By Clayton Barnes - 2010 Writer
Fleecing fans during the 2010 World Cup could cause irreparable damage to South Africa's business sector, small business owners have been warned.
Speaking at the Small Business Week launch on Tuesday, Cape Town Tourism marketing head Lianne Burton said overcharging customers could seriously damage the small business sector after the tournament.
"Don't overprice in 2010," said Burton. "Charge peak-season rates, plus 15 percent. We believe pegging it at that would be reasonable for the World Cup."
Burton said 2010 would be "a fantastic stepping stone" for small businesses, if the opportunity was used correctly.
"We must ensure that these visitors come back to Cape Town after the World Cup," she said. "Cape Town shouldn't be a one-night stand. We want visitors to have a love affair with Cape Town, but then we shouldn't rip them off."
The main attraction at the 2009 Small Business Week is the 2010 business platform, where small business owners will be given tips on how to capitalise on the World Cup, without breaking the law.
Giving entrepreneurs a general overview of the 2010 do's and don'ts, Lavendra Naidoo, of the Business Place, said World Cup opportunities for small businesses were endless.
"There are ways to benefit without breaking the law. Small businesses will be needed to provide services at the Fan Festival, the public viewing areas and along the fan walk," she said.
Tenders for event managers, stage and scaffolding services, generators, lighting, sound and security are expected to be made public in December.
Several food and art kiosks are also expected to be opened along the fan walk, the official Fan Park on the Grand Parade and the public viewing areas.
Naidoo said although there were "loads of opportunities", small business owners must ensure they had a functional supply chain.
The provincial government has developed a Red Door 2010 Fifa World Cup information handbook to help SMMEs plan for the event.
The 2010 platform will run daily information sessions at the Good Hope Centre until tomorrow. Entrance is free.