Discounts offered by business establishments to encourage people to vote on May 7 has served two purposes. It has contributed to improved voting percentage and a significant increase in sales.
Hotels, restaurants, eateries, retailers and other commercial establishments offered discounts ranging between 20 and 25 per cent on food and beverages. A private hospital at Labbipet offered 25 per cent discount on bills, while a two-wheeler showroom promised free vehicle servicing for voters.
Consumers made the best use of the opportunity. The only condition was that a customer should show the indelible ink mark as a proof.
“We offered free ice-cream on each transaction to encourage people to wake up to their responsibility and elect the right candidate for the development of the country,” said M. Ramu, manager of Temptations, a fast-food restaurant. He claimed that more than 2,000 consumers utilised the offer. Traders said the initiative also helped them increase sales. “On an average, 200 customers used visited our footwear shop everyday, but on May 7 and 8, their number almost doubled, and sales surged considerably,” said S. Srinivas Mohan of Hollywood Fashions, a footwear showroom.
A showroom owner said he sold 40 watches worth over Rs. 30,000 during the discount period.
“We displayed a flexi banner in front of our shop promising to give 20 per cent discount, and the response was good,” said Star Watch Company proprietor Uma Satyam. The decision to offer a rebate was taken after noticing poor voting percentage in Hyderabad.
Patients also utilised 25 per cent discount offered on out-patient and in-patient services and surgeries in SVR Neuro and Trauma Super Speciality Hospital at Labbipet.
