Threat of New Entrants: The experience curve of the hundred-year-old dabbawallas serves as a huge entry barrier. No one could possibly replicate this supply chain network that uses Mumbai's jam-packed local trains as its backbone.

Current competition: Dabbawallas face competition from fast food joints and office canteens. Since neither of them serves home food, the dabbawallas core offering remains unchallenged.

Bargaining power of buyers: The rates of the dabbawallas are as it is so nominal that one simply wouldn't bargain any further. Also, their monopoly status negates any scope of bargaining from their customers.

Bargaining power of sellers: The use of minimum infrastructure and a total aversion to technology ensures that they are not dependent on suppliers.

Threat of a new substitute product or service: Nobody has thought of one yet!

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Contributed by -
Karthik A J,
PGDIM - 12,
NITIE, Mumbai.