While walking on the streets of Istanbul, it is hard not to notice fruit and vegetable street sellers. Most of them tend to sell seasonal produce that consumers buy at markets and/or weekly street bazaars. Many people probably don’t realize or appreciate the value they bring to a local area. However, it is important to highlight the benefits they bring.
Convenience & Service
They are usually in a fixed location with their mobile carts from morning until night, 365 days a year, rain or shine. It is easy to buy, no waiting, or crowds of people around, and in some occasions, you can yell from your balcony for delivery. At night, they have a gas lantern, so you can see. In addition, when it rains, a large beach umbrella covers the produce plus the customer.
Quality
Being independent entrepreneurs, their strategy is based on repeat business and loyalty. Thus, they tend to handle and take better care of their produce. Usually, produce is hand picked from the wholesaler unlike the markets that just purchase it without checking. Also, it is cleaner, less bruised and damaged. Plus, the taste is usually much better, too.
Reasonable prices
Prices are very similar to their competitors especially during peak produce seasons like the end of Summer. However, you can only pay in cash, which usually amounts to a few dollars. In some instances, if you are a loyal customer, they will allow you to pay later if your forgot your cash.
Indirect Services to a Neighborhood
Since most of their time in a certain place, they are sort of like a neighborhood watch. Crime from burglaries, robberies and vandalism is usually lower with their presence. In a few instances, I saw them come to the aid of someone who needed help.
Furthermore, with tricky addresses and streets with no names, these sellers help countless people find addresses since they know the area well.
Another added benefit is to the children who constantly see healthy fruit and vegetables being sold around their house. This promotes better health for children’s future.
Generally, they are very friendly talkative people who will cheer up your day with warm smile in a city full of sad faces.
Clearly, the local independent street seller provides a much better service and product than the fly-by-night bazaar seller as well as the unfriendly market.
Even though many are not registered and/or approved by the health department. That shouldn’t matter much because their produce looks and taste better than even the best markets. Also, authorities probably won’t bother them anytime soon. With so many other health issues, these sellers are at the bottom of the list.
In conclusion, Istanbul fruit and vegetable street sellers are valuable to any local neighborhood. Without their presence, a neighborhood would feel sort of empty.
