How Mobile Vendors Go to the Toilet
Mobile vendors can address the issue of going to the toilet through pre-planning, temporary solutions, safe departure, emergency plans, and entrepreneurial ideas.
Pre-planning: Before setting up a stall, thorough preparation is necessary, with a focus on examining the distribution of toilets in the chosen location. Prioritize areas near public restrooms, shopping malls, chain fast-food restaurants (such as KFC and McDonald's), gas stations, or large supermarkets. Some cities offer electronic maps of 'social shared public toilets' that can be queried and planned in advance. Additionally, it is important to control water intake reasonably, adjusting the amount and rhythm of drinking before and during the stall setup to avoid heavy drinking during peak hours. Make 'confirming today's toilet location' a fixed check item before setting up the stall each day.
Temporary Solutions: If the need arises suddenly, opt for nearby public restrooms or sanitation toilets first; alternatively, visit shopping malls, chain fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, or gas stations. Some well-managed night markets or bazaar stall clusters are equipped with mobile toilets. When borrowing a toilet from a nearby shop, choose the right timing and target, such as making a request during non-peak hours, and consider making a small purchase first to establish a friendly relationship. After use, maintain cleanliness and express gratitude.
Safe Departure: When briefly leaving the stall, quickly stow away valuable items, placing cash, mobile phones, small goods, etc., into a quickly lockable box or carry-on bag. Establish a mutual aid relationship with neighboring vendors and ask them to help watch over the stall; at the same time, place a conspicuous sign saying 'Back soon, please wait'. If possible, equip the stall with a small surveillance camera for security.
Emergency Plans: Carry empty beverage bottles or portable urine bags as emergency tools, ensuring discreet use and prompt cleanup afterward. When choosing a stall location, prioritize areas near public restrooms and control water intake before setting up the stall, avoiding diuretic beverages like coffee and tea. For long stints at the stall, consider purchasing adult diapers as a backup plan; hang a 'Back soon' sign when leaving the stall and maintain good relationships with neighboring vendors for mutual support.
Entrepreneurial Ideas: Entrepreneurs can introduce mobile sanitation facilities, such as portable toilets or simple sanitation tents, to meet the immediate needs of street vendors through rental or sales. These facilities should emphasize portability, hygiene, and privacy, not only solving the toilet problem but also opening up new market opportunities.
