Its a Flowery Business

Flowers are happy things- P. G. Wodehouse.

True. Just the sight of them, make you go- ‘oh-so-beautiful!’ Flowers…they bring a smile on even the saddest person’s face. Never have I come across anyone who doesn’t like flowers or whose mood isn’t instantly lifted on receiving one. Diamonds, chocolates and flowers are girl’s best friends (flowers being the cheapest of the lot and the most romantic). I am no exception to this. I love flowers!!! Every time I pass a florist’s shop I secretly wish to get a beautiful bunch of Orchids or Roses (or any damn flower, so long as I get a one) soon.

Every morning when I go to the station, I see him, Dalvi uncle. He sits on the street, near station, and sells flowers and bouquets. I used to always wonder what happens to so many other flowers which no one buys at the end of the day… Why do such a loss-making business? This floral business (many people might not even classify it as business, but business is business!) is one hell of a fragrant, happy and beautiful business.

‘I started this business with just 10 rupees (very filmy right?).’ Dalvi Uncle Set up his Flower shop 28 years ago. It seems flowers have always been evergreen (not literally). But for him, it was not just a business, it was his hobby. Arranging flowers, decorating bouquets, requires a lot of skill. And he loved doing it.

So how is this hobby of his, a profitable venture? ‘It is not always profitable’, pat comes his response. ‘There have been days when I have earned only Rs.5 in a day, and there are days when I earn as much as Rs.5000 or more. It all depends on the time and the customers.’ But do all flowers get sold everyday? What happens to the many flowers which don’t get sold? ‘Flowers stay fresh for 2 days, so I can sell them for 2 days but after that, I have to discard them, I give them back to where I brought them from, I don’t know what happens next with them.’

A typical day in Dalvi Uncle’s life:

o       Wakes up at 3:30 and catches a 4 o’ clock train to Dadar.

o       Goes to the market and bring his share of fresh flowers

o       Come back and set-up shop immediately

o       Start making bouquets, arranging flowers, cutting flowers to proper length, etc…

o       At the stall till 10/10:30

o       Starts winding up and end of the day.

He buys the flowers from the Dadar market, where the Bhaiyas bring the flowers and deliver them to him. He pays them their money and leaves. Since he has set-up his shop on a pavement, he has to pay to the Municipality everyday. They collect money; give a proper receipt on a daily basis. He also has two young boys working under him. Now out of the total income, if transportation, rent for the place, worker wage, buying flowers, buying baskets, etc… take up so much of the income, what remains for him? ‘Initially I used to get worried about it. Many people even suggested me to ask my sons to help with the business so that I don’t have to pay outside help, but I decided against it.’ He took efforts day in and out and today his sons are studying in USA. He decided he will never force his sons to this hobby of his. ‘It was my decision to get into this business; I didn’t want to impose it on them. I try and provide for my family, teach my kids and give them the best, but the decisions about their lives, are their own decisions.’

Recession… When it came to one of the most crucial factor that has affected businesses world over, I wasn’t sure if I should ask him about it. When we talk about recession, we never take into consideration such jobs, but even they are affected. Recession wasn’t a big problem for them though. ‘In the flower business, fluctuations don’t just depend on the World market, in fact, often there is fluctuation everyday. Although we don’t keep changing the price each and every day, we have to most of the times.’ The reason recession in particular didn’t hit them was maybe coz people never stop buying flowers (to celebrate success on being safe from recession or to show condolences to those who couldn’t take the shock of it), occasions never stop coming and people never stop buying.

One such occasion is Valentines Day. The price of one rose which is often in the range of Rs.10 to 20 went up to almost Rs.25, on this day. ‘I don’t believe in this day, I don’t understand why youngsters have adopted this Valentines Day culture, but such sentiments are of no use when it comes to business. I have to keep them aside and sell at the higher rate, ‘coz I buy flowers at a higher rate than usual.’

But at the moment, he is not very happy about the no. of customers he is getting each day. Since exams are going on, and it’s not exactly the season of marriages, profits are not that high these days. And on top of that, the customers haggle. ‘Now I don’t understand how to explain them that our profit margin is very low, it is difficult to even break even, on top of that if they bargain, it gets difficult for us. And in business, it is never considered a good thing to say a NO to customers.’ Now at such a time, when there is less demand, people are bargaining and many other florists also exist, business also gets divided, and so do the profits. ‘Risk is there in any business you do, you have to be willing to accept the challenge.’

So what are the current prices? How is the flower market currently? ‘From the past few days, market has been excellent. The Rose prices have gone back to being the old Rs.5 per rose rates, and bouquets are also cheaper now.’ ‘Wow! I exclaimed. At that point, like a true businessman Dalvi Uncle asked me ‘since it so cheap, why don’t you buy one rose?’ I smiled at him, and couldn’t resist the fragrance of the fresh flower. He gave me one flower free (again like a true businessman). ‘Even in this business, we value customers, and like to make friends out of them so that we get a loyal set of customers.’

I bought a flower (since it is cheap, and that too for myself…don’t start getting ideas) taking advantage of the market. So hurry up folks, what are you’ll waiting for? Buy those lovely flowers for your parents, girlfriends/boyfriends (I don’t mind if you buy them for me also), and make them happy. (Don’t worry, tell Dalvi Uncle my name, he will give you’ll a discount :p) 

When kids teach you lessons...

A true story, a real-life incident… Something to learn from, something that these kids learned in their teenage years itself!

A group of almost 24 friends, meeting every single day, playing games, chatting and spending their evenings together… Like any other group of 17- yr olds, whose entire world revolves around friends and friendships…

“We don’t have any more shuttles yaar, hey Matty please buy a shuttle…”, Niki said with an air of authority.

“I am not going to buy any more shuttles; it’s always I who has to pay!”, Matty literally yelled back at her.

“Relax, Matty we are only telling you this ‘coz your home is right here, we will pay you back, come on yaar Matty…” said Amu with some-what made-up affection.

“Fine, But this is the last time.” 

This happened almost everyday. Every evening the group gathered near Matty’s house. Some played badminton, some cricket, while the rest just spent time chatting. But it was unfair, when everyone was enjoying, why should Matty always pay for it? Everyone wanted to play badminton, everyone wanted a turn but no one was willing to pay. This had been going on in everyone’s mind and Pia decided to voice it one day…

“Guys I think we should all contribute each week at least 10 bucks and use that money… what say?”

Everyone nodded in affirmation but Akki was still sitting motionless.

“Hey what’s the matter? You don’t agree?” Sau asked impatiently.

“NO, I was just thinking, what If we had a bank a/c and whatever money we collect each month, is deposited there?”

“That sounds Brilliant!”… Nikita.

“Hmm…agreed”… “Actually!”… “Hmm…” and there and then, was born the idea of a bank a/c for this group of friends…

After this started the process of appointing people on various duties (collecting money, depositing and withdrawing money, issuing permission to withdraw, a/c management). The group now holds a savings account since the past four years. Over the period of time they have managed to collect a lot, so much that they managed to put in money for a couple of Fixed Deposits. They now utilise the same money from the account for birthday gifts, shuttles, badminton rackets, footballs, etc…

Inspired by this Young Group Activity, are you? Want to start a savings account? 

Here are a few simple steps to start a savings account: 

Step 1: Choosing a Bank

Choosing the right bank is very important. What you are looking for, is a lender which offers you best services combined with competitive rates so that your money is being as productive as possible.

-          Make sure the bank is easily accessible. You shouldn’t have to commute a long distance to reach your treasure.

-          Make sure the bank you select is offering you the best possible services; e.g.: Credit card facility, debit cards, interest rates, etc…

-          Check how the customer service is, of the bank you select. Do they have net banking, mobile banking? Do they have a record of giving good customer service?

        

Step 2: Things to consider while opening a savings account

-          Minimum balance requirement:

Check with the bank the minimum balance that is required to keep the account active. Some banks charge very high rates, while others are on the lower side.

-          Monthly Fees

Although mostly banks waive the fee if you keep up with their minimum balance requirement, sometimes they do charge a minimal fee.

-          Interest Rates

You will definitely want to find a bank which offers you a higher interest rate. Although the interest rates on Savings accounts are very low, find the best deal. 

-          Accessing your money:

Different banks have different rules about how you can access your money. And they may charge on withdrawals after a certain limit. Also, there is a certain percentage that is deducted when you withdraw money using your Debit Card. Some banks also offer some schemes like first five withdrawals without deducting the service charge, etc…

If you are not yet a major, you will need a major to approve your withdrawals, and hence the account has to be on his/her name.

Documents Required For Opening a Savings Account

• Two passport size photographs
• Proof of residence i.e. Passport/driving license/Gas / Telephone / Electricity Bill/ Ration card/voters identity card
• An introduction of the person from an existing account holder.
• PAN number / Declaration in form no.60 or 61 as per the Income Tax Act 1961.

When you save, you are investing for a better future for yourself; and if these youngsters can understand this, then so can you! So Get Inspired, Get started!

Life goes in a full circle...

“Aalia”… “Present Teacher…”

“Anahita”… “Present Teacher…”

“Ashwin”… “Absent…”

“What? Ashwin is absent again? I am going to call his parents. Enough is enough.”

You would have thought that Gone are the days of those big fat attendance registers, school will be the end of these compulsions, and you were right to some extent. Come college, and welcome the bunking days! Where sitting for lectures and attending college is considered foolish and such behaviour will surely get you labelled as a ‘Nerd’ for the lifetime…college life is probably the best period!

But it is also college life which spoils us for our future working life. Now once we are out of college and we have completely lost touch with the terms “on time” and “attendance”, we are again bombarded with warnings and punishments, reminding us of our school days. And to make things worse, the work scenario is stricter than the school scenario (after all at work, they threaten you with cutting down your salary).

But, true it is, when they say that- Life always comes back in a full circle!

And funny how it comes back even in terms of technology…!

Now the reason we are discussing so much about time and attendance is because, no matter how much ever we progress in terms of technology a point comes when we again tend to go back to the age old methods (back in a full circle!)

As a child, I used to often go with my uncle to his office. There used to be a huge Grandfather clock, and each employee was given a clock card. Every time my uncle entered or left the office, he had to pull a lever, and the time, the day of the week and month used to get punched in the form of holes at specific places on the card. I used to love pulling the lever; later I came to know what was amusing for me as a child, was one of the most dreaded instruments in my uncle’s office. It was the elders’ attendance record book.

Now this was the case, some 15 years back. The first of these devices was designed in the late 19th century by Daniel M Cooper. But, this concept of maintaining a record of one’s employees’ attendance has been around even from before this invention. Prior to this device, there were large registers where each time the employees came in, they had to write down their name, their time of arrival and sign against it; and before leaving they had to write down the time of their departure. Now, apparently, the famous college “proxy” system (or the buddy punching as they call it in offices) started even in offices, where colleagues asked each other to sign for them, or record the time as per convenience. (That’s what one of my uncle’s colleague said but I am not sure if this prompted the need for newer ways to record the attendance or whether some genius and overly punctual person just decided to invent it)

So, soon after the clock punching system, companies took this idea and started to develop smaller and less complicated machines. One such machine was where the employee had to insert his card or the receptionist will enter the data manually and a printed slip with date, time, and name will be given to the employee. But then suddenly, there was a cry to save paper and these paper slips were replaced by plastic cards. All you had to do was just swipe the cards and voila your attendance is recorded in the company database. But this too was not universally used. Biometric or fingerprint record machine was another device used at many work places. A very effective method, but also expensive and according to many quite a faulty device. “After a few months, the device just stopped recognising people, maybe its censors had become weak,” said Mr. Chitlangia, a sales executive from HCL, whose company had installed this device. So, many companies again turned to swiping cards.

So anyway, last week I had the opportunity to go visit my uncle at his office after almost 10 years. I knew that me, being a visitor, will either have to enter a register or will be given a visitor’s pass. But, I was super excited (maybe even hoping to find the Grandfather clock) to see how my old uncle adjusts with these swiping card machines (like most old people, he hates change). To my surprise, what I found out at the office was totally beyond my expectations. Neither was there the Clock machine nor the swipe card machine, not even for the employees, all I could see was a big fat register with rows and columns, and names and signatures.

That was when it dawned upon me; maybe in the wake of technological advancement we are going back to tracing the old paths, and will end up using the age old methods again. No matter how comfortable or efficient or advanced the newer technology is, the oldest method is always more reliable. It is like a trend, a fashion, where we go back to where we started from…and complete a full circle!

(So if you are an inventor, it is a wake up call for you to discover something better and if not, start selling registers, who knows you might become the Ambani of the register business)