Understanding the informal business market

within the central area business district –

eThekwini SEPTEMBER 2014

Contents Introduction

Background

Survey for Information Technology Solution

Response from Informal Traders – Technology Solutions Survey

Survey regarding the Informal Trader’s daily Challenges

Introduction

Information Management Products and Services Information Security Products and Services Value Added Services

◦ Information Technology Risk Management Services and Products

Background

Manufactures of Products – Identify a need

Acquiring information from the informal sector – Challenge

Bowline believes a solution can be developed

Survey for Information Technology Solution8 Informal Traders interviewed so far

Sample of questions:Name:Contact Details:How much do you spend on Cosmetics per month:What is your turn over on Cosmetics sales per month:Where do you buy from:

Feedback: 6 Informal traders shared information with me 1 Informal trader were reluctant to give me information1 Informal trader was prohibited from giving me information by local authority1 of 6 who shared information is only going to start trading in cosmetics at the end of September 2014

Response from Informal Traders – Technology Solutions Survey

In addition to sharing information relating to Technology Survey:

Informal Traders expressed the following:

Big formal business do regard informal traders as business entities

Informal Traders would like a building where their goods can be stored daily

The existence of various opposing factions are prevalent amongst Informal Traders

Illegal Traders are prevalent -no longer spaces to trade legally in relation to foot traffic

Survey regarding the Informal Trader’s daily Challenges

1. What are the five main challenges, which you face every day as an informal trader?

2. What are the three measures, you believe, that the formal business sector can take, to assist you overcome the challenges highlighted above?

3. What are the three measures, you believe, that the eThekwini city council can take, to assist you overcome the challenges highlighted above?

4. In the Future do you see the informal business sector operating more effectively in streets where there is only pedestrians and no cars?

5. In the Future do you see the informal business sector operating more effectively within a large open area (informal trading market)?