MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

BICYCLE REPAIRING

Before 1931, there were few bicycle repairers, as bicycles were rarely used by the people. At the time of our survey, there were nine establishments of the type at Alibag and fifteen at Mahad. The total employment in them at both the places was 27 out of whom 20 were owners. In both the towns, most of the establishments were managed by owners with the help of their family members. The establishments hire out bicycles on rates fixed per hour. Besides, they also sell spare parts. Most of them raise initial capital from their own resources. The sample survey disclosed that it varied from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000. The capital investment in the shops varied from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,500. The investment in the smallest shop was Rs. 700. The value of equipment like tubes, tyres, pumps, etc., varied from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200.

Establishments in the sample were usually situated in rented premises, the rent of which varied from Rs. 8 to Rs. 20 per month. Two establishments paid Rs. 5 each on electric charges and the other two Rs. 10 and Rs. 15 respectively. Expenditure on other items like advertising, etc., was negligible.

Two shops were managed exclusively by owners with the help of family members. In the other two shops, there were two employees who were paid Rs. 25 and Rs. 30 respectively per month. As the establishments were not big enough to have a large income, their yearly turnover varied from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000. Their stock on hand varied from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. Most of the establishments conduct a small business. It is brisk during winter and summer and slack during rainy season.

TOP