A rather
distressed customer told a trader that her first visit to QVM had been spoilt
by ill-mannered or disinterested traders. She couldn’t work out why she had
received such dismissive behaviour. Fortunately the trader telling us the story
had shown genuine concern for her plight and explained that sometimes traders
are distracted by other things (like really poor trading). The customer left
with at least one trader showing understanding and giving the customer the
attention and consideration that every customer deserves.
On a similar
vein, a trader tells the story of a customer who acted a little strangely as he
entered his stall. He was one of those outspoken customers who likes to make a
scene, dresses a little eccentrically, and made some pretty outlandish claims
about the important things he has done in life. He selected 4 of this trader’s
more expensive items and asked if they could be packed while he went off to
look at some neighbouring stalls. The trader didn’t expect to see him again but
packed the goods anyway. Half an hour later the customer returned, apologised
for the delay while he found an ATM, and handed over cash for
the goods. Our trader was left happy and a little ashamed that he had jumped to
conclusions about this customer’s intent. You can never tell.
This is a
picture of a horse. Not just any horse because it travels greater distances
around our market in a day than almost any other person or animal (or toy). The
horse is attached to Guru Pete’s cleaning trolley and Pete believes it has been
there for more than 15, and possibly 20, years. It was a gift from Kevin &
Annette who used to sell soft toys in the market. Kevin and Annette still visit
the market regularly for their food shopping.
Trader Co-op. With all
this emphasis on recyclable packaging, one of our traders has come up with a
bulk buying option for printed paper carry bags direct from China. By dealing
direct with a Chinese manufacturer, and combining multiple orders, he is able
to minimise freight costs and keep the overall cost down. Michael already has a
number of traders interested and if you would like to join this co-operative
effort, give him a call on 0411700727 or email leather@dorys.com.au . Michael used to
be in the packaging business so he knows his stuff.
Bigass– no,
we are not being derogatory. This is one of the brand names for huge industrial
fans that may be very useful under our super hot tin roofs. A trader sent us
this photo of a giant fan at a local basketball pavilion. He said the cooling
effect was quite impressive.
A trader says she is amazed at the number of overseas customers who return to our market. One of her lines is a key tourist product and customers from US or Europe return to her stall on each visit which may be yearly or every few years. It is great that she gets repeat business and of course great that these customers keep QVM on their list of must visit places.
No Taj Mahal, but the improvements to the toilet block at the top of String Bean Alley got a few thumbs up this week. A good clean-up, a coat of paint and replacing a few fittings has certainly improved the appearance.