Tweet
Recession... Unlimited sex for $137...
April 22, 2009
Downturn: Even vice feels pinch
Now on special offer at Germany's brothels: Unlimited sex for $137
BERLIN: - It did not take long for the financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany, where the sex industry has responded with its own economic stimulus package.
Brothels are turning to modern marketing tools, rebates and gimmicks to boost falling demand, with some cutting prices or adding free promotions and others introducing all-inclusive flat-rate fees.
Free shuttle buses, discounts for seniors and taxi drivers, as well as 'day passes' are among the marketing strategies designed to keep business going.
'Times are tough for us, too,' said Ms Karin Ahrens, who manages the Yes, Sir brothel in Hanover. She said revenue has dropped by 30 per cent at her establishment, while turnover has fallen by as much as 50 per cent at other clubs.
'We're definitely feeling the crisis. Clients are being tight with their money. They're afraid. You can't charge for the extras anymore, and there is pressure to cut prices. Everyone wants a deal. Special promotions are essential these days.'
Germany, where prostitution is legal and regulated, has about 400,000 professional prostitutes bringing in a total of about ¥14 billion (S$27.4 billion) a year, according to an estimate by the Verdi services union. Taxes on prostitution are an important source of income for some cities.
Berlin's ****y Club has attracted media attention with its headline-grabbing 'flat rate' - a ¥70 (S$137) admission charge for unlimited food, drink and sex between 10am and 4pm.
'You've got to come up with creative solutions these days,' said club manager Stefan, who requested that his surname not be published.
'We're feeling the economic crisis, too...Our offer might sound like it's too good to be true, but it's real. You can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and have as much sex as you want.'
Stefan, who runs other establishments in Heidelberg and Wuppertal apart from the Berlin club, said the flat rate had helped keep the 30 women working in each location fully employed.
Other novel ideas used by brothels and prostitutes include loyalty cards, group sex parties and rebates for golf players.
Pascal, a regular client of Hamburg's GeizHaus which is offering a ¥38.50 discounted price, illustrates why such strategies are necessary when he says he can no longer afford his usual two or three visits a week.
'Naturally we're all feeling the effects of the crisis,' he said.
REUTERS
HARD TIMES
Downturn: Even vice feels pinch
Now on special offer at Germany's brothels: Unlimited sex for $137
BERLIN: - It did not take long for the financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany, where the sex industry has responded with its own economic stimulus package.
Brothels are turning to modern marketing tools, rebates and gimmicks to boost falling demand, with some cutting prices or adding free promotions and others introducing all-inclusive flat-rate fees.
Free shuttle buses, discounts for seniors and taxi drivers, as well as 'day passes' are among the marketing strategies designed to keep business going.
'Times are tough for us, too,' said Ms Karin Ahrens, who manages the Yes, Sir brothel in Hanover. She said revenue has dropped by 30 per cent at her establishment, while turnover has fallen by as much as 50 per cent at other clubs.
'We're definitely feeling the crisis. Clients are being tight with their money. They're afraid. You can't charge for the extras anymore, and there is pressure to cut prices. Everyone wants a deal. Special promotions are essential these days.'
Germany, where prostitution is legal and regulated, has about 400,000 professional prostitutes bringing in a total of about ¥14 billion (S$27.4 billion) a year, according to an estimate by the Verdi services union. Taxes on prostitution are an important source of income for some cities.
Berlin's ****y Club has attracted media attention with its headline-grabbing 'flat rate' - a ¥70 (S$137) admission charge for unlimited food, drink and sex between 10am and 4pm.
'You've got to come up with creative solutions these days,' said club manager Stefan, who requested that his surname not be published.
'We're feeling the economic crisis, too...Our offer might sound like it's too good to be true, but it's real. You can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and have as much sex as you want.'
Stefan, who runs other establishments in Heidelberg and Wuppertal apart from the Berlin club, said the flat rate had helped keep the 30 women working in each location fully employed.
Other novel ideas used by brothels and prostitutes include loyalty cards, group sex parties and rebates for golf players.
Pascal, a regular client of Hamburg's GeizHaus which is offering a ¥38.50 discounted price, illustrates why such strategies are necessary when he says he can no longer afford his usual two or three visits a week.
'Naturally we're all feeling the effects of the crisis,' he said.
REUTERS
HARD TIMES
. Thankfully, need no "medical aid" yet
.
we're arm with our M16,not gals...
Comment