Offers and discounts galore this Ramadan

DOHA: With the holy month of Ramadan approaching near, companies have begun to announce offers and discounts for customers.

Automobile dealers, retailers, hotels, and restaurants have lined up appealing packages to attract customers during the holy month.

Car dealers are leading the pack when it comes to doling out offers. Their catchy advertisements are greeting customers by saying that they can save up to QR50,000-QR60,000 by buying cars during the month.

The dealers are offering freebies such as free registration and insurance for the vehicle for one to two years, extended warranty, cash back and free road-side assistance. To make it easier to own a car, they have also announced flexibility in payments. Some car makers are giving the option of zero percent down payment for buying a car while other schemes allow paying some part of the down payment in phases.

Additionally, the customers will also be offered gift vouchers and lucky draw coupons.  Ramadan is a crucial month for car makers as customers consider it auspicious to buy cars during the holy month.

“Ramadan is an important month for us because the sale is highest in this month compared to other months during the year,” a Marketing Manager of a car dealer told The Peninsula.

Retailers are not far behind in attracting customers. Most of the retailers have already started Ramadan related campaigns under which they are offering various items on reduced prices.

“During the holy month, demand for rice, oil, milk, dates, juices increases sharply. There is a tendency among customers to stock some food items for the coming months, which is one of the main reasons for spike in demand,” a senior official of a retailer told The Peninsula.

More than 500 essential consumer goods including food and non-food items have already become cheaper after the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) released discounted price list for various items for Ramadan.

It is also a good time for those looking to buy electronic items as showrooms are offering zero percent interest on installments and free extended warranty on TVs, speakers, mobile phones, home appliances and watches.

Banks have also unveiled new schemes giving cash back offers. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced a new finance campaign for the holy month of Ramadan and summer. The bank has said that customers applying for personal finance will enjoy a cash bonus of one percent of the total financing amount. Hotels have also begun to announce about their special Ramadan tents and iftar buffet offers.

Offers include a special discount for booking iftar and suhoors. There are also discounts on fitness and wellness club membership.