The Hari Putar Dialogues - 5

(The Deccan Herald, 15 May, Bangalore
In an innovative marketing initiative, the BMTC and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KS&DL), the makers of the popular premium soap, have struck an arrangement wherein the former's conductors, when they are not issuing tickets either on the bus or at the terminals, will be selling Mysore Sandal soaps to commuters.)

Putar: The Deccan Herald reported today that Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation conductors would start selling Mysore Sandal soap to commuters when they are not issuing tickets either inside the bus or at the terminal.

Hari: That's right, putar. 

Putar: In this way they will promote hygiene and cleanliness among their customers?

Hari: That's correct, putar.

Putar: But even ordinary soap could have worked in that respect.

Hari: That's true, putar.

Putar: But they have chosen to sell luxury soaps, Papaji?

Hari: Don't forget they will also earn a commission on the soaps that they sell. Commissions are higher on luxury goods.

Putar: So they will be conductors as well as salesmen.

Hari: That's true, putar.

Putar: It is a good thing for the company because their soaps will get sold.

Hari: That's true, putar. 

Putar: It is a good thing for the conductors as well for they will supplement their earnings.

Hari: That's correct, putar.

Putar: And good for the passengers as well, perhaps. They will smell nicer to themselves and to others. To their wives and husbands, as the case may be.

Hari: I guess so, putar.

Putar: In the future the conductors could start selling other products as well, such as combs, toothbrushes and underwear?

Hari: I guess so, putar.

Putar: And earn even higher commissions. Otherwise they are just wasting their time sitting in the bus once they have sold the tickets.

Hari: That's true, putar.

Putar: Have you seen that at some places where these buses have a short halt, there are salesmen who climb into the bus and try and sell their wares.

Hari: That often happens, putar.

Putar: Tell me something Papaji?

Hari: Bol, putar?

Putar: Do you think the bus conductors will be happy to allow these other salesmen into the bus, thinking of them as fellow salesmen?

Hari: I'm not so sure, putar.

Putar: Or will they now consider them as rivals?

Hari: I don't know, putar.