a message that needs to be heard

[brewerpaul]

I wholeheartedly agree. We often forget that the sometimes higher prices we see go to cover the cost of having an item for you to try on or an associate available to answer questions. When someone goes to or calls a shop for these services and then purchases the item online because it's cheaper, they are effectively stealing, at least time, from the shop that provided them service.

Ill echo this sentiment having owned a small business that sold outdoor clothing and gear. In our age of conspicuous consumption it is easy too walk into a store, shop around and then compare prices on your I-toy. Frankly in a mall of megastores that doesnt bother me much because they sell the lines driven by fashion, or the lack of, the almighty dollar and vanity. This is all built on the sweatshops we have created regardless of our knowledge of it. You want cheap running shoes or Northface Jackets dont expect them to have a made in USA label but expect them to be made by USA companies that have been given free reign to profit from the third world and you. As a retailer in the beginning of the dot com era I had people walk into my store wanting attention, fitting and information only to turn to me and say "I can get this item on such and such web site for less, what will you do for me." Usually my answer would be "I wont provide any customer service for you if that item isnt right, thank you for your time but I have other work to do." It is easy to e-shop and find a deal, I have done it at times. But in the realms of things does that really support our local economy. We like to blame China, Pakistan and other countries for ... Im not sure what we blame them for because our countries relocated there for company profits. As a nation we should be outraged and require our jobs back here making goods we consume. This filters down to everything including our food sources. I feed myself and my girlfriend on food we buy, can and freeze from our local farmers market. This is what needs to be brought back to our country, along with a living wage for the people who produce the items. You cant expect a working class to work for nothing then turn around and support the economy. Ill refaim from talking about the well to do that expect a deal that digs into your narrow profit margin every time they buy from you.. The expect this just because.... they are them....

[T-Bone]

As a major DIY nut, I totally agree. Buy quality product from the people who make a living catering to the niche market and 9.9 times out of 10 you will be happy with the purchase. If I am tackling a project where I know what I am doing and I want (need) it to turn out well, I do not skimp on resources. Sometimes paying more motivates me to pay special attention to detail.

Tony
p.s.
Walmart doesn't count!

[brewerpaul]

As a major DIY nut, I totally agree. Buy quality product from the people who make a living catering to the niche market and 9.9 times out of 10 you will be happy with the purchase. If I am tackling a project where I know what I am doing and I want (need) it to turn out well, I do not skimp on resources. Sometimes paying more motivates me to pay special attention to detail.

Tony
p.s.
Walmart doesn't count!

At one time in society DIY was not even a term, it was a fact of life. Sad thing is I know people that cant even cook much less fix anything. Ive worked many professions, and yes I call them professions, where I created with my hands and mind with a finished product someone paid for. It made me appreciate the value of someone else and their creativity, hard work and effort to give you a product that will likely be of quality and longevity.

[Chas]

I am in two minds about this.

If I am buying a product, for which I require more information, or advice on accessories, or wanting to confirm my choice, or to find alternatives, or general insights into its use, then yes I would go to the niche market shop.

On the other hand, if I an halfway through boarding out my loft and run out of flooring screws, what I want is another box - quickly and cheaply. I do not want someone else's advice (encouragement maybe), nor their insights into how they did a job similar some few years ago, nor the proffered cup of coffee. What I want is to get the job done as quickly and cheaply as possible.

If I could afford it, before the purchase, option one is preferred. At the current state of finances, I am lucky if I can afford option two.

Regards

Chas