This is the Government owned Post Office opposite my newsagency as of yesterday. Looking more like a newsagency every day. See the Valentines card display in the entrance?
I wasn’t going to post the photo here, fearing some would think I am obsessed about Australia Post. Maybe I am. Maybe you would be too if a 100% government owned business was taking sales from your shop. I don’t have an exclusive product like stamps to guarantee traffic.
This makes me so mad with frustration? You got no argument with me. I want you to think outside the square, possibly with some attention grabbing and maybe a “reaction” will come a knocking. Get a few supporters, I am one of them and place a full page advert in a national newspaper for a day>>>>>>> a week to share with the public whats going on, its legalised corruption (abuse of power) by the government. This would be worth every cent and will let other business’s know whats is going on and more.
As a Licensed Post Office owner, I would like to comment about the two previous posts.
The Australia Post Retail network is made up of privately owned and government owned outlets.
Australia Post is a business comprising of mail logistics, bill processing and retail products. No retail outlet can operate on the acceptance of mail lodgements and stamp sales alone. This is why Post handles bill processing and retail sales.
The retail products range from stationery to giftware. Other specialties include collectable coins and stamps.
Each revenue area must be profitable in its own right and as consumer trends change, Australia Post and it’s affiliates are always exploring new ways to increase revenue.
Yes stamps are exclusive to Post outlets and qualifying Post Points.
On the flip side government owned Post Offices aren’t allowed to have a Lotto agency for example. In fact government Post Offices can only source stock from Australia Post Warehouses.
A Licensed Outlet can have an in-conjunction business that may include a lotto agency. But a licensed outlet is privately owned and operated.
If you are worried about competition, then perhaps the dynamics of retail is too confusing for you. You should try something something a bit more tame to do with your time like knitting.
I have some of the most fierce competitors under my nose like Target.. who operate a mere 10 meters from my store, and stock about 70% of my product range sometimes at retail prices that are less than my buy prices.
But rather than say.. “oh no, a giant company is a big bully and they have excusive products and cheap prices and valentines day cards boo hoo…”
I use them for smart merchandising ideas, I draw passing trade from them and they draw passing trade from me.
I find items that they don’t have yet and compete compete compete.
So for all the cry babies that are going to complain about competition… if you have an eye for location, service, product and price you too can be successful.
If it isn’t working out.. then as I said before.. knitting or some other craft classes may be more suited for you.
BTW most retail chains have exclusive product.
Paul, There is no retail business with a government protected monopoly. As I have written in this place, my only concern is with the government owned stores. Australia Post and the government only created this problem after I bought my newsagency.
Either Mr Howard is serious about small business or not. His inaction in 111 years suggests he is not.
Mark
Paul,
There is a significant difference between “exclusive product” and a legislated monopoly on product. The former comes from commercial negotiation, the latter is provided without influence from the normal commercial environment.
Competition is positive – the newsagency industry needs embrace it. But should anyone have to compete directly with the government in a situation where they maintain their own monopoly?