Marine Business Practise reflections

Warranties and guarantees

A warranty is the manufacturer’s or trader’s guarantee that goods or services will last as long as the warranty says it will.The terms and conditions of the warranty are decided by the manufacturer or trader and might cover more or less than the Consumer Guarantees Act offers.The warranty doesn't replace your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. And the trader can’t tell you that it does.

'Guarantees' are promises made to you on the goods and services you buy. 

There are two types of guarantees:
Implied guarantees: the guarantees about the life, quality, repairs, price and servicing of goods or services given to you by law. Most of these come from the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

Express guarantees: give you guarantees over and above the guarantees given by law, about the quality, servicing etc. of a good. To get an express guarantee, you may have to fill in a card when you buy the good.

Quotations and estimates

A quotation Is a written price that the service, including parts, labour time etc is going to cost made by the serviceman. there are pros and cons to a quotation. pro being that if for example the job takes less time than in the quotation, the serviceman can still legally charge the agreed price in the quotation. though on the other hand, If the job done takes more time or costs more than intended, the customer has the right to still pay the quote previously given. A quote is a binding contract.

An estimate on the other hand, is completely different to a quotation. An estimate is a varied price given to the customer. It is a "round about" price that it will cost to do the job and can vary, for example, If a customer comes in saying there is something wrong with their outboard, it could be a minor or major job, so an estimate would be the wise descision, an estimate is unbinding, and you could say between $300-$800 depending on what needs to be fixed, though even with estimates, you haveto be careful, as if you say between certain prices, you need to stay within that range.

Charge out rates

Charge out rates are the price per hour given to the customer. charge out rates include wages of the tradesman, benifits, shop overheads, maintenance, supplies (pretty much include any cost needed for the business to run)

one of the most difficult tasks for a tradesperson is the setting of realistic charge out rates. The Business person has to be careful that they dont underprice as this will reduce profits, though at the same time they need to be aware of overcharging customers for labour and material markups, which can result in the loss of customers.

Courtesy Service

Courtesy service is very important in marine business as if you are rude to your customers, it is more than likely they will not return and you will get negative feedback about your business. Which could result in lack of income. though if you provide good, friendly service to your customers, even develop good relations with them, they will keep coming back, recommending your business to others. Remembering your customers names, using polite gestures such as introductions and handshakes, and even offering discounts/bonuses to regulars, is all part of courtesy service.

Cultural issues

Because the marine industry is a widely used service it is guaranteed that you will get to work around many different cultures. It is important be have a basic knowledge of other religions and ethnicities so that you are able to help out your clients without them feeling discriminated against or unhappy with your service.

TTEC4852 Marine Business Practice

Business Requirements:
- consumer garantees act.
- fair trading act.


Consumer guarantees act.
The consumer guarantees act sets out guarantees that goods and services must meet when sold by someone in trade. If a guarantee is not met you may have the rights against the trader or in some cases the manufacturer for a solution to put the problem right. The consumer guarantees act is the act that covers the goods ( not only new but also second hand) and services purchased domestic, personal, and household use. The 'goods' include pretty much everything in and around the home; from appliances, furnature, food, electricity etc. Services include work done by people such as tradesmen eg plumbers and builders, proffessionals such as lawyers and dentists, after sales and repair services from shops, and all services you get from insurers, gas stations etc- If you pay for it, Its covered. the act even also applies to gifts- if you are given something, you have the same rights as if you bought it yourself, it also applies to items that you hire.


fair Trading act.
The fair trading act makes it illegal for traders to mislead the consumers, give them false information, or use unfair trading practises. The act applies to advertising and selling of goods by traders.
It applies to services, new and second ahnd items, commercial sales, and auctions. But the fair trading act, does not cover private sales eg. purchasing something off your neighbour, or garage sale etc.


Industry Rules, Regulations, and legislation
(marine industry)


Health and safety in employment.
The health and safety in employment act is to promote the prevention of harm to all people at work, others in, or in the vacinity of, places of work. The emphasis of the law is on the systematic management of health and safety at work. it requires employers and others to maintain safe working environments, and implement sound practise. It recognises that successful health and safety management is best achieved through good faith cooperation in the work place and , and through the input of the employees. It is essential for the manager to offer training to staff so they can safely operate any dangerous equipment and to advise and enforce the wear of protective gear eg steel capped boots, safety glasses, overalls etc. There must also be good ventillation in the workshop to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if engines are being run there


Council by-laws
A bylaw is a local rule or regulation made by the council which affects the community. The consequences of not complying with a rule can range from fines, seizure of property and remedial action. there are many council bylaws in place that affect the marine engineering industry; the proper disposal of hazardous waste, this includes, oil, brake fluids, solvents, and batterys etc. Also 'noise' comes into play. The council will not allow you to set up a marine engineering workshop in residentual areas due to the noise pollution caused by running the engines, machinery etc.

Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods is a large part of the marine industry as there is handelling of oil, brake fluids, solvents, batteries and more. To work around dangerous goods, proper training is required, e.g. how to handle used batteries, dispose of oils and how to correctly and safely use solvents, and correctly storing hazardous materials. There are NZQA unit standards for this area.

Trailer service regulations
land transport rules and regulations


All trailers must have:
-A current wof and reg on display
-Front position lamps,rear position lamps, stoplights, reflectors, registration plate lamps, direction indicators.
-saftety chain and correct sized coupling for towball.


A light and heavy vehicle towing a trailer is limited to a maximum open road speed of 90km/h.
If the furtherest end point of the boat (including motor) exceeds 1m from the end point of the trailer, a white, red, orange or yellow flourescent flag 400mmx300mm must be attatched to the prop of the outboard (furtherest point). during night time hours, this must be replaced by a visable light (red lamp) thatg can be seen atleat 200m away.

Sources:

www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

www.nzta.govt.nz

www.osh.dol.govt.nz

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

BY:

Jaedn Herbison