Employment and Consumer Advisory Service

Our employment relations and consumer legislation advisory team performs a key role for all New Zealand Retailers Association / New Zealand Sports Industry Association members.

Our Advisory Team offers members:

· Advice on all employment and consumer issues.

· Help when resolving employment and consumer disputes, assistance in preparing employment agreements, correspondence and other documentation.

· Advice on staff theft and shoplifting.

· A full range of circulars and easy-to-use guides to help you manage employment and business issues, plus our annual retail wages survey.

Our Advisory staff are experienced professionals with a wealth of practical knowledge and skill. They can assist with the practical application of legislation affecting retail and can help you resolve   problems to achieve the best for your business.

To speak with our advisors call the freephone 0800 472 472  or email rhanrahan@retail.org.nz or kowen@retail.org.nz

Please have your membership number ready.

Viaduct is the New Zealand Retailers Association’s  national eftpos supplier. Every NZRA member qualifies for special  offers that can save you over $600 per year.

Offers include a 10% discount off the entire range  of  terminals, free branding on your eftpos receipts when you upgrade to a Hypercom terminal, and more.

Email helpline@retail.org.nz to take up this offer

Have you upgraded your eftpos terminal?

To ensure you have an operational machine and are able to process customer transactions EFTPOS terminals must be upgraded to a 6.0 version before 1st June 2011. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Failure to upgrade will mean being disconnected from the network from June 1st. Check the status of your terminal at http://www.areyouready.co.nz

Upgrade NOW by calling 0800 472 472, option 2

 Lease Drafting & Negotiation

Don’t try and negotiate this yourself, phone our   leasing consultant for expert advice and help.

· Our resident expert in the field is John Starr who is a highly experienced retail property consultant.

· Areas that John can cover for you include:

· The steps and processes involved in taking a lease of premises

· The documentation involved

· The negotiation process—what questions to ask and what information to seek

· How to deal with real estate agents, owners and developers

· Clarification and interpretation of lease documentation clauses

· Landlord/tenants rights and obligations under leases

· Options and strategies when faced with problems arising from the lease

· The various areas of action provided for in the lease—renewal of lease, rental review, outgoings, obligations, assignment of the lease, subleasing of the premises etc

· The various professionals involved in the property area, and how and when to use them

To contact John Starr — Phone: 09 476 6318

Email: johns@rdls.co.nz

Have your membership number ready

Take advantage of this member  benefit...

The Request for Supplier Action Book  and the Sell on Behalf Agreement books are available, for your convenience, free of charge.

Fax your order to 09 845 3551

Phone 09 845 3550

Or email nzsia@retail.org.nz

YOU MUST BE A CURRENT FINANCIAL MEMBER.

Limit of three books per order.

Credit Cards Commission Rate: The NZSIA has negotiated a special commission rate with Westpac on Visa and Mastercard transactions, irrespective of turnover. This concessional rate is available to financial members of the NZSIA as follows:

Credit Card Rate:  1.33%  if average ticket size is over $150.00 otherwise  1.40%    

Stationery:  An offer from OfficeMax to purchase office supplies at special pricing and receive up to 50% discount on a core range of products.

Legislative Matters/Compliances Issues: Please access http://www.retail.org.nz";"">http://www.retail.org.nz for information on matters such as employment agreements, disciplinary matters, health & safety, public holidays etc

Overseas Trade Statistics: A quarterly report from Statistics NZ on the quantity and value of imported sports products.

Wages and Salary Survey: An annual salary survey covering Shop Assistants, Representatives, Clerical and Warehouse staff. Regional and national data available.

Requirements for Credit/Replacement of Goods Book: The NZSIA has put together a book of the above forms to assist in the streamlining of goods returned by dealer members to suppliers for credit or replacement. They are available upon request from the NZSIA office. Limit of 3 per order.

Sell on Behalf Agreement Books: The NZSIA has put together this booklet to help streamline this procedure. Available on request.

Store Appraisal Service: See your store through another pair of eyes. "Research shows that a customer captures up to 70% of a store's image as a result of those first impressions gained at the the initial shopping encounter  -  and those first impressions are absorbed within the first 10 seconds." John Stanley  

Sports Playing Areas:  Sports playing areas, dimensions and equipment specifications now available on the web site.

• Counterfeit Product
The NZSIA has been active in this area and will continue action and to support suppliers.

• Submissions to Government:
Your association has made submission on your behalf on legislation your Board considered contrary to members interest including:

• Consultation with Government on Firearms Legislation;
• Consultation with Government on Queen’s Chain Legislation;
• Consultation with Government on Recreational Fishermen’s Rights;
• Consultation with Government on Consumers Guarantee Bill;
• Consultation with Government on Gas Appliance Safety.

Consultation with Government on De minimis

Consultation with Government on Knife Accord

• New Zealand Recreational Fishing:
We have a representative of your association on this council who takes an active role. http://www.recfish.co.nz";">http://www.recfish.co.nz

• New Zealand Mountain Safety Council:
We have a representative on this council who plays an active role.

 ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW ZEALAND RETAILERS ASSOCIATION?

Do you know that as a member of the Sports Industry Association your  business is also a member of the New Zealand Retailers Association? As an NZRA member you have access to a range of business services and trading discounts.

· Specialist advice and consultation on employment matters, property leasing,    security, retail business management and trading compliance. Call the advisory team freephone on 0800 472 472.

· Regular industry information, including the NZ Retail  Magazine, The Notes and a range of member only down-loads from the website. http://www.retail.org.nz

· Country wide events and training sessions. For more details call the events team on 0800 472 472

· Discounted credit card processing rates and discounted business/personal  banking with Westpac. Call 0800 472 472

· Discounted landline and mobile packages with Telecom.  Call 0800 472 472

· Great insurance deals, with retail specific packages offered by Broker Web. Call 0800 472 472

Power up your business

Meridian and the New Zealand Retailers Association have teamed up to provide you with all your energy needs.   Meridian is 100% New Zealand owned and    committed to the  environment.

The Savings

Meridian’s relationship with the New Zealand Retailers  Association gives members access to a range of benefits including a 12% discount on your electricity account (10% for prompt payment plus an additional 2% members’ only discount for those who pay their account in full on time each month).

The Benefits

· Current electricity bill analysis: Before signing  members up to the offer, Meridian will discuss with you your existing electricity arrangements and work with you to find a plan and rate that suits your  business.

· Changing is easy: No application fees, no  interruptions  -  the only difference you should  notice are that your  payment is now via direct debit and if you pay on time you will be receiving a 12% prompt payment discount.

Meridian Partner Premium Pack

NZRA members are also eligible for the Meridian Partner Premium Pack. This includes:

· A dedicated account manager to look after your business.

· You can receive your bills via email and get a txt  reminder when your payment is due.

· You can enter your meter readings and check your account details online.

· The choice to fix your electricity rate for two years, so you always know the rate you are paying.