Comments on: Should You Support Local Businesses at All Costs?

By: Start-Up

Start-Up — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:35:32 +0000

What are your thoughts on losing your longtime head football coach and having him replaced by an NFL scarred head coach? At least he’s bringing his dad along who is a defensive genius.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:23:48 +0000

@TSTRUMP: Thanks for commenting. When the local stores close, others will open up. The cycle of capitalism will continue. (In my opinion.)

By: TStrump

TStrump — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:31:12 +0000

Buying local is definitely better, but sometimes, it’s hard to not be seduced by the cheap prices at these big stores.
Plus, the big box stores have better return policies and frequently, customer service.
Of course, the scary thing is, what will happen to prices when all the local stores have had to close?

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Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:49:21 +0000

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By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:30:50 +0000

@Philip: Good point about the expertise and bending over backwards to help you out during the race.

@ToughMoneyLove: Good point. I wouldn’t say most small businesses in our area fail that proposition, but it is unique as well.

@Kate: Sounds like you a really lucky to be surrounded by so much.

@Christina: Then again how many local suppliers do you have for stuff that is sold primarily online? That is, do you have a bunch of expensive computer shops locally?

@Russell: It’s a delicate balance…

@Frugal Bachelor: Good point about the taxes. Then again if the company’s profits are also taxed in your area, that’s more going into the local economy (rather than Bentonville).

By: Philip

Philip — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:58:03 +0000

@FB – What are your thoughts on this topic in regards to your out of country travel and what kind of stores you shop at during those time and how you think it affects the economy?

By: Frugal Bachelor

Frugal Bachelor — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:49:19 +0000

I put zero extra value on local businesses. I choose small versus large based strictly on pricing and quality. I usually prefer large stores because I walk around without being bothered. I find “personal service” at the smaller stores to be annoying. When I go shopping, I want to find what I want, pay for it, and then leave, with minimum of hassle. Also smaller stores tend to have more rules, e.g. credit card minimums, and usually have inferior internet presence so they are hard to find out about unless you seek them out.

Of course if the smaller business has better deal I will purchase it there, and for certain businesses (such as restaurants) it is typical for the smaller business to have better quality for the money.

When you shop at local chain stores you are still supporting the local economy because the workers are local, also any sales taxes, even if the razor thin margins are going to Bentonville. Most stuff is made in China anyways so it doesn’t really matter what store you buy it at.

By: Russell Fascenda

Russell Fascenda — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:47:21 +0000

I’m with Christina, and it’s more than just a loyalty to local businesses. Kevin pointed out how the national chain has pricing power because of their volume. That must cut into the profits of the vendor, I wonder who makes up for that? You know who, the smaller local merchants. As more smaller stores disappear, who is going to make up the profits then? I think nobody, and WalMart might be the only store in town by then, but they won’t be able to maintain those low prices. And that will take a lot more income out of the local community.

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:49:31 +0000

This is a question I ask myself frequently. I live in a rural area where you know WHO you are supporting. And you know that the more shopping you do online (at a cheaper cost), the more local options will start to disappear. it’s a tough call.

By: Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife

Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:49:59 +0000

When it comes to my food, yes, a very large percentage of it is local. True, a lot of it I grow or raise myself, so that’s not a normal purchase. But almost all of the meat and fish I buy, and some of the dairy as well, is from local producers. I don’t buy many fruits or vegetables because we produce our own, but those I do buy are local so far as possible. Grains and oils I buy at a local Mennonite bulk foods store. I feel lucky to live in an area where this is possible.

For other things, I generally look for the best price. I doubt I could find local producers for things like socks and clothing. I have made purchases from local potters that were more expensive than I could have justified if I were shopping online.