Brand Manager Tanay Dubey highlights an unfair ₹21 service charge at PVR INOX Ahmedabad. Choice4Voice.com features the case to raise awareness on hidden charges and consumer rights.
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Complaint Summary : PVR INOX Service Charge Complaint – Tanay Dubey Raises Consumer Concern
| Complainant | Tanay Dubey – Brand Manager, Iscon Balaji Foods |
|---|---|
| Company Concerned | PVR INOX |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Issue Raised | Unjustified ₹21 service charge on cinema ticket, inconsistent pricing compared to BookMyShow |
| Date Reported | 2 days ago (as per LinkedIn post) |
| Original Post URL | View LinkedIn Post |
Full Complaint Write-Up
A recent consumer experience shared by Tanay Dubey on LinkedIn has raised questions about unjustified service charges levied by PVR INOX at its Ahmedabad cinema.
According to Tanay, when purchasing a counter ticket worth ₹224, a ₹21 service charge (almost 10%) was added to the bill. On questioning the cinema manager, the justification given was that these charges were “standard” and “used for running cinema operations such as equipment and air-conditioning.”
However, Tanay pointed out several issues:
- Inconsistent Pricing: The same seat was available at a lower price on BookMyShow compared to the cinema counter.
- Consumer Burden: With an average of 3.75 lakh tickets booked daily at ₹259, an additional service charge of ₹25 per ticket could result in Indian consumers collectively paying around ₹273 crore annually.
- Government Approval: The Gujarat government has reportedly allowed cinema chains to levy up to ₹25 per ticket as service charges, which raises concerns about consumer exploitation.
This raises critical questions:
- Why are consumers being asked to bear operational costs through additional charges?
- Why are cinema tickets inconsistently priced depending on the booking channel?
- Shouldn’t such charges be part of the base ticket price rather than imposed separately?
Tanay concluded that while profits are rightly distributed to shareholders, losses seem to be unfairly passed on to consumers under the label of “service charges.”
Choice4Voice.com’s Stand
At Choice4Voice.com, we believe that consumers deserve full transparency in pricing. Hidden charges not only reduce trust but also burden customers unnecessarily. This case has been highlighted on our platform to ensure greater visibility and accountability from PVR INOX.
If you are facing a similar issue with hidden or unfair charges, you can:
- Write a LinkedIn post and tag our official page Choice4Voice.com
- Or directly submit your complaint here: Submit Your Complaint
Our team will feature your case to push for fair treatment and faster resolution.
Common Consumer Questions (Q&A)
Q1. What is a service charge at PVR INOX?
A service charge is an additional fee added to the base ticket price, claimed to cover cinema operational expenses.
Q2. Is it legal for cinemas to charge a service fee?
In states like Gujarat, the government has approved service charges up to ₹25 per ticket. However, the fairness of this practice is widely debated.
Q3. Why is the same seat cheaper on BookMyShow than at the cinema counter?
This inconsistency arises due to different pricing agreements and policies between cinema chains and booking platforms.
Q4. Can consumers refuse to pay service charges at PVR INOX?
Currently, at cinema counters, the charges are not optional. Consumers can raise complaints with consumer forums or through Choice4Voice.com.
Q5. How much revenue does PVR INOX generate from service charges?
Based on estimates, service charges may account for over ₹273 crore annually across India.
Q6. What can consumers do against hidden charges?
Consumers can raise awareness via platforms like Choice4Voice.com, file cases in consumer courts, or question the company publicly.
Q7. Why are service charges not included in ticket pricing?
Critics argue that cinema chains keep service charges separate to pass operational costs directly to customers while keeping the base price attractive.
Q8. Are service charges the same across all states in India?
No. Regulations vary by state, and some states restrict or regulate such charges differently.
Q9. How does this impact consumer trust?
Hidden charges reduce transparency, making customers feel cheated, which can impact brand reputation in the long run.
Q10. What steps should PVR INOX take?
PVR INOX should disclose all charges upfront, maintain consistency across booking platforms, and ensure consumers are not unfairly burdened.
Q11. What does Indian law say about unfair trade practices?
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, hidden or misleading charges can be challenged as an unfair trade practice.
Q12. Can service charges be challenged in consumer court?
Yes, consumers can approach consumer forums if they feel charges are arbitrary or unjustified.
Q13. Do all cinemas in India charge service fees?
Not all. The practice varies depending on state approvals and company policies.
Q14. Why are companies defending service charges?
They argue it helps cover operational expenses like staff, maintenance, and utilities, but critics say these should already be part of ticket costs.
Q15. What alternatives do consumers have?
Consumers can book through third-party apps for better pricing or raise complaints when unfair charges are levied.
Q16. Has any action been taken against cinema service charges before?
Yes, several consumer rights activists and organizations have raised concerns, but regulation remains inconsistent.
Q17. Do online platforms like BookMyShow also charge service fees?
Yes, but often structured differently (convenience fee). Transparency is still an issue.
Q18. Why is transparency in pricing important?
Transparent pricing builds trust, avoids disputes, and ensures consumers make informed decisions.
Q19. How can consumers collectively fight hidden charges?
By raising awareness, filing collective complaints, and questioning brands on public platforms.
Q20. How can Choice4Voice.com help in such cases?
By featuring consumer complaints, raising awareness, and pressuring companies for faster resolutions.
Choice4Voice.com Is Here to Help You
If you are facing a similar issue and would like our support in highlighting your concern, we are here to assist. Simply write a LinkedIn post and tag our official page Choice4Voice.com Or submit your complaint directly : https://choice4voice.com/submit-your-complaint/
Our team will review and feature your case on our website to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
