Small business independence is a huge attraction for traders at
QVM. The challenge and satisfaction of doing things your way is what keeps many
of us involved in this crazy world of retailing. But like many things in life
that independence needs to be blended with group responsibilities.
At QVM we rely on our neighbours for many things, not the least
of which is the group attraction of 600 or so traders. One trader operating in
the middle of a car park is unlikely to attract much business. Embracing this
group dynamic is important. We all have a role here, and the presence of our
neighbours is as important to us as we are to them. So when a trader ignores
his/her group responsibility it is a matter of concern.
Let's look at an example. A trader (who shall remain nameless)
was being criticised by his neighbours for packing early. He was known to be
packed and gone from his stall before official closing time especially if there
was a particular sporting match on TV that afternoon. The problem is that
packing up your stall in full public view sets a customer expectation –
“The market is closing?” – “I had better stop browsing and rush my
purchase” - or, “I will come back another day”.
Neighbours who were still doing business at their stalls were rightly critical
of this trader's actions.
When questioned, the trader responded - "I pay my rent and I
think I should be able to choose whether I leave early". That was the
independent voice speaking, and we have already established the attraction of
being independent traders at QVM. But the group voice says this trader should
accept his responsibility to his fellow traders (and his customers) no matter
what sporting show is on TV or what other reason has motivated an early pack.
Often that other reason can be poor business levels although we know that, in
this fickle world of retailing, a poor business day for one stall is not
necessarily a poor business day for every other stall.
The point is that we do have an obligation to our fellow
stallholders, and of course to our customers, to trade right up until the
nominated closing time on each and every trading day. Working as a team can be
very important even for independent market traders.
