Further to my brief post yesterday about changes to Tatts lottery fit out requirements, any newsagent facing a re-fit in the next three to six months should, in my view:
- Immediately write to Tatts asking that they timing be put on hold until they, Tatts, issue new guidelines. Explain that you have heard that some Tatts area representatives have acknowledged that the guidelines have changed. Seek immediate clarification. Send the letter by registered mail, fax and email. If your fit in weeks away, mark it URGENT.
- Take time to look at a 7-Eleven with Tatts products. Their spend requirement is minimal – less than $5,000.
- Take time to look at a Coles Express with Tatts products. Their spend requirement is minimal – less than $2,000.
- Review your business plan and determine from your projections over the course of ownership of the agency what a justifiable capital expenditure on the Tatts fit-out would be. In other words, spend according to your business plan and not the Tatts requirement.
- If Tatts is immovable, bring the matter before an appropriate mediation / dispute resolution authority in your area: QCAT, VCAT, CTTT, Small Business Commissioner.
- Also advise the ACCC of what you are required to do and draw their attention to the different standards for 7-Eleven and Coles. While various associations are making a collective case, individuals should too.
- Spend what is commercially appropriate to your business.
I am confident in my information that Tatts employees have advised some Tatts agents that there has been a change to guidelines.
If I was facing a re-fit I’d immediately put it on hold until I know the facts and revisit my commercial plans. It would be unwise of Tatts to pressure you i the absence of documented clarity on the changes.
Just received this from a newsagent this morning:
The shopfitters have all been briefed on the changes. I am told they already know details.
As I understand it the refit goes from a $55K fit to a $22K fit. The false ceiling bit has gone, some signage has gone etc etc
WTF?
$22k is more than 4 times what 7 Eleven has to pay so that’s still a rip off for newsagents.
Jenny – hence the need for the matter to be dealt with in a formal way. Newsagents individually need to complain.
Hi Mark,
I am about to become a new owner of a newsagency. The transer of ownership will be completed in one month time if everything goes smoothly. When will I be asked to do the lottery fitout once I takeover the shop?
INTERESTING AGE ARTICLE THIS MORNING, ALL ABOUT ONLINE FROM TATTS
“The company is poised to begin selling scratch lottery tickets in supermarkets after trialling in Coles Express outlets”
That’s just lovely isn’t it?