In Mathura district, a village mobile shop grows beyond keypads

In Ol village of Mathura district, Roop Singh has been running a mobile shop since 2013. What began as a modest counter selling basic phones has gradually evolved into a multi-service outlet offering smartphone sales, repairs, accessories, and small digital services. The shop stocks new mobiles, handles repairs, and sells items such as chargers, data cables, power banks, earphones, neckbands, covers, and tempered glass, along with photo services and basic online form assistance.

Singh entered the business with the encouragement of a friend who helped him set up the shop more than a decade ago. At the time, he was looking for work that would provide a steady income and allow him to build something of his own. “I felt that one’s own business is better than depending on others,” he says.

For several years, the shop catered largely to customers buying keypad phones and seeking minor repairs.

While the business sustained his household, Singh felt that after nearly a decade, it was time to expand. The demand for smartphones was rising, but stocking higher-value devices required capital that he did not have on hand.

Expanding through finance and credit

Two to three years ago, Singh began actively looking for financial support to scale up his inventory. On the suggestion of a friend, he applied under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana. He initially sought a higher amount, but the sanctioned loan was lower than expected. The funds were released in instalments, and Singh used the first tranche to increase mobile stock and secure access to Samsung finance for customers.

This shift changed the nature of his business. Previously, customers often hesitated to purchase mid-range smartphones due to upfront costs. With finance options available, Singh began selling 10 to 15 smartphones a month, compared to the smaller volumes he handled before. He expanded into a wider range of models and strengthened his repair services, to include smartphone servicing.

Under CM YUVA Yojana, the loan came without the burden of conventional interest rates, which Singh believes reduced the pressure that often accompanies private borrowing. The additional capital allowed him to think beyond survival and focus on steady growth.

As sales improved, so did the shop’s standing in the local market. Singh notes that previously his work was seen as routine retail, but the introduction of branded finance options and a broader product range brought greater visibility. Customers now approach him not only for purchases, but also for accessories, documentation services, and technical support.

Looking ahead, Singh hopes to bring in finance options from more companies and eventually hire an additional staff member as demand increases. For now, the shop continues to operate from the same village location, but with a wider product line and more consistent monthly sales.

The transformation has not been sudden or dramatic, but gradual and measured. From selling basic handsets to managing smartphone finance and repairs, Singh’s journey reflects how a decade of steady work, combined with timely support, can turn a small rural outlet into a stable local enterprise.