Livelihoods depend on it
Thursday 9th July 2009, 3:00PM BST.
From Kevin Keen.
I REFER to the letter from David Le Couillard (JEP, 3 July) and the negative feedback regarding the Think Twice Buy Local campaign from a number of Islanders on www.thisisjersey.com.
For someone who has worked in retail for most of their career it is sad to hear these stories, especially as I know of many people who work hard to please their customers each and every day.
In a small and expensive place like Jersey it is very difficult to be the cheapest but we should all strive to give fellow Islanders and visitors great service. Our livelihoods depend on it.
Notwithstanding these bad experiences I would urge your readers to enthusiastically support Think Twice Buy Local and try an alternative Jersey business. Recycling our pound and backing Jersey enterprises and people, means our money will find its way to:
• Employees of those businesses that depend on that money to support their families and who will in turn probably spend a lot of it in Jersey.
• Other local businesses such as the wholesalers, transport companies, utilities, media, plumbers, electricians, accountants, lawyers, who will also put a good part of the money back into Jersey.
• Government who will use the cash to fund important public services in Jersey.
Our economy, like our community, is complex with numerous inter-dependencies and once a pound is exported out of the Island we can easily all suffer.
That is not an excuse to put up with bad service but it is a reason to think twice before we do spend our money outside of Jersey. The job of a friend, neighbour or relative might depend on it.
Vue des Champs,
Clos de la Porte,
St John.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
JEP Jubilee Editions
Saturday 2 June: Guide to Celebrations
Wednesday 6 June: Souvenir of Events
View The Queen in Jersey supplement
Travel
To, from and around the Island
Airport Arrivals/Departures
Harbours Arrivals/Departures
Bus Information/Timetables
This is Jersey
Jersey Evening Post
Useful links
My opening statement has to be this! “I have yet to walk through town on a Saturday and see no shoppers or shoppers with no shopping bags”
Sorry Mr Keen but I hope you don’t mind me saying but I personally take your point of view in this subject as slightly biased towards the Retailer due to the huge sums of money you have made in the retail industry.
That being said it should not detract anyone from paying attention to the very valid points you raised in your letter.
Readers should enthusiastically support “Think Twice Buy Local”, which is not saying pay over the top; it means if you don’t find the service or price satisfactory in one local shop try an alternative local shop before looking outside the island.
I think no one can say you have done the island an injustice if you have made an effort.
I think the consumer should have a campaign of their own to coincide with the retailers called “Think Local Price Right!”
I will buy locally for most purchases that are of a low to moderate price but I will always shop around and look on the internet for high value goods….
Report abuse
The point is Jersey doesn’t have VAT, so why are prices often higher than the UK vated price? It doesn’t cost 15% plus to ship things to Jersey does it? As I have said on numerous occasions look at import/export costs and travel to and from Jersey. Why are the States not doing this obvious analysis to see who is making what?
Report abuse
That is a good sentiment and I always try to buy locally if possible. Obviously I have to do so for food and some other products but I will not pay excessive prices if I do not have to.
The recession, which has been very badly handled by Incapability Brown, means that the interest on my savings is virtually zero now and I have to rely on a small pension. As a pensioner I cannot afford to subsidise local shops when there are other options.
I have already mentioned that the TV set that I bought last year from Amazon would have cost me nearly 50% more locally. I buy films on DVD from Amazon and eBay for between £3 and £4 that would cost £12 to £15 locally and they are delivered to my door by the postman so I do not even have to go into town and pay for limited parking time and then look for things that are not even in stock.
Values in the local shops were not too bad until GST was added. We were told that it was only going to be 3% but the shops have to increase their prices by more than that to recover the extra costs of their rent, electricity and other services so it cascades. Many prices were forced to go up by around 10% and some even more than that.
Would you choose to pay that much more for what you buy?
Report abuse
Adrian (comment 2) In all the years I lived in Jersey I asked many times why the majority of shops are allowed to charge VAT inclusive prices. I never ever received a satisfactory answer and as you say it does not equate to the cost of shipping so that old chestnut doesn’t wash with me either.Since we moved to the UK and have had family and friends here to visit us many of them have been amazed at the price differences and offers that are available in high street stores when the Jersey store does not have the same offers available.
Mr Keen will obviously try to encourage people to shop locally and fair play to him for caring but everyone needs the pound in their pocket to go further these days and Jersey shoppers must act as they see fit and as it suits them.Shoppers are getting wise and don’t like being ripped off anymore.
Report abuse
I do buy local. I buy my milk, bread, general food items, wine, electricity, papers – all from local stores. We all do.
For other, items, there is a choice.
I regret to say that I owe nobody a living when it comes to parting with MY hard earned cash.
Report abuse
Jersey shops must be more competitive Mr Keen is biased in favour of local retailers, but many Jersey residents cannot afford to pay inflated prices.
One recent example of prices localy, one new van from a local supplier Jersey £17,000 UK £12,000 plus extras fitted how can the Jersey supplier charge such inflated prices
Report abuse
Cars are also a big issue. The problem here is they are inflated by large sales commissions ostentatious showrooms.
Bottom line is that the way to win anyones business is a simple recipe of a competitive price and quality service. Unfortunately both are lacking in the local retain market. Until attitutudes of both organisations and sales staff change the JEP campaign will come and go and retailers will wallow in their self inflicted misery.
Sales have to be earnt, they are not gifted.
Report abuse
Islander, shops don’t need to increase prices to recoup the cost of GST on electricity and rent, if they give you that as an excuse tell them where to go. GST whether received or paid is not actually the shop’s money.
Report abuse
Someone please explain to me……
Why is it that while I was in Jersey this April that having had a problem with my car, rear door lock jammeing, was charged 96 pounds to tell me that I would have to wait three or four weeks for spare parts(just to have a look), for a Mercedes and total bill would be not less than 400 pounds, I went back to the Oh, so Horrible continent and had the problem sorted within 24 hours at a total cost with free car for the day, of 132 pounds including 19%Vat.
Jersey price at main Dealer 400 pounds plus.
Price on the continent with free car 132 pounds with car washed also at main Dealer, not forgetting that it included 19% Vat..
Report abuse
Mr Keen
I am thinking local when I make my internet purchases…..I am keeping the postal service in business.
Have you not noticed that the Post Office is one of the few local businesses which are doing really well of late.
Now why might that be?!
Report abuse
Julie #4: There is no VAT in Jersey! VAT is UK/Euro Tax, Jersey is not in “Europe” and therefore VAT can not be added to goods. The UK government receives the VAT from companies in the UK.
However, a retailer in Jersey may decide not to change the pricing of their goods for the Jersey market (if its a UK chain – like The Body Shop)So what you call VAT, is what I would call VAP (Value Added Profit).
Report abuse
It would be helpful, if we are to buy local, to know which UK (or other) chains source any of their produce locally. I might buy my fruit and veg in M&S, but if, being a chain, they ship it in from elsewhere then I’m helping keep local workers employed but any profit that could go to a producer is going off the island.
Report abuse
Sorry Mr Keen but the reason why people feel so angry and buy online and from the UK is because of the blatant rip off culture coming from the local retailers.
That friend, neighbour or relative you describe doesn’t give two hoots about the consumer coming into their shop – as long as they spend their hard earned money. Most shops have zero comprehension of customer service – how many people reading this have been told to take it or leave it in the past, when the internet was not so widespread.
Local upmarket garages refusing to service your car if it wasn’t bought from them …. massive price differences being blamed on “shipping charges” …. up to one hundred per cent price hike compared to their UK counterparts.
Captive audiences, local monopolies and the worst service imaginable has for years been the bain of the consumer and now the tide has turned and the heat is on local retailers we are expected to continue feathering their nests?
Think Twice Buy Local …… more like “Think Twice ….. Bye Bye Locals”
Report abuse
nobody thought twice about refusing me qualies so i’ll stick with the net thankyou
Report abuse
From reading Kevin Keen’s letter and the many comments it has provoked I am struck by two things;
1) Nobody in their right mind is going to ‘Go Local At Any Price’ and the local retailers and tradesmen should take note. ‘Think Twice Price Local’ should be the retailers’ mantra; the local retailers going to maximise their local advantages.
2) Shopper tire of the ‘No VAT’ sales pitch, sales pitch which is eroded by mantra ‘shipping costs’. The local shopper will only respond when it is ‘Buy Local, The Price Is Right’, with or without the alleged ‘shipping costs’.
As an experience retailer and accountant Kevin Keen knows that the great hidden cost and retail overhead is hidden within the supply chain. A complex business which lacks the glitz of the shop front, but contributes to many valid complaints aired by frustrated consumers.
Retailers and Producers, the action is on you to act.
Report abuse
I recently had a conversation, with a shop owner. He told me he bought in an item I am interested in at £800, in the sale it is offered at £1895, with a retail price of over £3000. The delivery time is 6 weeks.
I take a look on line and buy the same item for £1300 VAT off, the most expensive I could find was £2400. And I can have it on the next available ship. I pay £100 shipping, and £40 GST. Saving over £400. Who would you buy from?
I have come across sort of situation on a few occasions. And had to deal some poor customer service over here. When on the other side the majority seem only to happy to help.
I will buy local essentials, but the first place I check for everything else is on-line.
Living on an Island should not be an excuse for ripping people off.
Report abuse
“Think twice buy local recycle your pound”
hmmmm…..it looks like we will be reycling our tax money to buy new banners for this campaign if you have seen the banners along the Esplanade that were only put up at the weekend, tonight 80% of them are ripped in half and are just not up to the job.
Think they might need to think twice!!!!
were they bought locally??????
Not the best advertising for the campaign, but as ever in Jersey sentiment good, execution poor but at least they have done something about it unlike other departments that can’t get around to a sex offenders register, protection for savers, sewage free beaches etc etc
Report abuse
Think Twice – Pay (at least) Twice, so some local farmer can purchase a Porsche and send his kids to private school! never!
I say think twice and pay less, make the locals bring the price down by not buying any local produce – that will bring them back down with a bump!
Report abuse
I think the problem is that before the advent of the internet, these shops could charge whatever they pleased, as the only competition was coming from the Island.
However, in the 21st Century and the Cybernetic Age, these shops need to wake up and realise that people won’t stand for it because THEY DON’T HAVE TO anymore.
It’s all well and good the States encouraging us to Buy Local, but they should also encourage these retailers to think logically and put themselves in a position where they can actually compete with UK businesses.
Wherever I can, I try to buy local produce – Jersey milk, eggs, potatoes, etc. But when a big purchase is needed, of course I am gonna look hard for value and therefore probably look elsewhere.
Report abuse
example !!! 4 years ago Plasma Tv & Bose surround system 2 shops in Jersey £5750 & £5800 4 years ago price in glasgow including 17.5 % VAT £4800,rest my case
Report abuse
jersey airport duty free 400 B&H £44 …..flybe 400 B&H £30,no doubt its to do with cramming the passangers through security soon as they check in, no doubt that since the States seem to be over charging for the ground area then the retailer has to pass it onto the customer and if it’s not the case then the airport should then tell the duty free shop to ripping us off !!!must be the deal uwe’ll charge you a fortune for the space and we’ll get the sheep in to you for a hour to part with there cash !!!!! channel perfume cheaper by £4 a bottle in Luton airport than jersey airport
Report abuse
the states are always more than happy to bring in consultants and contractors from outside the island and pay wedges of cash for shoddy jobs, but we’re supposed to keep our cash here?
Report abuse
Just watched BBC Channel Island news and discovered that the banners for Think Twice buy local wer’e made in the UK, a load of twaddle given as to the reason why!
Report abuse
Now does this sum it up or what..the “Think twice buy Local, banners fluttering along Victoria Avenue were not only ordered from and manufactured in the U.K. but are of such poor quality and design,that they are already torn and hanging in ribbons……..when you have the temerity to instruct others what to do…you just might try getting your own ducks in a row….
Report abuse
Get used to it people, It will always be a rip off Jersey!
God bless the Internet shop.
Report abuse