Shyam Thakkar is the proprietor of Thakkar Popatlal Velji Sales Ltd. The company supplies cement to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, and also in some areas in Gujarat, Hyderabad and Delhi. He has been a cement dealer since 1980. The company deals in brands such as Ambuja, ACC, Vasavadatta, The India Cements Ltd, Sanghi, Binani, Orient, CCI. "Our major sales are from Ambuja, India Cements and Vasavadatta followed by others brands," said Thakkar. When asked about the largest selling grade of cement, Thakkar replied, "OPC sells more because of its fast setting property, however, PPC is produced more because it is an environmental-friendly product". Thakkar informed that the customers are price sensitive, but he added that there are few customers who are brand conscious, and are ready to pay a premium. The company’s monthly dispatch is 60,000 MT. In order to minimise loss of cement, Thakkar suggests use of higher quality packaging bags. On banking issues he says, "Yes, the interest rate have gone up in recent times, the current rate is 14 per cent" replied Thakkar. When asked about the proportion of institutional sales and retail sales, Thakkar replied it is 35 per cent institutional sales (direct party sales) and 65 per cent retail sales and added that there are no major changes in recent times.