eBay

pldmedia · ‎07-07-2016

I'm not quite sure what to do, and I realize there's no right or wrong answer to this, but I'm not sure whether I should re-open my store and hope for the best or just keep my store closed until this mess is resolved. I realize as well that staying closed(on vacation according to ebay) is the safer bet, but I'm in a difficult position where every possible sale is needed.

Just wondering what the best(not safest) course of action would be...any thoughts would be appreciated...I'm not sure what to do.

pldmedia · ‎07-08-2016

Most of my sales come from the US, and are small($5-15). There is nowhere near enough of a potential market for what I sell locally. And with small value items couriers are out of the question. I haven't had much success with local pickup, but I certainly offer it now.

I would like to open a brick and mortar store but there are few around in the same genre(gaming and assorted stuff).

femmefan1946 · ‎07-09-2016

I would like to open a brick and mortar store but there are few around in the same genre(gaming and assorted stuff).

If you decide to take the plunge-- look for a location near a competitor.

Seriously.

It''s called destination shopping.

The idea is to get a single area where everybody goes to shop for similar goods.

Yes, there is more competition, but there are also more customers.

And don't be afraid to pay for the right location.

Rents are cheap in areas with poor security, difficult access (car or bus) and scruffy neighbours.

You want a location with a Starbucks on the block not a Money Mart.

fort2b · ‎07-09-2016

i think it's safe to stay open for the time being. Even if a lockout happens, initially it will probably be in the form of cutting back workers' hours, rather than shutting down the postal system altogether.

that way the mail keeps flowing but some financial pressure is placed on the workers, which is the goal of a lockout, in the same way a strike is intended to put financial pressure on management.

if nothing causes a resolution and at this point a resolution seems a long way away, then eventually there will be a full blown lockout or perhaps even a full blown strike. But I wouldn't expect that for another 2-4 weeks.

dutchman48 · ‎07-09-2016

A lockout means CP will close the doors period.

fort2b · ‎07-09-2016

no it doesn't....CP has already stated they will be cutting back on hours initially. The term 'lockout' gives them the power to modify the existing agreement with the union. That modification can be as severe as locking out all the workers or it can be simply reducing hours, cutting shifts etc, which they have already said they will start doing because of the reduced mail volume.

It's a smart way to proceed. Keeps the mail flowing while at the same time putting gentle pressure on the union. It's the equivalent of a union doing rotating strikes.

dutchman48 · ‎07-09-2016

Then it is really not a lockout. In 2011, they locked them out, not a game playing slowdown.

If CP does that this time around, they are no better than the union was in 2011. Game playing does not solve problems.

Lockout

A lockout is a temporary work stoppage or denial of employment initiated by the management of a company during a labor dispute.[1] This is different from a strike, in which employees refuse to work. It is usually implemented by simply refusing to admit employees onto company premises, and may include actions such as changing locks and hiring security guards for the premises. Other implementations include a fine for showing up, or a simple refusal of clocking-in on the time clock. It is therefore referred to as the antithesis of strike.[2]

fort2b · ‎07-09-2016

@dutchman48 wrote:
Then it is really not a lockout. In 2011, they locked them out, not a game playing slowdown.

If CP does that this time around, they are no better than the union was in 2011. Game playing does not solve problems.

Lockout

A lockout is a temporary work stoppage or denial of employment initiated by the management of a company during a labor dispute.[1] This is different from a strike, in which employees refuse to work. It is usually implemented by simply refusing to admit employees onto company premises, and may include actions such as changing locks and hiring security guards for the premises. Other implementations include a fine for showing up, or a simple refusal of clocking-in on the time clock. It is therefore referred to as the antithesis of strike.[2]

if you follow all the dialogue coming from CP you will see that it appears their initial intention is to simply cut back on workers' hours for now. How long that will go on I don't know but they are going to gradually build to a full lockout.

From CP's website:

"The Corporation must now respond to the rapidly deteriorating volumes and the financial impact to the business, using the means provided in the Canada Labour Code."

"Canada Post has notified the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) that it will be changing the terms and conditions of employment for all employees represented by the union "

"....the terms and conditions of the current collective agreements will no longer apply. Under the new terms and conditions, employees will continue to receive their regular pay and some benefits such as applicable prescription drug coverage. Other items will be cancelled in line with the statutory minimum conditions established under the Canada Labour Code. The Corporation will also have the flexibility to adjust staffing according to the amount of work required.

In order to take this step, Canada Post has followed the procedural requirements and issued a 72-hour notice to the union. The issuing of the notice does not necessarily mean that Canada Post will not be operating. It allows the Corporation to take measures that are necessary to respond to the changing business reality."

The same thing that gives them the authority to cut back on hours etc also gives them the authority to lockout.....it's all under the same umbrella (in essence a lockout is the most extreme form of 'cutting back on hours'.

I've just been using the term 'lockout' as a catch all because it's easier than typing 'changing the terms and conditions of employment' each time. Sorry if that was misleading.