Tea Shop Runs on Trust: Locals Rely on Goodwill as Transactions Are Rarely Cash-Based

A 65-year-old Indian man cycles to a local tea shop every day, relying on trust from customers and vendors to support his livelihood in Serampore, India, where economic opportunities are scarce. The shop, which Ashish Bandopadhyay runs with the help of his family members, operates primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. Despite facing financial challenges, the tea shop remains a vital part of the community, providing a sense of belonging and connection among its patrons.