and brings it to his home
and makes the flowers. The happy moment he experienced is during the festival days where
the sale will be good and they will be having a good profit which can recover their previous
loss and also different kind of customers appear where some have anger, for these kind of
guys they try to beave in good manner and make them buy by giving 20-50 rupees discount
and giving some rose floers as an complimentary. During the covid times in the 1 st wave they
didn’t kept any stall because to take care of their reason that they said is if we have good
health we can gain money but what if we don’t have a health where I have to care of my
family , but in the 2nd wave they managed to keep the stall and have their business where
every people and even the police department have helped them during those days. Basically
they are happy doing this job and don’t have any regret in doing this job. The other guy we
met was doing this from past 20 years and reason made him to do this business is that he was
dropped out from the studies ad his parents made him to start this business, the happy days he
had was during the covid time where no money lender was disturbing and the whole profit
was with them and also the timings helped them to have a good sale ,they also said another
thing where they said that if they want to have that kind of profit another pandemic like covid
has to come. The challenges and unhappy they facing is that now the labour cost is high
where the profit is low which made them feel low and unhappy, but earlier the labour cost
was low wherein the profit was high and also they say that they deal with some unhappy
customers by giving some discount of 10-20 rupees which can make them buy the flowers in
their shop. Basically the similarities we found was both of them work for their family and the
daily needs, also don’t have any regret in doing this job they find happy in their sales and also
in their customers good behavior and both manage the unhappy customers by giving some
discount and one thing which inspired was as they said that they are working as an
independent person where they don’t have to depend on anyone which can give them full
confidence.

P a g e 55 | 61
ANNEXURE 5
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 1, 2, 3 AND 4:

The flower merchant has been doing this business for 18-19 years, and is satisfied with it. He
is unhappy with some customers who are rude and scold him. He buys flowers and other
items from Bangalore at low prices, and travels to Bangalore at night to fetch them. After the
Covid-19 pandemic, the business is going well, though he didn't open his store due to safety
reasons.

choosing this path as a means to survive and support themselves. They explain that they
couldn't find a job that offered decent pay for long hours of work, so they decided to start
their own business as a flower vendor to earn as much money as possible in a day.

Despite facing challenges and criticism from certain customers, the merchant expresses their
overall happiness and satisfaction with their chosen profession. However, rude customers
who question prices or express frustration can make them feel unhappy. In such cases, the
merchant may offer lower prices or choose to let those customers go to avoid dealing with
their negative behavior.

The merchant sources most of their flowers and other items from Bangalore, purchasing them
at a low cost and ensuring freshness. They go through the effort of traveling late at night to
Bangalore, returning early in the morning to open their store by 11 am. This demanding
schedule leaves them with little time for rest.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the merchant prioritized safety and did not open their store.
However, they mention that their business is now going well, indicating a positive trend after
the challenging period. He is supposed to sell the bouquet to institution as well which the
order is received from the institution. He started this long before by the inspiration of his wife
where she is also a flower vendor. The vendors often have a deep knowledge of different
types of flowers, their meanings. They buy flowers from wholesalers, local growers, to
ensure a fresh and diverse selection for their customers.

Flower vendors play a significant role in various cultural and social events, such as weddings,
funerals, and festivals, where flowers are used for decoration, gifting, or religious purposes.
They provide a convenient and accessible option for individuals to purchase flowers for
personal use or to send as gifts

P a g e 56 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 5, 6, 7, AND 8:

The vendor starts the business in the morning from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and in the evening
he starts at 5:00 PM till 9:30 PM where in the morning he buys the flower from the devaraja
market and brings it to his home and makes the flowers. The happy moment he experienced is
during the festival days where the sale will be good and they will be having a good profit
which can recover their previous loss and also different kind of customers appear where some
have anger, for these kind of guys they try to beave in good manner and make them buy by
giving 20-50 rupees discount and giving some rose flowers as an complimentary. During the
covid they didn’t kept any stall because to take care of their family but in the 2 nd wave they
managed to keep the stall and have their business where every people and even the police
department have helped them during those days.

The other guy we met was doing this from past 20 years and reason made him to do this
business is that he was dropped out from the studies ad his parents made him to start this
business, the happy days he had was during the covid time where no money lender was
disturbing and the whole profit was with them and also the timings helped them to have a
good sale ,they also said another thing where they said that if they want to have that kind of
profit another pandemic like covid has to come. The challenges they facing is the labour cost
is high where the profit is low which made them feel unhappy, but earlier the labour cost was
low wherein the profit was high and also they say that they deal with some unhappy
customers by giving some discount of 10-20 rupees which can make them buy the flowers in
their shop. Also we asked how they manage both their work life and their family, they
answered like they work based on the shifts like from morning to evening one batch of people
work there and from evening to night another batch of people work which can help everyone
to have flexible working hours. Finally they said that we should not have any loan from
anyone if then we can manage everything peacefully and they say we have accept any kind of
situation even if it is a sweet or bitter , then only we can experience and learn some things in
our life.

P a g e 57 | 61
SUMMARY OF VENDOR 9, 10, 11 AND 12:

From this interview we can understand that how the flower vendors take care of their
business and they manage it, got to know how these small street vendors suffered during the
pandemic times when their whole lives were dependent on the flower business. Even though
now their business is doing fine now they still think about how difficult it was for them
during those times and they said that it is something they could never forget. Small and micro
businesses have been affected a lot because of the covid pandemic, The vendor spoke about
the fear the customers had while buying the flowers even though the seller had taken all the
precautions no one was ready to buy the flowers. She also told us about how her health was
bad during that time with the business not going on and other factors she thought that this
would be the end, and now that they are doing fine and health has gotten better, she thanks
God and tells that nothing like this should happen ever again to anyone. After the pandemic
that struggles, they face is the wastage of flowers if they don’t sell them then it’s a waste and
they must throw that away which also means that it’s a waste of money and there is nothing
that they can do if they don’t make enough profits as they wished. The other vendor spoke
about her business as well as her family and that belongs to farmers, from speaking to her I
learnt about how the flower business is working and how the farmer community works. She
told me the challenges that they face in their work such as flowers not selling and loans that
they take and how difficult it is for them to repay that back and in her husband’s business she
told us that there is no guarantee if one month they would make profits and the next month
there is no earning at all, they cannot predict anything and it is very risky. But however, she
told me that she loves her business and selling flowers and even her husband loves farming
and loves being a farmer because this what they have been doing from many years and said
that her father and grandfathers were also farmers and they would like to continue this
business. She also told me that she helps her husband in their farm along with selling flowers
and during those days when she is working in the farm she cannot come to Mysore during
those days and sell flowers, she told me that her and her husband are becoming old and
managing both the farm as well as this flower business is hard for them, but still they said
that they like to work even though they are old. After speaking to the flower vendors, I got to
know about how the situation is different for every individual flower vendor and why they
started their flower business. And how this flower vendor community works.

P a g e 58 | 61
ANNEXURE 6
FINAL SUMMARY:

From this conversation we can understand that how the flower vendors take care of their
business and they manage it, and got to know how these small street vendors suffered during
the pandemic times when their whole lives were dependent on the flower business. Even
though now their business is doing fine now they still think about how difficult it was for
them during those times and they said that it is something they could never forget. . These
flower vendors finds happiness in earning profits in this business, but also accepts that there
are days of losses which they manage. The way they treats his customers with respect and
doesn't argue with them, as he believes in treating them like gods.

The difficulties they encountered in their business, particularly during the COVID-19 period,
including the failure of flowers to sell and money they received from creditors. When
COVID time comes they had a very tough time because customers were unaware that they
could only open the store for 30 to 60 minutes at a time, which resulted in lower sales. . The
happy moment he experienced is during the festival days where the sale will be good and
they will be having a good profit which can recover their previous loss.

Few flower vendors are doing this business since 8-15 years and some reason that they doing
this business because of dropped out from the studies and to take of the family and some may
forced by their family to continue the business as a flower vendor. Few vendors were happy
during COVID lockdown, where there is no tension of creditors and the whole profit was
with them and also helped them to have a good sale and good profit.

The challenges and unhappy they facing is that now the labour cost is high where the profit is
low which made them feel low and unhappy, but earlier the labour cost was low wherein the
profit was high and also they say that they deal with some unhappy customers by giving some
discount of 10-20 rupees which can make them buy the flowers in their shop.

Initially they joined to support their aging mother who was already in the same business.
They find happiness in their work, particularly during festival days when there is a higher
demand for flowers. However, they face criticism from others negative comments from
others who questioned their choice of profession. Negative customer experiences include
rude behavior and persistent bargaining for lower prices. The worst encounter involved a
customer throwing flowers in frustration. Customers often ask for low prices and bargain
more than the margin price, making it difficult to sell flowers. The vendors chose this path as
a means of survival and to support themselves and their family. When asked about managing
post-loss stress, the vendor explained that they try to sell the flowers on the same day to avoid
wastage. Although they suffer losses, they remain strong and continue to sell flowers.

However, flower vendors play a significant role in various cultural and social events, such as
weddings, funerals, and festivals, where flowers are used for decoration, gifting, or religious
purposes. They provide a convenient and accessible option for individuals to purchase
flowers for personal use or to send as gifts. The highlighted part is that the vendors dedication
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to sourcing fresh and quality flowers, ensuring that customers receive the finest flower. , I got
to know about how the situation is different for every individual flower vendor and why they
started their flower business.

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