Days after the celebration of Sallah, automobile dealers at the popular Berger market are lamenting low patronage, even as they said that patronage has been low before the celebration unlike what used to be in the past.
When Shipping Position Daily visited the automobile market last week, it was almost a shadow of itself as few dealers were spotted in the market.
Speaking with our correspondent, one of the agents who simply identified himself as Mr. Nonso Edeh, said that even before they went for the Sallah holidays, sales had been very low even as he added that some of them borrowed from friends to be able to take care of their families.
“My brother, this business to a very large extent is not what one will depend on fully to take care of his family; you must be doing something else to be able to survive. Even before the Sallah, sales have been very low; we are just managing and borrowing money to survive hoping on when there will be sales to take care of our families. I am even planning to leave this business to go back to what I was doing before which is selling of cloths”, he complained.
He also said that dealers who deal mostly on smaller vehicles like Toyota products were the ones that enjoyed the celebration.
“Dealers on brands like Toyota were the people that enjoyed the season; they made lot of sales during and even after such seasons”.
Another agent who simply gave his name as Poto Ngbadaike, blamed the bad assess road for the problem dealers at the market are facing.
He said that if the roads are motor able , they would have recorded sales unlike what they are facing now where prospective buyers will be discouraged to patronize them due to lack of asses road.
“If the roads were good, the type of low patronage we are getting today wouldn’t have been like that, it is worst because of the road. If you are a prospective buyer, looking at the nature of the road, will you like to come here?”
He therefore pleaded with the government to come to the traders’ rescue to ensure that something is done to address the road issue.
“All we are saying is to call on the government to come to our rescue by fixing this road to help our own business and save the lives of our clients”, he pleaded.
Discussion about this post