Does  the Buy-One-Get-One-Free ticket-selling gimmick  that was used to entice audiences in  to see Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, really work at  the  boxoffice? Trade  experts have  their say.

Does  the Buy-One-Get-One-Free ticket-selling gimmick  that was used to entice audiences in  to see Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, really work at  the  boxoffice? Trade  experts have  their say.

Taran Adarsh(Trade Guru) : “The buy-one-get-one-free offer works only if the content is good, otherwise any incentive, discount or concession cannot salvage a weak film.The strategy of giving incentive or discount was recently observed in few cases. Everyone talks a8bout Zara Hatke Zara Bachke for opting for this incentive from day 1 of release. However, if you notice, day 4 onwards, when the normal ticket pricing came into play, the film sustained very well because the strong word of mouth had come into play.Conversely, if the film is rejected, even a free show wouldn’tguarantee a full house. The bottomline is good content.”

Akshay Rathi(Maharashtra exhibitor):  “This buy-one-get-one-free  or any sort  of scheme involving discount  for tickets  will work only if  it is assured  that  the  content  is interesting enough. If  you put a film that the public doesn’t want to  watch, even if  you offer  it for free, they won’t turn up at the cinemas, as the cost and effort is  not  worth their while.If  the films are interesting and the public is  not sure if it wants to watch them on the  big screen or wait for them to stream  on OTT, then those are  films where such schemes  are likely to work. Like the recent Manoj Bajpai release Sirf Ek Banda  Kafi Hai. Had they released  it in theatres and  offered the same buy-one-get-one-free ticketing scheme,I think  it would have worked really well. The scheme worked  with  Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. So I really think  it is predominantly the  content that matters. Such schemes  can only work as incentives for good content.”

Atul Mohan(trade analyst):  The buy-one-ticket-get-one-free box office scheme, commonly known as a BOGO (Buy One Get One) promotion, is a new marketing strategy used by producers and exhibitors, to attract customers and boost sales. But the boxoffice  success of  a film will solely depend on the content it offers. If the content is good it work and BOGO will only elevate its prospects , just like we saw in the case of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. In another example the makers of Shehzada too tried this for first day of the film but it didn’t work which means that if the content is bad then even buy-one-get-five-free won’t work. And remember that the audience is too smart to fall in the trap. While the practicality and ethics of such a scheme can vary depending on the specific circumstances and context, BOGO promotions can effectively increase ticket sales by ‘incentivizing’  customers to bring along a companion. This can be especially effective during periods of lower demand or for specific movie showings that need a boost in attendance. BOGO schemes can help build customer loyalty by providing added value to moviegoers. Customers may be more likely to choose a theater offering such promotions over competitors, fostering a positive relationship with the business. And talking about ethics, businesses must ensure that the pricing structure associated with BOGO promotions is fair and doesn’t involve excessive price inflation. Customers should receive genuine value for their purchase, and the overall pricing strategy should remain reasonable.”

Girish Johar(Trade Analyst):  “Just like we use posters,trailers,songs,PR as our marketing tools….so the new tools are now BOX OFFICE Number tool and the latest to join this bandwagon  is B1G1 tool… this only aids to get audiences attraction and is like any promotional tool. This too,like all others,has a bearing and cost which is eventually borne by the producer. Audiences may get attracted to it initially but it will dwindle down if the content is not up to the mark. Just like the PR Reviews Tool was excessively used by makers to get good pumped-up reviews,now audiences does not believe much in them and prefer their own sources.”

Amod Mehtra(trade analyst):  “The scheme is available on Bookmyshow only so far. Let’s see if it’s implemented in totality.Every business organisation has the right to promote/sell as deemed fit.If it is unethical then all those huge discount sales on Amazon/Ajio should also be banned.”