The Melbourne event – hosted by the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) – will incorporate the annual Victorian and Tasmanian branch meeting; however, JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said wider-reaching subjects would also be addressed.
Hunter explained that the meeting would provide jewellery retailers with a chance to speak with JAA board members about the new accreditation initiative, and to gain a greater understanding of how accreditation could improve their businesses.
“As the accreditation program is new, being able to hear it explained face to face and ask questions is an important part of the launch process,” Hunter stated. “We hope to help organisations see how the program can assist the industry, the business, the individual and the consumer, as it is a complex yet beneficial program.”
Another key issue that will be broached at the meeting is Australian Consumer Law and the impact it has had on the jewellery industry. Hunter said jewellers needed to be aware of the rules surrounding two-price advertising.
“Jewellery retailers also need to understand consumer rights with regard to the important areas of guarantees, warranties and exchanges – all important when trust is crucial in our industry,” she continued.
JAA board director and Code of Conduct chair Colin Pocklington said the association was concerned that retailers were not taking the necessary time to understand consumer law.
“We’ve seen many owners put their businesses at risk over the past few years, but with the outcomes of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) cases against jewellery retailers bringing change to our industry, the risk of fines, loss or more is a real possibility.
“It’s the JAA’s role to help protect our industry, and we hope that our free presentations [such as this] will go some way to helping,” he said.
The role of the JAA Code of Conduct and correct complaint lodgement procedures will also be covered during the presentation.
Hunter noted that a similar meeting had been held in Western Australia in April this year, which had been well received.
She added that the JAA was considering holding similar information sessions in other states or hosting a webinar event.
The Melbourne meeting will take place on Thursday 2 July.
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