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Enterprise Management
bought 6-7 bags at once that lasted for 1-2 weeks. He did not take any credit from his sup
pliers as he thought it would create problems if he is not able to pay back. Chit (Cherootmaker, Bago) got cheroot leaves from the market and was very particular about the quality
and the price. 1 viss (1.6 kg) of brown leaves cost 500 kyats ($0.5). 1 viss of yellow leaves
cost 2000 kyats ($2). She bought 10 viss, 4-5 times in a month. These leaves came from
Shan state in a truck. Soe (potter, Bago) got clay from different paddy field owners depending on the quality of clay. Than (fish monger, Bago) bought fish from fishermen every
morning. By afternoon if all her fish got over she bought more from the wholesale market.
One ME had a fixed monthly delivery of wood. Kyaw’s (keychain maker, Bago) supplier
procured wood for him from the surrounding forests. The supplier got half the payment as
advance and remaining on delivery. Kyaw mentioned that he was unable to get the desired
amount due to strict government policies.
Chan strawberry seller contacted his supplier through phone
Some MEs placed their orders through phone. Chan (strawberry seller, Yangon) visited
the wholesale supplier everyday to buy strawberries. During festive season he informed
the supplier through his phone to save some fruits for him. Thuya (gasoline seller, Mandalay) used his phone to order gasoline and hardly went in person to buy. “I have a phone
and I call the seller when I am too busy to buy in person. These days, I hardly buy in person
and order by phone.”
Intercity trade was found to be common. Than makes slippers for monks in Mawlamyine.
He ordered material regularly from 35 street in Yangon. The material was sent via bus,
all Than had to do was call them. Thida (fake tooth maker, Mawlamyine) ordered stones
worth MMK 15,000 ($15) from Yangon recently. His purchase arrived by car with his relatives. He paid an additional cost of MMK 1500 ($1.5) for car services. Kyi (gas filler and
umbrella repairman, Mawlamyine) bought cloth to repair umbrellas from Yangon on his
way back from Malaysia almost a year ago. He still had some left and would order more
over the phone when the need arose.
Thuya ordered gasoline through phone
As established above, most of the MEs preferred going to the suppliers for quality check
and fair price. Some ordered over the phone because trust had already been established
between them and the suppliers because of frequent visits.