Trade section

[pink]

In light of recent posts and threads regarding the reptile industry being under attack, I sense a feeling amongst traders wanting to put their heads together to discuss problems we are facing, is it possible to have a Trade access only section to this forum?

[t-bo]

If this will be of use I have no problem setting it up. Where is the line drawn for traders, would this be just for bricks and morter shops? and are we sure it will actualy be used?

[pink]

The answers to that I dont know, I read some interesting posts from Scott W of captive bred that were calling for a unification amongst shops, I have read posts on people wanting unification of breeders associations, etc etc, I personally as a trader would like a forum to discuss "industry" related issues without hinderence. So I guess its down to other traders (and there are a lot on here) to come forward to see if we all want to sit round the table as it were! to discuss problems our industry faces, By using a neutral ground forum such as this one its a good opportunity for those of us directly involved in the trade ( i.e those of us doing the business not talking it) to get our heads together. So is anybody really interested?

[TSKA Rory Matier]

Well Pink,

Suddenly extremely disillusioned, with todays pro politics, l find that we may have no option but to try and develop something where upon traders can unite.

For l fear if something is not done soon, we may be up shit creek!!

[Faith]

How would you police a trade section from the non traders?
Define a trader?
Also is there a reason not to include all reptile keepers? the same way the forum for 18+ works may be a good idea so that people apply to join that part of the forum and get accepted or refused on what ever it is you want to keep out or let in ?

[o0oTonyo0o]

Make a sticky poll on the most popular forum and let users decide.

I'm sure if some users don't use the most popul;ar forums, the word will still spread so everyone can have their vote.

Personally i'm in favour of this and I am not a trader, i just think it would be something I would like, if I were a trader.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Faith

How would you police a trade section from the non traders?
Define a trader?
Also is there a reason not to include all reptile keepers? the same way the forum for 18+ works may be a good idea so that people apply to join that part of the forum and get accepted or refused on what ever it is you want to keep out or let in ?

I would define a trader as someone whose main business or livelihood is in the reptile trade.

[pink]

well hopefully traders will read this and come forward to make there feelings known, as we dont want to waste T-Bo's time creating a sub section if it will not be used.

The way I see things at the moment is there are a number of great individuals all pulling their own way at the moment with no common goal.

Christ even if we can say we belong to an association of RFUK trade members thats a start!

Heres my criteria for trade, others add if you wish...

either/or...

1, Valid pet shop licence
2, Valid VAT registration number
3, valid company registration number

or proof of self employed status?

[Athravan]

I would be happy to participate in a trade section.

I do think it would have to be traders only to be useful... and by that I mean either an online store, a bricks and mortars store, a registered self employed reptile/exotic business, a PSL holder, or an employee of one of the above.. obviously just not bosses, it would probably be relevant for employees of companies/businesses to discuss things also. It could also be argued that organisations such as charities, rescues or the committee of hobbyist groups fall into a "trader" section.

[pink]

The point of a trade only section would be the open discussion amongst traders of things directly affecting them, i.e what wholesalers are not supporting REPTA, i.e things that have little relevance to Joe public.

And us traders are cagey fellows, we dont like discussing business outside of our closed circles,

I think people such as Rory and Chris Newman should be allowed "in" as it were as they are both busy beavering away at stuff and theres no point reinventing the wheel,