Traders have reported unfair practices by some suppliers in restricting availability of products simply because they are to be sold at the Queen Victoria Market. Another practice is to require adherence to recommended prices. Similar problems have been reported online.
Ebay has recently reported that 35% of merchants said manufacturers and suppliers tried to prevent them from selling their goods on the internet while 25% were required to sell at or around particular recommended retail prices. Ebay are hoping that publicity will encourage suppliers to relax these unfair conditions.
Maybe a joint effort by traders and the QVM including direct approaches to suppliers, publicity, or “outing” the supplier is an option. We would be interested in hearing from traders who are affected. Confidentiality is assured.
