Enterprise Management
26
Variable Location: Businesses were carried out in multiple locations to improve sales. However, other reasons were also observed.
Than’s (Fish monger, Bago) started at 3:00 a.m every morning to reach the fish market by 4:30
a.m. She travelled via ferry, bus and trishaw to reach her destination. She changed the location
of her business three times a day to improve her sales. The freshness of the fish dictated the
price so by evening she would sell it for buying price. Her location changed more often when
she was out of fish and had to buy more from the wholesaler at the market. She paid a daily
market tax of MMK 100 ($0.1) for using space there.
Some MEs were moved by the market authorities as it is illegal to occupy the roads, pavements
and other public spaces. The fruit sellers in Yangon were moved by the YCDC officials for
illegally reserving the road/pavement. Some of them mentioned that they pay MMK 200-300
($0.2-$0.3) every 3-4 days to the official to keep their spots.
Than, fishmonger changes her place three times a day
YCDC official asking the guava seller to move
As established above, the MEs especially with mobile or variable location type travelled or
were willing to travel long distances for their business to get more customers whereas the
MEs with fixed location type either operated from the catchment areas or were known for
their family businesses.