16 CRAFTBUTCHER l MAY 2017 NET


WEIGHT/ GROSS WEIGHT


lobbying by the Federation and others some years ago the regulators accepted that basic packaging was important for a variety of reasons including hygiene. It was also recognised that it was not always practical for retailers to package the goods only on the scales. It was decided therefore to


permit sales by gross weight provided that the packaging does not exceed 5g or if gross weight is more than 500g at a rate of 10g per Kg of the gross weight. Using good waxed/


RICHARD STEVENSON, TECHNICAL MANAGER Delivering advice to Members


THIS subject oſten causes confusion and I am frequently asked about it. Net weight means the


weight of goods alone without the bag, wrapper or container etc., whereas gross weight is the weight of the goods plus any packaging. Weights and Measures


legislation generally requires businesses to sell products by net weight which is why many shops always tare the packaging first on the scales before introducing the product. However it is not in fact always necessary to tare. Following successful


greaseproof wrappings and bags etc. is important these days if you want to present a professional and quality image and can increase sales. If you remember not to tare or zero your packaging that qualifies for the exemption you are helping to alleviate their extra cost. Upgrading your packaging materials need not


MEMBERS ADVICE


certainly do, and they of course take full advantage. Tere are some great new


and innovative packaging products out there, many of which can be customised and branded with your name and logo etc. I suggest that you investigate the world of quality packaging if you haven’t already done so- it really can improve your marketing as well as your customer service.


TRAINING STAFF IN GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE Improving the service to your customers, and particularly training your staff on this vital subject, is an ongoing aim for any business. Tere are many good


guides on how to achieve this and one that is very relevant to butchers is contained within the Meat Education Programme from AHDB Beef and Lamb. I would recommend that you check it out at: www. qsmbeefandlambmep. co.uk One section in


particular caught my eye because it is very relevant to my previous comments on packaging.


therefore be as expensive as you imagine. I am always surprised how


Dibal CB_Layout 1 20/10/2014 12:30 Page 1


many butchers don’t know about this provision in the regulations. Supermarkets


Remember that


everything you do and say is in front of the customer and you can be sure that they will be watching your every move, so:


• Work with urgency while showing respect for the item in question – treat all products with great care and attention – like a valuable diamond, aſter all, meat is an expensive commodity


• Remove each item from the display counter and package appropriately and hygienically. Te customer is watching how you treat their piece of meat that will soon be their lunch or dinner. Mistreat it and they could well ask you to change it or even cancel the order all together.


• Seal the package securely and carefully so there will be no mess or spillage. Tis level of attention to detail will be both noticed and appreciated and further builds trust and loyalty between the business and the customer.


UNDERPAYING EMPLOYERS NAMED AND SHAMED Last month we reminded you about the new minimum and living wage rates from 1st April. A recent report from the


Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) named and shamed 359 businesses across the country for failing to comply. As a result around 15,000 workers had a total of nearly £1 m paid to them and the businesses were additionally fined a total of £800,000.


500Range


Scaling new heights in product quality and range choice. D900 Series


CS 1100 PC Touch


The Most Comprehensive Range of Label & Receipt Printing Scales


TouchScreen Scales have just become very affordable


15” Frameless Screen – with all the power a scale could need


UK LIMITED


For further information of the extensive Dibal range please contact us at:


Unit 6 Heathlands Close Twickenham Middlesex TW14AP


info@dibal.co.uk www.dibal.co.uk Tel: 0208 892 9465 Fax: 0208 892 8901


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20