We often hear that using crew to “shop” for supplies represents better value for owners. We encourage clients to look at all the costs, including;
- Each supplier, Carrefour/Metro costs money to maintain (receipts) on [any] system.
- TVA and VAT are not properly accounted for by many consumer retailers (and cannot easily be reclaimed).
- Most retailers expect cash on delivery, credit terms are rarely available.
- Large volumes of products require transportation.
- Retailers tend not to stock all the products needed, necessitating several trips.
- Products bought in shops/markets are often not as fresh as those found in the wholesale daily markets.
- Time taken to shop is time not spent on board.
- Shopping could infringe MSN hours of rest.