Common market abuses that traders do not support

Fruits, vegetables, cheese, flowers… The place of life and meeting, going to the market is always a pleasant moment. If you like to walk among the delicious products, you easily forget that you are in the workplace of merchants. Monique Rubin, president of the National Federation of French Markets, lists the eternal blunders that we’ve all done at least once without even realizing it, and which infuriate traders.

Prices warmly negotiated

For Monique Rubin, price negotiations are an integral part of market culture. “Back then, the market was an area of ​​negotiation, and it still is in many cultures. In France, our markets are very cosmopolitan, both for traders and customers. So negotiations do not hurt. If the bargain is welcome, then it must be carried out according to the rules of art. “I sell hats at markets,” he continues, “and it’s always nice to make a price for a regular customer or someone ‘respectable, sympathetic’.” . On the other hand, a client who negotiates non-stop, who tells me from the beginning: “I give you so much”, no, I can’t stand it. Negotiation policies to remember if you want to do good business.

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Manage products

Look, touch, smell, exchange… Going to the market is almost a bodily experience. But after Covid-19, everything has changed a lot. “In the past, our merchants would sell everything in bulk and let customers help themselves. But when the pandemic hit, customers were banned from handling the products. Some merchants were very worried about it, they were afraid of losing their customers. To their surprise, they discovered an indisputable advantage. One of them even told me that he saves an average of three boxes of fresh produce a day. Since then, many have opted to provide small pre-made baskets.’

Examples of abuse

“The market is a friendly, welcoming and very human place. Generally, all parties involved are respectful.” It happens, however, that some customers try to abuse the generosity of sellers. “Sometimes some people cheat by adding a strawberry or two to their tray, for example. So, the trader there will probably hold back,” the specialist smiles. The same applies to samples available to viewers. “If a customer complains, comments negatively on the product and then doesn’t buy anything, then yes, it will be perceived badly. It’s all about respect. Traders like to share, so if we meet an inquisitive, friendly customer, we will be happy to give him a piece of cheese,” concludes Monique Rubin.

Buy from street vendors

In France, street trade causes big conflicts with merchants. “By selling fakes, we face serious problems of dishonesty, which sometimes leads to serious conflict situations.” By paying all taxes, street vendors offer much more profitable prices and attract a segment of customers. Thus, we avoid those “wild trades” and stick to the regulars of the markets.

Take photos of handmade creations

In the age of social media, any excuse is a good one to take a photo. “Fruits, vegetables… I find it very beautiful and I regularly ask permission to take photos.” If there is no downside to perpetuating fresh produce, it becomes problematic when it comes to artisan creations. to forge. There we make faces, especially when they are original creations of artisans,” explains Monique Rubin. For the specialist, it is enough to simply ask the merchant’s permission, and not to take out his laptop, after all, not so discreetly.

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