It’s good to see News Limited now supporting newsagents in the move by the SA government to facilitate SA Lotteries promoting online purchase of lottery products. As I noted late last year, this move by SA Lotteries is unnecessary and a further hit to newsagents.
Newsagents have supported Tattersalls in their push to sign up players to Tatts Cards over the years, but Tatts seem keen to get my customers to bypass my shop and buy their tickets online. Exerpt from email sent to Tatts Card holders on Dec 29:
“Don’t miss out – Get your tickets today! With just 2 days to go have you thought about what you could do with a share in $31 million. Start dreaming – Wouldn’t it be nice!
Buy a Megadraw entry online for your chance to WIN a $1,000 account deposit.
You still have a chance to WIN a $1000 deposit into your online account*. Just visit tattersalls.com.au and register to buy online if you are not already an online member (it’s free to join^). Then purchase a Megadraw entry online and you will receive an entry into the promotional draw. There are 5 prizes to be won. Read more.
It’s going off this New Years Eve – Buy your Megadraw ticket online today!”
It makes me want to stop selling Tatts Cards.
Having been a small business owner I really feel for the lotto agents involved. Still, it’s a bit like horse and cart sellers trying to hold back the introduction of the motor car.
The internet is having a significant impact on retail and this is only the tip of the iceberg
It’s a shame Tatts don’t include us in their online push.. perhaps it’s because they have the impression that we see the internet as the competition and not an opportunity.