I'm a Trader, and I've got to say that this blog has got to be a joke right?I invite comments from you all.
A recession has kicked in, and its hitting small business harder than everyone else. This is because we don't have the marketing strength / large enough customer base to sustain a reasonable volume of sales through the rough periods.
We keep strict sales information and have noticed a change in customer spending habits. Customers are purchasing fewer expensive items and focusing more on our lower price points.
If your business is flexible, and you are smart enough to identify this, and then adjust your business accordingly – you stand a good chance at riding it out.
Those that aren't smart or flexible (or just stubborn – usually the traders who have been there for twenty years+) are starting to get hit hard, and in turn blaming the market and the management for THEIR loss of trade. It's funny how this blog appeared at the same time time things started getting financially rough for us in the market.
You'd be better off spending your time improving your business rather than moaning about the market. Remember USM / GSM are just landlords, and are not responsible for your success in the market. Ha! I bet I can even guess who wrote this blog. That's so lame.
– Pennypacker
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Pennypacker writes...
I've had a delightful little comment on "Pandora's tin of worms", which so jaw-droppingly misses the point of this site that I reproduce it in its entirety here:-
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
32 comments:
Hi Pennypacker. You have some very valid points for sure. However, the problems had already set in before the credit crunch. Greenwich Market was already struggling before the latest financial downturn. When I say struggling, I mean more in terms of morale and vibe due to traders feeling uncertain of their place on the market by new management structures brought in. Maybe you are a newer trader who doesn't have a comparison? And by the way, traders who have been there for 20 years plus obviously do know how to run a business and be flexible. They have survived more than most using their business skills. If you get to run your business successfully for 20 years then I will take my hat off to you too.
I would have thought that the success of any market depends upon all factors - and that includes the effectiveness of the management as well as the effectiveness of the traders. If it's true what you say and the problems on Greenwich Market are solely due to a recession, how come some traders takings have improved at other London markets, for example Spitalfields. If GSM are just landlords as per your comment, then I really wish they would keep their noses out of our businesses.
I've been trading at Greenwich Market for the last 10 years, I also have been trading at Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Camden and Portobello for the same amount of time. I must say out of all the places I find Greenwich the most stable and most enjoyable to work- my takings are far better then Spitz, and compare to Portobello or Covent Garden, where the traders go home every morning due to lack of space or due to the state of the managers ( Portobello is very famous for coke-headed managers who don't give a damm, and look for ways to get more money to get drunk).
Over the years I've learnt the only way to keep up is to stay ahead of the times. I've learnt that the market must be treated as a stage to progress, not to settle down and expect the management to do all the work for me. Look around, if you want to start up a new business- how much money do you have to invest, how many people do you need to know, how much time does it take to get anywhere? So I think there must be a point when you move up and leave the space for somebody else.
I don't agree with the stupid comments about the system in Greenwich- it does give a little bit more chance to those who would never get it otherwise. I'm looking at Portobello, where whoever pays more gets more, at Covent Garden, where who you know matters the most, Spitz where the number of times you turn up gets you somewhere- what does it really mean? Does it make those markets any more successfull? I don't think so!
Somebody said here that their income is far better elsewhere, I must say mine isn't, so it very much depends what and how you do it. Try to invest all that time you've got to complain in something more productive, like developing your business for example!
lol, looks like Barmy's getting involved with the discussion forum
This is directed to the commentor who's been at Greenwich for 10 years. I too am a long standing permanent trader. I'm lucky enough to have a permanent stall. My life on the market is therefore really quite easy. I just get there and set up. It would be easy for me to stick my head in the sand, shove my fingers in my ears and say la la la la very loudly to try to block out all that goes on around me. But I'm sorry, I just can't. I've seen countless traders in tears. I've seen countless traders being treated differently from others. If you are able to ignore this, then I'm very pleased for you. It depends whether you just want to look after number one and be part of the "I'm alright gang" or if you want to take a more global perspective on the situation. Personally, I think the problems need to be and should be addressed by the higher bosses at GSM.
...don't think Barmy's joined the forum, if he had there's be numerous comments on how to run this blog and how it would look better if..... and of course it would all be in
V E R Y L A R G E
C A P I T A L S
obviously USM have been effected by the recession or crash, have you noticed that they have been cutting back on staff. where do they put them
Wooo! My own little article, fair play – at least you're prepared to show a little balance rather than bias.
(Speaking of bias – I love the comparison photo in the article "Every Picture Tells a Story" The images portraying the pub - one with no hanging baskets, and pretty much closed and grey, and one full of people in the mid-day summer time. What a joke, you can take two comparative photos to prove any point you like, but it's un-objective and lacks intelligence and finesse, if you had a truly valid point you wouldn't need to resort that kind of play, what I would say is that it is pretty characteristic of your work here). Weak.
Guess what guys, We run a successful business that is struggling due to the current recession, I am also a permanent trader, not only at Greenwich but also in a number of other markets too, and have been for many years. I know what I am talking about. I agree with the comments by "anonymous" (trading at Greenwich for 10 years) Very well put. You must understand that the people who genuinely get what's going on here won't find much common ground with you, not here on this weird blog or at the market. I reckon I know who you are (or who you associate with), shine on you freaks.
Yeah I get the point of this Blog, I just chose to ignore it, but I'll comment if you like: Your Blog is petty, vindictive, biased, un-objective, small minded, and you obviously have an axe to grind with Barney. It is also generally lame on a number of levels.
The irony is that you are the one who has missed the point. Remember Barney makes decisions based on what's good for the market, and not what's good for individuals, it's easy to slate the guy at the top, but trust me, he's doing a good job, you should try trading at Camden (pick any market), it's rough there, GSM are keeping the craft aspect alive, if you're importing cheap shite then you'll get fucked by the creative priority system. Live with it, you're at the wrong market.
– Pennypacker, Mr.Vonson and Dr.Van Nostrum.
So you choose to ignore this blog do you. So why post here. Go away and bother somebody who gives a damn.
Thank you for your comments, Pennypacker. You've contributed more text to my humble blog than anyone else, so I guess you must like it here. I think it's a shame you have so little feeling for other traders, who must be as worried as you about the recession. You may not agree with their views, but surely they are no less valid than your own? Do really feel your fellow traders are the enemy?
I don't think I should spend too much time being sidetracked by this, but I'd like to make a few specific comments on your last note if I may.
First, please don't swear. It's very rude and this is a family blog. It isn't big and it isn't clever. I don't want to have to edit your posts, so please pack it in. Second, do you really think the market looks better now? Whether you like my choice of pictures is immaterial - enough people remember how it was. Third, I'm delighted someone is defending Barny - I would hate this to be totally one-sided. I have no axe to grind personally, but I will pass on people's concerns if they present a good case. Any person, group or organisation that appears to be jeopardising the market's future is fair game to me. If they think I'm wrong, they're quite big enough to comment for themselves. Fourth, why are you vilifying me? I've done what to you? Finally, I believe there are much larger issues than Barny or your takings to be concerned about here. I've hinted at some and I will comment on them and others at length later.
Oh, by the way. I'm not who you think I am. What does "shine on you freaks" mean. Are you a fan of Pink Floyd who has forgotten the lyrics? Or are you suggesting a connection with a well known stall, in which case don't you think your use of the word "freaks" is a bit rude?
A reminder to all; if you wish to be given an audience here, stay calm, be nice and contribute in a constructive way. Or be amusing and entertaining - that's fine too. Working together, we can save Greenwich Market.
Relax, I reckon Penny Packer's Yanking your chain here, they're just words. If you can't take it don't give it. You've written a bunch of sly, gossipy articles anonymously, what did you expect? You surely can't be proud of that?
I don't care which way you swing it, you've stuck the boot in and it sounds like you are not keen on getting some back.
We all want the same thing, and that's a nice place to trade. Which we do in fact have. Take some photos on a nice Sunny Sunday afternoon, when the market is packed and it will tell a different story. I love the atmosphere and the people I trade with, I too also trade at other markets and find Greenwich to be the nicest, and am also finding this month a little tough, in all four of the markets I trade in!
It's your kind of attitude that IS damaging the markets future, and you don't get it yet.
I think Penny Packer's first post that you re-posted, was in fact responding to a poster in the comments section referencing the recession. Which was what what his or her post was about. You blew this up because you connected with what was written on some weird level.
This post is written in the presence of two other Greenwich market traders, one of which has been at Greenwich way longer than me, and we all agree this blog seems a little nasty, now there's three of us here, and a few others that have come out in favour of the Market and its management, Penny Packer springs to mind as one obviously. Are you sure that you are right in everything you are saying here? I get the feeling you may be slightly out of touch. It does sound like you have a personal problem with the Management, but that's just our opinion.
PS, I Don't know any Pink Floyd but I'll leave you with this:
"and they'll pinch themselves and squeal, and they'll know that it's for real – the hour that the ship comes in"
+daily
The punters come for an escape from the greyness of the working week. Greenwich market is seen as bohemian, quirky, original and good value.
If your business is nimble and give them what they want you will survive the current downturn.
It seems that wherever you go in London, market management is reviled. Is this a question of you can't please all the people all the time, or are they truly as bad as they are painted?
My own experience of Barney has been horrendous, with numerous humiliating lectures. Hardest of all have been the times I've been told to remove something from sale only to see it pop up elsewhere with his blessing.
However, those that say "look to your own business" are probably the winners in the long run as there is very little we can do about the management.
I think i found the answer to why does the person behind this blog has such a narrow minded point of view. They are obviously a trader (if they are not it would be bloody scary- only somebody with serious mental problem would waist their time for this!)who doesn't have much experience in other markets. It's very interesting how all the comments from people admitting to trade in other places are somehow positive. Do you know why? Because you know where you stand in Greenwich, even if you don't like the system- it's there and only when you are trying to ignore it you won't get anywhere. Last week about 18-20 traders (trading for 20 years or more) in Covent Garden have been asked to leave due to all sorts of reasons- how does Greenwich Market relate to their exising, permanent traders? How are they being treated? They live their peaceful life and nobody bothers them, where in fact some of the stalls are so "out of date" (no wonder they may have income problems)that market would benefit from them moving on. It is a good thing that some of them go- there is plenty of new, interesting people with ideas that can add much more to the market.
This is why, somebody who has never seen anything else apart from their 2 meters stall space will never have a right perspective.
Pennypacker Writes Again... .. .
@greenwich whiner
I didn't read your entire response, I did however read the first sentence, and you are indeed welcome.
@daily
Yep that's pretty much spot on. Regarding the quote at the bottom, that's a Dylan song, an old one as well – 1963 or 1964 (I think), nice.
@anon (above)
Yeah that's right, turn up, keep your head down, roll with the times, update your stock, your business and your attitude and finally actually have something to contribute to the market, i.e. a cool business, a cool attitude or even some originality etc. and I doubt you'll have a problem.
That is the "System" and that is Greenwich Market, if you get on board and work this out early on you don't get problems, if you try go in a different direction you'll most likely get whipped.
@all traders
Times are pretty rough in the market at the moment (and its not down to a lack of hanging baskets or sunny photos), the way we are trying to get round the down turn is by updating our stall, brighter lights, better signage etc.. Getting there earlier, staying later, new stock, lower prices, the occasional sale, and trying new things. We're working harder than we have ever worked, spending more on stock and marketing than we have ever spent, and it seems to be making a difference, we're sticking it out, and being pretty up-beat about it. I'd be really interested in hearing if anyone else has been doing anything similar or has any ideas on how to improve business in the markets. I will say that out of the 3 Stalls we have Greenwich is still performing the best by at least a couple of hundred a day.
– Pennypacker
This is just traders picking on traders again. Haven't you got anything better to do. You do your thing and let the Whistler do theirs. They don't even seem to pick on you lot who badmouth them.
I must agree with the comment about traders picking on traders. Shame on you. I am not connected with your market except as a customer and visitor. If you are examples of the kind of people working in the market, I hope it closes and you all go out of business. There seem to be some seriously twisted personalities on display here. In case you hadn't noticed this is called We Love Greenwich Market. If all you have is hatred, please stay away and let those of us who do love the market enjoy the comments. I am happy to lend my support to Whistler, though if I were them I'd shut down this site and leave you all to die out.
Actually right now I don't have anything better to do, I'm waiting for something to print (it's pretty big, it's taken nearly half an hour already and still going, it's looking nice though, I might print two actually, what do you think?).
In fact, now you mention it, every time I post, I don't actually have anything better to do, I'm either waiting in the bank, a traffic jam, printing stuff etc... go figure?
How is this traders picking on traders? If anything this is traders picking on the whiners, who were picking on Greenwich Market. If you can't reap it don't sow it.
ooh my print just finished, gotta go!
– P P P Pick up a Penguin
Drivel. I hope I'm not your friend.
A friend of mine just sent me this link, I used to trade at greenwich but had to quit to work on something else. I really enjoyed my time there. (although it was very cold in the winter which I did not enjoy!) I think everyone should lighten up a bit. Most of the comments are quite positive actually and a bit fun, except for the one above me, I would just ignore that. I still like to visit the market and am looking forward to coming back in Oktober! I hope the market is still in one pieces!
Jurgen
Thanks Jurgen. I'm not sure how the vitriol got injected into my little blog. I'm just trying to make sure that people like you have somewhere wonderful to come back to whenever you like. If you get a chance I hope you'll have a look at the other posts, now and in the future. And I do welcome your comments.
Pennypacker, couple of hundred a day- Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha almost as funny as Seinfeld (not).
I am a trader for 4 years and the market is not like before the economy is very bad at the moment but the principal problem is the amount of imported goods from china, I was surrounded by 4 stalls with Chinese products at amazing prices 2 o 3 pounds who can bite that? is not about reduce prices is about give quality products at reasonable prizes is not one pound market that is the problem we are in Shanghai market the traders who really care and try to make the own products and the one who invest in the business are affected by cheap goods who they are handmade and get priority wen are really handmade in china check your tables and look for the stickers "made in china" you will found more than one............
Whoever's said that. You make me ashamed to be human.
So where are you now Frankenstein (Whistler)? Come and face your monster.
A lot of the people sticking up for Barney seem to be the ones making the racist and homophobic comments. With friends like that! Don't think you are doing Barney any favours do you? Especially as he is not like that!
Pennypacker is right on the money! I can easily hit the £500 - £600 mark per day, but its been rough recently mostly £200 - £350 per day, that aint te markets fault. Quit yo bitchin greenwich whiner! fool.
Lets hope Inland Revenue are not logged in for all our sakes!fool
WHERE HAS THE WHISTLER GONE?
At the least we are having a debate. Thank you Greenwich Whistler for providing a platform where we can express what we feel about the downturn of Greenwich Market... yes, DOWNTURN... and yes, we should keep ourselves anonymous...without the fear of repression, or being booted to the worst stall of the market...
Even Penny Packer wants to be kept anonymous.
The management, better or worse than others at other markets, need to change - they are too controlling. Many good designers have left because they would not put up with such degrading treatment ( just because Barney is your friend and treats you well does not mean our complaints are not valid)
Of course the traders that are doing well don't care about the other 100 traders (by the way, why by doing well, you think you are better? you are no Bill Gates!) - Visitors also have complained about the market being down, the prices being steep, etc - see if anyone will visit you if only you are left there... and don't say more talented traders will replace all that is bad, because on a sunday a lot of stalls are not filled and are given for nothing to traders as a second stall.
And about the cheap chinese goods (not the chinese) - it is not because they are next to your stall that makes them the biggest threat - competition is everywhere, the high street, shops, internet.
While we squabble, are rude to each other and want to protect our cottage industry the winners will be: India and China. About time too!
I couldn't agree more with you. One of the most balanced comments on this whole blog. We could all learn a lot from taking this kind of attitude. You are right - the management are too controlling and we didn't all become self employed to be controlled did we?
Is Pennypacker an actual trader or merely someone helping out a trader's business and in bed with the 'management'? Talk about wool over the eyes whoever he (I mean) she is...
Homophobic comments render you as a complete timewaster anyway.
If you run such a successful business (despite the recession) as you say you do and clearly despise fellow traders who want to make a change, why don't you open up a shop somewhere?
-Preferably far away from those who have a better grip on reality and who actually care about the welfare of all at the market and not just their own fledgling business- sorry- your girlfriend's.
Well done, have a free wipeable washbag!
Post a Comment