Rosa Sánchez received a loan of just over £700 at the beginning of 2013 which she used to buy new stock in bulk for her shop in the 'barrio' of El Capuli in the southern city of Loja. Specifically, she bought rice, cooking oil, butter, biscuits, and soft drinks. These are the types of items she sells most frequently, particularly rice as most families eat rice twice a day. She received a discount from the wholesale supplier because she bought in greater quantities and earned a better margin on the items. Her shop is profitable - the custom in Ecuador is to buy from local neighbourhood shops rather than large supermarkets. Doña Rosa reckons that she can earn a profit of around $600 each month and she is busier at the weekends. She keeps the shop open long hours from early in the morning to late at night. seven days a week, and when she is unable to attend to customers, her adult children help out. Doña Rosa has made three on time repayments so far on her ten month loan.