Ex-Taxi Driver Opts to Be Market Vendor
“The difference between selling in the market and being a taxi driver is that as a vendor I have lot of time to rest throughout the day and also I get more profits in a day.
Saturday 18 January 2025 | 10:53
Rajendra Kumar, 58, does not regret his decision to be a full-time vendor at the Namaka market, Nadi, after he stopped being a taxi driver 15 years ago.
“I gave up driving a taxi because I saw more potential in being a market vendor,” Mr Kumar said.
“At this age I find this business more relaxing and it helps me live a more healthy life,” he said.
Related stories
“The difference between selling in the market and being a taxi driver is that as a vendor I have lot of time to rest throughout the day and also I get more profits in a day.
“I spend more and no much daily saving when I was a taxi driver.
“First, I pay for the fuel, then there is maintenance cost for tyres and other things, unlike selling at the market I have more time to myself.
“Driving is stressful and demanding while selling at the market is relaxing and fulfilling.”
Mr Kumar is a father to three children and a grandfather to five grandchildren.
He sells fruits and vegetables like banana, watermelon, guavas, pineapples, tomatoes, and pawpaw.
“I just plant a lot of these fruits and vegetables. I just plant it in my small garden at home and the rest I buy from farmers then sell.”
“The market vendor business had helped support the education of my children who are all grown up now.
“They are living on their own with my grandchildren.”
“Doing this business keeps my mind active, calculation and figuring it out how much sales I need to get, cost of produce for buy and how to sell to get something back.”
Mr Kumar said currently the cost of produce has gone up because of effect of flooding.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
