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STOKVELS
www.spotongmag.co.za
GROCERY STOKVELS, PLAN FOR YOUR END-OF-YEAR BULK-BUYING Follow these tips to make your shopping trip a success
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t is that time of the year again when stokvels start preparing to buy their end-of-year groceries in bulk. From booking transport services to making sure that you get the bulk-buying deals that you need, there are a number of factors to deal with and careful planning must be made. Before you choose your store or supplier, the following factors need to be taken into consideration:
Choosing your store • Secure shopping environment: Does the store offer a secure shopping environment with electronic funds transfer facilities, which are safer than cash payments? • Stock availability: Does the store have enough stock and brands to meet your needs? It is wise to check well in advance if the store or supplier will have sufficient stock of the exact brands and products that you want. This will prevent unnecessary money being spent on brands and products that were not decided on within your stokvel group. • Location: Is the store in a convenient and safe location? Taking into consideration transport costs, is the store or supplier far from where your goods need to be delivered? • Pre-orders and stock picking: Is there a store assistant that helps with picking and checking your order? Are you able to pre-order online or telephonically?
• Deliveries: Does the store offer a delivery service or can it assist you with a reliable service provider? If the store doesn’t have that option, it is advisable to only book reputable transport services to deliver your groceries. Choose someone you know or who has assisted you in the past. The transport service provider must have contactable references. • Extended hours: Does the store offer extended hours for stokvel pre-orders? • After-sales support: What is the store procedures and rules regarding incorrect orders, damaged stock and payment disputes? Should something go wrong, is the store willing to assist in rectifying the problem?
How much do I buy? It is important to sit down with all stokvel members and decide how much stock of each item will be purchased. Consider the family size of each stokvel member. Buying in bulk not only saves you money but also saves you time as the items purchased will last for a long time. Keep in mind the storage facilities that each member has as well as perishable items that will be bought in bulk.
Expiry dates Do not purchase and accept goods with expired dates or dates that will soon expire. It is best to check the expiry date on each item while you are at the store. Even better, give the responsibility of
checking expiry dates on each item to all members of the stokvel group who will be assisting at the store. This is a quicker way to check for not only expired goods, but for damaged packaging and so on as well.
Storage facilities at home Consider your storage facilities before buying groceries in bulk. Check instructions on each product’s packaging for the proper storage requirements. Poor storage will affect the product quality and it will not last as long as you had hoped. Proper storage will ensure freshness and keeps the nutritional value of the product. Incorrect storage of products may lead to an infestation of cockroaches and rats. Stock up on sealable storage containers and plastic wrap before your products arrive at home.
Know your consumer rights Knowledge is power and if you are not satisfied with the service from a store, speak up immediately. You have a right to high quality goods and services. Suppliers are not allowed to vary the quality of a product or service in a discriminatory manner. All consumers should be treated equally, irrespective of gender, race, socioeconomic status or their geographic locations.
