Shoppers' Charter Introduced
To South Shields Market |
16 Feb 2005 |
Everyone loves a bargain, but nobody wants to be sold
'duff gear'.
And while it is traditionally recognised that the opportunity
to bag a bargain is one of the prime reasons to visit
a market, there's often the niggling doubt that the
purchase may not be as good as it appeared at first
glance.
Consequently, surveys taken by South Tyneside Council
over a number of years have shown that although the
concept of market trading retains its popularity for
many 'shopaholics' seeking their regular dose of retail
therapy, most of the purchases made from stallholders
are kept to low cost items where there is less of a
financial risk.
But people shopping at South Shields Market will soon
have a visible record of their consumer rights when
a new Shoppers' Charter is launched on Saturday, (19th
February).
Market traders signing up to the voluntary scheme are
entitled to display the Council's Shoppers' Charter
accreditation on their stall giving visible details
of their name and business address, policy number and
expiry date of insurance.
The Shoppers' Charter also shows both regular and new
customers that the trader adheres to and respects his
or her customers' rights and is committed to the concepts
of fair trade.
It sets out a number of trading conditions including
the provision that all items sold by Charter holders
in South Shields Market must be lawfully in the possession
of, and offered for sale by, the seller.
All goods sold must be safe and fit for the purpose
for which they were purchased. All services offered
must be described and carried out in a proper manner
within a reasonable time with the provider using reasonable
skill and care and charging a reasonable price where
no price was previously agreed.
Chair of South Shields Town Centre Core Group, Councillor
John Anglin explained: "Research previously carried
out has shown that 72 per cent of shoppers said they
would be more willing to spend and purchase goods they
would not previously have considered buying from Market
traders if a Shoppers' Charter was in place.
"Similar market charters supported by the National
Market Traders Federation (NMTF) work well in other
areas and encourage people to spend rather than simply
browsing."
Lead Member for Neighbourhood Services Councillor Michael
Clare added: "This new Shoppers' Charter means
that customers are informed of their rights and know
where they stand before they buy."
South Shields Market Manager John Bramley said: "Traders
have been very eager to sign up to the new Charter and
everyone we approached said it was a good idea. It reassures
customers that their consumer rights will be honoured
in the same way as they would be anywhere else."
The Shoppers' Charter is one of a number of projects
devised by South Shields Town Centre Core Group with
the aim of revitalising the popularity and expanding
the functions of the Market.
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