The purpose of this policy is to ensure that interactions between Belleville Market Merchants and Guest Services Associates remain professional, respectful, and impartial at all times. Both merchants and Guest Services Associates play a vital role in creating a positive and welcoming environment for our customers, and maintaining clear boundaries in their professional relationship is essential.
Maintaining Professional Relationships
Merchants and Guest Services Associates must adhere to the following guidelines to foster a professional and collaborative environment:
1. Respecting Roles and Responsibilities
- Guest Services Associates are responsible for assisting customers and providing general market information. They are not responsible for merchant operations or business management.
- Merchants should direct all operational inquiries or concerns to Belleville Market Administration rather than Guest Services staff.
2. Confidentiality and Discretion
- Guest Services Associates and Merchants must respect privacy by not discussing or sharing confidential business information with others.
- Conversations about other Merchants, business practices, sales performance, or internal conflicts should be avoided.
- Guest Services Associates should not discuss information pertaining to store operations, including but not limited to sales figures, business strategies, or inventory levels.
- Any questions related to store operations should be directed to Belleville Market Administration.
- Information regarding one Merchant should not be shared with another Merchant.
- Guest Services should not engage in negative conversations regarding Merchants and Market operations.
3. Addressing Concerns Professionally
- Merchants with concerns regarding their business, other Merchants, or Market policies should bring them to Belleville Market Administration rather than Guest Services staff.
- Guest Services Associates should refrain from offering opinions or attempting to resolve merchant disputes.
- If a Merchant has an issue, complaint, or request regarding their selling area, another Merchant, or Market operations, they should be directed to the appropriate Belleville Market Administrative Staff.
- Guest Services Associates should not attempt to mediate or resolve Merchant disputes.
4. Customer-Focused Interactions
- Guest Services Associates’ primary role is to assist customers and enhance their shopping experience.
- Guest Services interactions should prioritize customer needs and inquiries over Merchant-related discussions.
- Merchants should not expect Guest Services to assist with their business operations, as the primary role of Guest Services is to support and guide customers.
- Both parties should work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
5. Restricted Topics of Discussion
- Sales figures, revenue, or pricing strategies of both the store and any Merchant.
- Internal conflicts or disputes within the Market.
- Personal opinions on the success, business strategies, or competitiveness of other Merchants and the market as a whole.
- Market gossip, speculation, or any conversation that may compromise professionalism.
6. Handling Inappropriate Behavior
- All interactions between Merchants and Guest Services associates should be conducted with respect and professionalism.
- If a Guest Services Representative or merchant experiences unprofessional, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior from the other party, the incident should be reported to Belleville Market Administration immediately.
- If a conversation or situation becomes uncomfortable, individuals should disengage and seek support from a supervisor or security if necessary.
- Belleville Market Administration will take appropriate action to maintain a respectful and professional environment for all.
By following this policy, both Merchants and Guest Services associates contribute to a professional, neutral, and customer-focused environment that fosters positive interactions and a thriving marketplace.