Abstract

OBANDO-BASTIDAS, Jorge A.; HERRERA-SARMIENTO, Gloria I.  and  RODRIGUEZ-LADINO, José J.. Micro-entrepreneurs and loan sharks in Villavicencio. Orinoquia [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.2, pp.102-111. ISSN 0121-3709.

This article was aimed at identifying the causes due to which some micro-entrepreneurs do not apply to banks or authorised entities for credit; it describes the characteristics of the micro-entrepreneurs and the moneylenders/loan sharks immersed in this credit system. It begins with a documentary review regarding authors who have established theories related to informal credit and both actors’ patterns of behaviour. Surveys were designed and 380 micro-entrepreneurs located in different areas of the city answered the questions therein. The main reasons why micro-entrepreneurs do not ask for loans from banks were fear of being reported to risk centres, fear of their goods being seized, red tape/tiresome paperwork, lack of prior requirements, ignorance regarding a culture of payment and saving and the urgency regarding the need for immediate credit. The social strata of micro-entrepreneurs trying to gain access to this type of credit was found to be lower than stratum 3 (Colombia has 6 strata for tax/economic rating purposes), they had low educational levels and little technical training, they were 37 years-old on average and their main commercial activity was represented in small and large shops/outlets. Los microempresarios y los cuentagotas en Villavicencio 103 It was found that 70% of lenders were married or living with a partner and female heads of households were reported as critical cases. Haggling forms an important part of loan sharking and the mode adopted to capture clients is to establish bonds of friendship and create confidence; 20% of the micro-entrepreneurs stated that the usurer represents an expeditious option for obtaining a loan quickly, without becoming immersed in formalities or inquiries about the purpose of such credit. People/borrowers resorting to this type of credit usually did not ask for sums exceeding $ 2 million pesos and thus had to assume obligations exceeding legally set interest rates and committed themselves to making daily payments (incurring extra interest for non-fulfilment).

Keywords : moneylender/loan shark; haggling; informal credit; micro-entrepreneur.

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