FAQ
Employment
Q. How can I find employees?
A. Utilize the Retail Merchants Association's Job Postings webpage. Members create and submit job listings (no maximum limit) by using an online job ad submission form. Once job ads are received, they are approved at the Association's offices and posted to the Internet. Job ads are active for 60 days after which time they are deleted from the site. Members can call prior to the 60-day period, however, to have ads renewed.
Q. How can an employer or business obtain a criminal history record request for the purpose of a background check or a potential employee?
A. The Retail Merchants Association can provide you with forms which are mailed to the Virginia State Police accompanied by a certified check or money order for $15. This request will be processed and returned in several weeks. An electronic version is available which reduces the turnaround time to several days. There may be a one time setup fee for the software, and a fee per request still applies. A written request for inclusion in this system should be sent to the Dept. of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, PO Box 27472, Richmond, Va. 23261. You may access their web site at www.vsp.state.va.us or telephone the manager at 804-674-2070.
Q. Are pre-employment surveys available through the Retail Merchants Association?
A. Yes, the Retail Merchants Association offers Orion pre-employment surveys. Member companies can purchase Orion surveys to administer on location for $10 per survey which includes grading within 20 minutes Monday through Friday. Larger quantities of surveys are available at a cost of $7 per survey with grading software included.
Q. I want to consider implementing a drug free work place. Who might I contact?
A. Contact Ms. Robin Cagle of Trident National located in Richmond, VA. Trident National offers Retail Merchants Association members a discounted plan for drug testing along with a Model Substance Abuse Policy at no charge. Contact Trident National at 804-354-0697.
Back to topMember Services
Q. Where can I locate wage information?
A. Contact Preston Perrin at the Retail Merchants Association at 804-662-5500. He has access to local, state and national data. There is no charge to members for this data.
Q. I have insurance needs. Who can help me?
A. Merchants' Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the Retail Merchants Association can assist you with your insurance needs including hospitalization, dental, property, and casualty, long-term care, etc. Access the Retail Merchants Association insurance page or call 804-288-2913.
Q. I would like to conduct e-commerce. Who can assist me?
A. Richmond.com can assist you with a special program for selling merchandise on the Internet. Contact Sales at Richmond.com at (804-355-4500).
Back to topStore Operations
Q. What are retail costs per square foot in the greater Richmond area?
A. Mr. Brian Glass with Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates Real Estate is knowledgeable regarding retail properties. You may contact him at 804-788-1000 (ext.207)
Q. Where can I purchase store fixtures?
A. In the Richmond, Va. area, Allen Display & Store Equipment sells new fixtures and can be reached at 804-794-6032. Fixtures and Forms sells new and used fixtures and can be reached at 804-233-4443.
Q. What is the correct language on signage in a retail store regarding returned checks?
A. "A $25.00 service fee will be charged to customers whose checks are returned for any reason."
Q. What company can assist me with bar code information?
Back to topSponsorships
Q. What are the benefits of sponsoring a Retail Merchants Association Event?
A. The RMA hosts numerous events throughout the year including monthly First Friday Forums, quarterly member orientations, educational seminars, Valor Awards, Economic Forecast Breakfast and more. Sponsorships are available for these events as an opportunity for you to showcase your business in front of the audience. Contact Jenny Price at 804-662-5500 or jprice@retailmerchants.com.
Back to topMembership
Q. Who are Retail Merchants Association members?
A. Access the Retail Merchants Association web site and go to the Membership section. Member companies are listed alphabetically and categorically with address, phone number and web site address if known.
Q. What is the difference between a retail member and an associate member?
A. A retail member company has a physical or web-based retail presence, a retail business license, primarily sells tangible products to the consumer and charges a retail sales tax on those products sold. (apparel, grocery, florist) An associate member company primarily provides a professional service to the consumer. Therefore, this company has a business license other than retail and is not required to charge a retail sales tax. (financial, real estate)
Back to topAdvertising/Marketing
Q. How can I market on the Internet?
A. Utilize the Internet in conjunction with Richmond.com to market your business and gain more visibility to the consumer. Each RMA member has the opportunity to update and enhance their web presence on the Shopping Channel of Richmond.com also accessible as Shop.Richmond.com. All members can create a complimentary web presence on this site that includes logo, three images, business description, electronic map feature, keywords, location(s), telephone and more. This information is created and updated by the member at any time at no cost. Contact Preston Perrin at 804-662-5500 or pperrin@retailmerchants.com.
Back to topSeminar Information
Q. Does the Retail Merchants Association provide information such as handouts and brochures from past seminars, workshops, etc.?
A. When there are occasional requests for information from past seminars, workshops, etc., the Retail Merchants Association will make every effort to provide the information to its members. When searching for past seminar information, please check the Association's FAQ page "Seminar Information" section to see if it's available.
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