Independent Business:

Why patronize these businesses?

Independent businesses have been and continue to be the backbone of the American economy.  While it may seem more convenient and/or cost effective to shop at the mega-mass merchandisers, we need to point out a few things you, as a consumer, need to think about.

Quality:  The mega-mass merchandisers contract with their suppliers for a lower level of product quality so they may seemingly give a lower price.  And, in reality the consumers find the quality on many products is compromised to the point that the lower price does not provide them with a satisfactory product to endure even everyday use.

Service:  When the consumer buys that bicycle, lawnmower, fishing reel or appliance, where does he/she go when service is needed?  Many of these items become throw-a-way items that cannot be fixed because of the lower quality of the purchased product. Is that wise use of your hard-earned dollar?  Is it any wonder that our landfills are full with no more room for future landfills to be found?  Further, is it any wonder that we Americans are known as the most wasteful of the earth’s resources than any other people in the world?

Advice:  When you buy paint, lumber, plumbing or electrical materials from your mega-mass merchandiser and need advice, who do you go to?  Do you have the ability and additional time to get all the information from self-help books or friends?  If not, then do you have to go to your independent dealer and ask for help after you’ve bought from the mega-mass merchandiser?  Think of your time you’ve wasted, the independent dealer’s time that he/she’s not going to be paid for and the overall lack of goodwill.

This leads us to other things we as consumers need to think on regarding your independent businessman or woman.  You meet them in church, school activities and their profits stay in the local community.  They sponsor your little league, bowler's league and many other civic areas that people do not consider as they drive by the independent dealer’s stores. Also consider, their higher quality products and service can be found to be just as economical in the short and long run, as the mega-mass merchandisers.

And finally perhaps the most important points, as consumers we need to remember overall the independent businesses in your area offer more full time jobs and more benefits to their employees, their families, their communities and to their consumers than any of the mega-mass merchandisers ever do.