Most of us go to the market to buy what we need. I myself prefer that for the main reason of having an outlook of the commerce and being able to compare prices. On occasional cases, I buy from peddlers for charitable reasons and the convenience.
I think I wrote somewhere years ago about me being a sidewalk vendor so I know the challenges of doing a really small business. This is the main reason why I buy from peddlers to somehow help them. I know their prices are higher than at the market but I also know that behind every peddler is a story of perseverance — of waking up before sunrise, walking under the heat or rain, and pushing through fatigue just to earn an honest living.
And, it is also convenient when they are already outside your gate like this couple.
It was mid-morning when I looked down from the balcony and saw this couple took their spot by our fence. They have two basins of different lowland vegetables - one in front of them by the fence and one they intentionally put in almost the middle of the pathway to attract attention of passersby.
Their produce were already prepared for one take - either bundled or heaped in plastic bags. This is so they do not have to carry weighing scale while roaming around. When I was doing this, we base a bundle or heap on the weight of the vegetable. Like for string beans, one bundle could be half or one kilogram. The same is true with other items in bags like potatoes or peas. One thing I haven't tried was the sliced squash. We do not slice an item just to match with specific weight or measurement.
The challenge with this already prepared is that sometimes we lose prospective buyers because they are not contented with what we say. They want to see the actual weighing. There is the pocket weighing scale but was not common during my time. It is fairly common these days but I learned later that this couple still does not have one. Another challenge is when prospective buyers prefer something in between the predefined measurement, we usually just guess.
I went down to them and started a chitchat but they were not so conversant. Their words were limited. It was about nine in the morning and they already looked tired. I wonder how long and wide they have been roaming before they came to our place. They are not from our locality. I can see they were from the lowlands too. Maybe the veggies they were selling are their own produce. I was not really in timing for veggies as I still have stock but I was kind of conscious not buying anything when they are right in front of our house. I bought a bundle of eggplant.
In my attempt to commend and inspire them, I told them that like them is what I like to see more in front of our house . I said I'd rather see them there on a regular basis and not the gossipers and bystanders so I gave them permission to have a spot to sell by our fence. I had the best of intention in saying that, thought I said it gently and was expecting them to come in the next few days and regularly afterwards. However, that was the first and the last time I saw the couple. Something hit me, "was my invitation for them to sell in front insulting or demeaning?" I brushed it off but I can not deny that I felt bad when they never came back.
There was this content that circulates around social media about peddlers and sidewalk vendors. That content was promoting them and convincing people to buy from them. That content also emphasizes that buyers should not ask anymore of any discount because they peddlers are earning to put food on the table. I totally agree with that content. While there were still many buyers who wanted discounts during my time, peddling and street vending were what helped me through in finishing my studies.
Street vendors and peddlers go through long hours and have unstable income. Many may never understand the sacrifices that they make everyday but small acts of support greatly matters. A small purchase could mean a big difference for them. Whether buying a pack of candies or simply showing them respect - all of that counts! Patronizing them helps create a more compassionate and inclusive community. They do not have to be left behind just because they do not have a storefront or a brand name.
Buying from them is not just getting goods. It is also helping someone put food on the table or keep hope alive. Give them the support, kindness, and faith in the dignity of their hard labor. Being a customer with a heart makes a difference. Support their hustle and uplift lives.