Sachet water vendors go hi-tech in Kumasi to attract customers

Night traders and food sellers in cities and major towns enjoy the benefit of street-lighting for which they do not pay directly.

Using a special lighting system, almost like a chandelier, as an attraction for potential patrons is a rare occurrence.

That is an innovation a sachet water vendor at Tech Junction in Kumasi is using to win competitive advantage.

From afar, any casual observer will take the glowing bubbles on the plastic surface for a newly- introduced trader’s night or frosted lamp.

Get closer and you will find clustered chilled sachet water, with LED lamp placed in the middle.

Akosua has been in the sachet water business for more than five years.

She says she adopted the novelty a year ago, and the move has boosted the business.

Akosua recounts in the past it took averagely one hour to sell a bag of 30 pieces of sachet water, but now we can sell the same quantity in between fifteen and twenty minutes.

One of her regular customers, Kobby, says he has always been attracted by the glowing sachet water.

‘’Sometimes, when I am coming from afar, it glows and I have the feeling of buying the water, if even I don’t intend to,’’ says Kobby.

Akosua powers her LED Lamp with 2 AA dry cells (batteries) which can last up to three days.

However, she appears oblivious of the effect of moisture on the lifespan of batteries.

The price of dry cells adds to her operational cost but Akosua is, nonetheless, same happy about the glow and patronage of the water she sells.