The Stories Behind the Screens: Conversation with Old Saree Sellers

Old saree sellers are an important part of Indian society. They often sit on the sidewalks and sell sarees to women passing by. Many of these vendors have been in business for decades and have interesting stories to tell.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into saree sales?

Vendor 1: I have been selling sarees for over 30 years. I started this company to help support my family. My father was a saree seller and taught me everything I know. I got this business from him.

Vendor 2: I used to work in a textile factory, but I got laid off because the factory closed. As there was no other income, I decided to sell sarees. Twenty years have passed, and I'm still doing it.

What are some of the challenges you face as a saree seller?

Vendor 1: The biggest challenge we face is competition. There are so many vendors out there, and it's hard to stand out. We also face challenges from online retailers who offer sarees at very low prices.

Vendor 2: Another challenge we face is the weather. In summer, the sun is hot and in the rainy season, it is difficult to keep our sarees dry.

What are some of your most memorable experiences as a saree vendor?

Vendor 1: One of my most memorable experiences was when a Bollywood actress came to my shop. She was looking for a saree to wear to an award function. I helped her pick the right saree and she even took a picture with me.

Vendor 2: I remember a young lady came to my shop looking for a saree for her wedding. She was both nervous and excited about the occasion. I helped her pick a beautiful red saree and she looked stunning on her wedding day.

How has the saree business changed over the years?

Vendor 1: The saree business has changed a lot over the years. In the past, most saree sellers had physical stores. Now, many sellers have shifted their business online. There are many more saree options available today, from traditional to modern styles.

Vendor 2: I agree. Another big change is the way people shop. Earlier people used to come to our stores and spend hours looking at different sarees. Now, people are impatient and want to make quick decisions.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a saree business?

Vendor 1: My advice is to learn as much as you can about sarees. Understand different materials, styles, and designs. Also, work hard and be patient. Building a customer base takes time.

Vendor 2: I advise them to be honest and fair with their customers. Treat them with respect and offer quality sarees. In this industry, word of mouth is extremely important.

How to choose the sarees you sell?

Vendor 1: When selecting sarees, we consider a variety of factors. We look at fabric, design, and quality of color. We are trying to deliver a wide variety of saris at different price points to fill out different budgets.

Vendor 2: We also take into account the latest fashion trends. We are trying to stay updated with popular ones and offer the necessary saris. However, we also ensure that it is always providing classic saris in style.

How to create relationships with your customers?

Vendor 1: Creating relationships with our customers is very important to us. We try to be friendly and accessible and we always treat our customers with respect. We also offer good customer service, such as helping to choose the right saree for customers' needs.

Vendor 2: We try to remember our customers' preferences and recommend saris based on their past purchases. We hope that developing confidence with our customers is important to our success.

Finally, old saree sellers have interesting stories to tell. Their saree business has grown over the years and faced many challenges. Despite the challenges, they sell sarees with passion and dedication. Their stories provide a glimpse into the world of saree sales and remind us of the important role they play in Indian society.