Understanding Business

1. Understanding the informal business market
within the central area business district –
eThekwini
SEPTEMBER 2014

2. Contents
Introduction
Background
Survey for Information Technology Solution
Response from Informal Traders – Technology Solutions Survey
Survey regarding the Informal Trader’s daily Challenges

3. Introduction
Information Management Products and Services
Information Security Products and Services
Value Added Services
◦Information Technology Risk Management Services and Products

4. Background
Manufactures of Products – Identify a need
Acquiring information from the informal sector – Challenge
Bowline believes a solution can be developed

5. Survey for Information Technology Solution
8 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 information
1 Informal trader was prohibited from giving me information by local authority
1 of 6 who shared information is only going to start trading in cosmetics at the end of September 2014

6. 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

7. 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)?