From tea sellers to bhaajiwalah, vendors take to e-wallets to battle cash crisis

In fact, shopping for daily essentials became a big challenge for customers but e-payment has made it hassle-free. A homemaker from NIBM Road Sheetal Soni recalls how she had resorted to ordering her daily groceries and vegetables online. “I had no cash and with two young children, I can’t stand in the bank queues. On Monday, my husband informed me that the vegetable vendor installed the e-wallet application. Now I can order good quality veggies at home,” she said.

Pandurang Kokre, a fruit and vegetable supplier at NIBM Road, said he had installed an e-wallet about two days ago. “Though the amount of transaction was not very high, I earned about Rs 450 in business through it, but at least my customers are happy,” he said.

Even tea sellers have installed such apps. Laxman Kachi at Old Sanghavi said he had transacted Rs 1,000 in four days selling tea and cigarettes. “I knew that big businesses use this but when the change crisis hit, I asked one of my customers if they would accept transactions as less as Rs 10. When I learnt they would, I installed it immediately. The main benefit is that customers are satisfied. Also rather than extending credit to all, now I get payment directly in my bank,” he said.