Vendors, touts and hawkers in Bali

I’m an italian journalist and i would like to know what the newspaper from Bali has written today about the italian women founded died in the island. Kindest regards. Alfi

They said that she probably died of wounds suffered from blows by blunt objects to the body.

thank you so much… what is the newspaper? may you tell me more please? It was a kill? They have some ideas about rasons why?

She made frequent business trips to Bali. Her body was found hidden in a bush.

The vendors are a part of Bali and are necessary to provide fair competion with the stores. The problem is not so much the vendors, as the seemingly attack however friendly as soon as you appear on the beach. I suggest that the Banjar who issues permits for the vendors give them a short training course on how to handle tourist’s. This course would include greeting’s in several languages and the clear understanding of NO when spoken by Tourist’s. I also would like to see a time limit set for vendors to attempt to sell and only 1 vendor per tourist rather than right now a tourist starts with 1 vendor and in second’s there are 6 vendors selling different goods. This is bad for the vendor as the Tourist loses focus and runs. After a training course is completed then issue a certificate and MONITOR.

Another idea is to set up a strategically located open-air swap-meat market where these vendors can sell their merchandises. They will be restricted everywhere else. The location should be located as close as possible to where tourists like to hang out. There will be no entry fees for vendors or tourists.

I have no problem with vendors and take the attitude that they are only trying to make a living in a very competitive environment. Just as in any other kind of business, some are better at their job than others.

One problem that many of the Balinese men have is not realising that most non-smokers [and probably many smokers too] don’t want to have smoke blown over them and are less likely to want the company of a smoking vendor.

I joined an insurance company as an agent in about 1970, back in the days when smoking was commonplace almost everywhere in Australia and one of the things we were told was not to smoke in the company of a prospect or client unless we were invited to do so. Makes good business sense to me.

When I was a child growing up in country Yorkshire, the family had no money and our living conditions were in some respects what would today be referred to as “third world”. No electricity, just one cold tap for the house, inadequate heating and cooking facilities etc. And yet my father found the money to “waste” [in my mother's words], on cigarettes and excessive drinking and gambling. I realise than an addiction like smoking is hard to overcome, but I still find it amazing how Balinese men with cigarettes in their hands will tell me that they do not have enough money to buy food for their families.

“One problem that many of the Balinese men have is not realizing that most non-smokers [and probably many smokers too] don’t want to have smoke blown over them and are less likely to want the company of a smoking vendor.”

These vendors are probably poorly educated, so don’t expect them to have good business sense. Perhaps if you give them good advice, they may just listen. Who knows? I think tourists and expats have the opportunity to educate the locals.

well..yet again i see you frequent bloggers have found another way to execute your anger on the working-class of bali. you people have no idea how it feels to be a street vendor or peddler trying to make a living. It provides a nice way to have a simple job and make some money.

The vendors come from neighbouring Java where there are no jobs or prospects. Vomming to bali they have no money or prospects. Therefore they are forced to work as street vendors who sell touristy goods.

As discussed in other blogs, street vendors are a part of the third world. When i used to live in egypt, the problem was far worse than bali. There were 3 year old kids vending which is very sad. They would often sell cigarettes. Ive worked as a vendor in my home town and its a cultural thing.

How dare you bloggers to attack the people from java and their methods of making money. Vending to them is their livelihood and income. Making a licence will be a drain on their income. Its a part of the culture and if you cant live with it dont go to the beaches in bali.

I personally dont tolerate cultural imperialism.

Ryan: Vendors do have permit’s allready on Kuta and Legian and I think Seminyak and yes it is a cost which is high to them and maybe should be paid over time if at all This does not take away the need for training as this will help and not hurt the Seller’s. I agree everything is blamed on the Javanese from garbage to crime. I am sick of peoples telling me that the garbage on the beach comes from Java. If this is true then why is most of it in Portion Control Packs like shampoo, condiments etc, which are typical Hotel issue.

I agree with you the way you view the issue. I remember Jack London once said everything positive has a negative side; everything negative has positive side. It is also interesting to see different viewpoints & learn useful things in the discussion.