Small services are in high demand during the hot season.

With the hot weather, hair salons, barbershops, beverage vendors, and air conditioning technicians are busier than ever to meet the demand, and their income increases thanks to the influx of customers.

Ms. Ngo Be Thuy's hair salon, located on Lien Huong Street in Rach Gia Ward, is not large but neat and clean. It has two shampoo beds and a fan running at full power, along with the subtle scent of shampoo and the gentle sound of running water, creating a pleasant atmosphere that helps alleviate some of the heat. Ms. Thuy said: "Since the beginning of the hot season, the number of customers has increased significantly, sometimes doubling compared to normal days. Customers mainly come at noon and in the late afternoon. Many people come after work, or take advantage of the time to drop off or pick up their children from school, or are about to finish their market day… to get their hair washed to cool down and relax, so the salon is almost always busy. Thanks to that, the income is also better."

Ms. Ngo Be Thuy washes a customer's hair. Photo: VI AN

Currently, Thuy's salon averages 15-20 customers per day for hair washing, priced at 40,000 VND per wash, lasting 30-45 minutes. To retain customers, she focuses on selecting suitable products, combining gentle massage, and facial cleansing to help customers feel comfortable. A regular customer, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Le, residing in Rach Gia ward, shared: “Before, I used to come to the salon once a week on my days off to relax. But now, with the hot weather and stressful work, I come more often, about 2-3 times a week, combined with gentle massage.”

Barbershops are also becoming busier during the hot season. Nguyen Minh Tu, residing in Duong Hon hamlet, Hon Dat commune, said that in recent days, the number of customers has increased significantly, especially on weekends. “My shop is small and I work alone, so I’m constantly busy. Many people request very short haircuts to avoid the heat,” Tu shared. He charges 30,000 VND per person for each haircut. If customers require additional services such as facial hair removal or earwax removal, there will be extra charges, but these remain affordable for local students and workers. To provide better service, he proactively extends working hours, keeps the shop clean, and uses air conditioning to ensure customer comfort.

During the hot season, people's demand for refreshing drinks increases, making items like fresh coconuts and watermelons very popular. These fruits have a high water content and a sweet, refreshing taste, helping to quickly rehydrate and provide an immediate cooling sensation, perfect for the sweltering weather. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hay, who sells coconuts on Ngo Quyen Street in Rach Gia Ward, shared: "Previously, I only sold about 20 coconuts a day. On very hot days, I can sell double that. Customers mainly come to buy them at midday to cool off."

Almost every day on her way to work, Ms. Tran Thi Thao, a resident of Rach Gia ward, buys a coconut to take with her to quench her thirst. “I rarely drink bottled soft drinks, mostly just water. But during hot weather, I choose fresh coconut water because it’s refreshing, natural, and good for my health. Besides that, I prioritize buying fruits like watermelon, oranges, pineapples, and dragon fruit… to cool down my family and boost their immunity,” Ms. Thao said.

The business of repairing and cleaning cooling equipment also enters its "money-making" period during the hot season. With the increased demand for fans and air conditioners, problems such as weak performance, insufficient cooling, and dust accumulation become more frequent, making repair and maintenance services highly sought after.

Nguyen Hoai An, a refrigeration repair technician in Rach Gia ward, said: “Since the beginning of the hot season, the number of calls has doubled compared to normal days. Some days I receive 5-6 air conditioner repair and cleaning jobs. Customers are mainly in Rach Gia ward and neighboring wards and communes. Although it's hard work, it provides extra income, so I try to do my best.” The cost of cleaning an air conditioner ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per unit depending on capacity, while repairs will be charged extra depending on the extent of the damage.

VI AN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dich-vu-nho-dat-hang-mua-nong-a483233.html