KOLLAM: While they are yet to make a mark among the masses despite the ‘car for the masses’ tag, Tata Nano has found a new patron in the district - lottery agents. Lottery agents in the city have rolled out a fleet of Nano cars over the last few months.
Criss-crossing through the busy streets, they manage to do some brisk business by being on the right place at the right time.
Well, there is more than just mileage and affordable price tag that prompts lottery dealers to opt for Nano as their ideal run-about. ‘’Nano has a fancy look and is yet to become common on our streets, thus lottery dealers are able to attract a fair number of people,’’ says Salavudeen, a lottery agent who is planning to add another one to his fleet of three Nano. Lottery agent Ajith from Ramankulagara fully agrees with Salavudeen. He parted ways with his long-time companion, an Ambassador car, and bought a couple of Nanos, two months back. Well, the obvious question is: Are they viable at a time when the petrol prices are soaring? A lottery agent at the Chinnakada Clock Tower has the answer for this: ‘’We have to pay around Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 for a shop at Chinnakada and so buying a car which is cheaper at over Rs 1 lakh seems to be a better option.
“Moreover, they manage to get a better reach.’’ Kollam agents of Kannur-based Manju Lottery are the pioneers of the trend. ‘’We have around 18 Nanos operating for us and each vehicle is owned by the individual retail seller. We have plans to add more Nanos, once draw of the new lotteries announced by the government begins,’’ he added.
M Ansaruddin, general secretary of Kerala Lottery Vyapara Samithi, attributes the trend to dip in volume of sales.
‘’Rented shops are no longer viable as there is a major dip in sale of lotteries following restrictions on other state lotteries and number of draws of Kerala lottery. This has resulted in the agents looking for cheaper options,’’ he said.