2024-04-02 05:47:47
The last few weeks have been very busy at home appliance sales outlets. Buyers try to purchase them with the Value Added Tax (VAT) at 12%, a tax that since Monday, April 1, will rise to 15%.
The Easter holiday, from March 29 to 31, will be the last with reduced VAT and sellers propose offers to attract customers.
Seven out of every 12 sales take place in Quito before the VAT increase
On the same avenue in the commercial sector in the north of Quito there are several stores with the same tone. A few weeks ago, on a normal day, for every dozen customers served, four made a purchase. Now, due to the upcoming VAT increase, seven of the interested parties buy the product
Many do it with direct credit from locals. “They have (the option) to pay in June, with still 12% VAT,” explained Fernanda Espinoza, a La Ganga salesperson.
The most valued products are televisions, stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. Depending on their price, starting Monday they will suffer increases ranging from USD 60 to just over USD 300.
In Guayaquil, merchants were supplied with products at 12% VAT
In La Bahía de Guayaquil, meanwhile, sales are also increasing. Due to the heat, the products that buyers are looking for most are air conditioners and fans.
“Likewise, it is sold with a guarantee, with an invoice, everything as it should be,” said Mark Chuquimarca, a merchant from La Bahía.
Merchants have also stocked up in recent days to avoid buying products with the 15% tax, but they are uncertain about what will happen from Monday when they have to raise the price of their products.
“Try to sell as cheaply as possible, at least as much as possible to make sales,” said Reinaldo Plaza, merchant.
Both in large stores and in smaller and more popular ones, sellers hope that the three days of the holiday will be attended by a large influx of buyers and will serve to improve their finances before the increase.