Rate Structure

The monetization process was pushed a notch ahead today with Yusuf Rassiwala (right) and other members of the Managing Committee formally approving a structured ‘rate card’ for generating ad revenue. In a note circulated among the five office bearers, Srichand Arora (below pic) had proposed what he described as “differential pricing” for soliciting ads. Essentially, it suggests that advertisers should henceforth be billed according to their scale of operations, rather than be lumped together by a common rate structure.
The rate card distinguishes between ‘small businesses’, ‘medium-scale enterprises’ and ‘corporates’ with separate rates prescribed for each category -- ranging from Rs2,000 to Rs20,000 per month (for the minimum saleable space). Block bookings for the year (or half-year) would be encouraged by way of offering attractive discounts, with added incentives as ‘agency commission’. For instance, any member getting a corporate booking for a year (valued at Rs200,000), would stand to gain Rs40,000 at one stroke (on a 20% commission). And that, for the minimum allotted space of dimensions of the ‘dummy ad’ appearing on the top right corner of this page. Non-members will get a 10% commission.
On a lighter note, Arora took everyone by surprise by suddenly complaining that we were too quiet for his comfort during the exercises. “This place resembles a cattle pound,” he pointed out, instantly sending Rassiwala into spells of laughter. Nafisa Sayed seized the opportunity to accuse Arora for being the one to “impose curfew” and that it is “out of fear we do not open our mouths” in his presence. “But why bother about an old man like me?” Arora responded sportingly. “Just listen from one ear and take it out from the other!” Obviously, Dilip Babani’s comments the day-before (see post of April 24) have had an effect.
Srichand Arora:
Blog Monster, I would appreciate if this comment is published: Dear members and friends, though I am given so much importance and credit, let me tell you that this credit and importance goes to our dear Mr Bose and Mr Harish who are working behind the curtain and allowing me to fetch the credit to myself. We must appreciate the help provided by these two GENTLEMEN.
Dilip Babani:
Arora-ji, you are 1000% correct. Bose and Harish are as indispensible in our club as you are. They help a lot. Neki kae darya meih dal.