It’s been a long time that I have actually placed anything out there of my direct opinion on things, if ever. Here’s something that I ask that people consider going into the Holidays (or any given day for that fact).
So often these days of technology we do most, if not all our research on the internet, unfortunate for the days of the local library. But like the local library, many local shops are disappearing and closing down. We don’t visit them, we don’t know how to use them anymore, we don’t know the people who work the counters or assist with finding that special book that allow us to sit at a table or comfy chair and read or may be meet a person that may share a common interest. Why should we when we can get on the internet and research or read that book?
Well, there’s two sides to that coin. One answer may be because we are creating that whirlpool that causes that local library to disappear. As well as those local stores.
I had a friend on FaceBook who was boasting about how much he saved on tires for his car via an internet site. I had to reply to the fact that each purchase, even those we save some money on, hurts the local economy, the local Ma & Pa Shop. The local neighbor who works in those shops. Yet we complain that our local economy is faltering, or that favorite local shop(s) is gone. I can still guarantee that he made up for that savings in shipping cost and install cost because the local shop typically does not charge as much when they are installing the tires that are purchased from them.
As a business owner we are sometimes questioned/haggled on price. That is just business. I would rather have a client inquire on the cost of a product and ask if I can meet or beat the price, than have them purchase all their product and ask us to install it – most custom AV companies will not install client purchased product anyhow. We actually invite clients to speak to us in this regard upon our first proposal budget meeting. If we can help them out, then we do. If they can get a better price elsewhere then we still assist in reviewing the product is compatible with the custom automation system we are installing for them.
I see both sides of the business. This is why I don’t mind paying a little more to my local shop or local restaurant. It comes with a person who generally works in my local town, who may be my neighbor, may have a local family to support, may share a common interest. [...CK]
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