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Enterprise Management
3.9 MARKETING AND CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT
The modes of marketing used by MEs in Myanmar are:
3.9.1 HOARDINGS
Some of the MEs advertised their business by using hoardings outside their shop, gave out
their contact numbers, business cards, used a logo on their products, gave away keychains
with their contact on it and so on. As an example, Maung (watch repairer, Yangon) had a
vinyl board which he got printed two years back for advertising his watch repair business.
He also painted his work desk yellow to attract customers. Mya (Tailor, Mandalay) had
put a small name board outside her house to attract customers. “It was my idea to have
sign board so that people know that there is a tailor shop here. Previously there was no sign
board.” Most of the MEs did not keep any records of their customers and the transactions.
3.9.2 DISCOUNTS
Maung’s vinyl advertisement board
Some of the respondents gave some discount on fruits to their regular customers. Mamy
Mamy (Cherry, Yangon) gave one plate of bird food free on buying five plates. Laura (banana seller, Yangon) gave home delivery service on bananas and sometimes sold them on
credit.
3.9.3 BUSINESS CARDS
Some of the MEs shared their contact numbers with their customers. Smith (Motorbike
driver, Mandalay) gave his contact number to all the customers and told them that he
could drive them wherever they wanted to go. He also offered his regular customers a
lower rate. Zaw’s (Journal seller, Nay Pyi Taw) customers were mostly government officials
visiting Nay Pyi Taw. They wanted him to convey the football score when they were away
from home. Zaw would call 1876, a call center number for MMK 300 per minute ($0.3) to
confirm the score for them.
Olivia’s keychains with her mobile number on it