This is from the September 2007 issue of Mature Living. It was part of a column entitled "Money Matters."
"Q: Why does it always seem that I can get a lower price for almost anything by shopping on the Internet?
A: You have touched a pet peeve of mine. If price is the only gauge of getting the best value, perhaps you should always shop with total strangers and provide them your personal information (credit card numbers, for example) for items you have never personally inspected.
Call me old-fashioned, but I like my merchants to know me, my personal tastes, and my pocketbook. The corner hardware, bookstore, travel agent, and tire shop need me as much as I need them. While information from the Internet often gives me the shopping knowledge, I like the personal relationship I have with my local merchants. These shops are feeling the pinch of competition with delivery systems that do not have a local presence and, subsequently, do not pay local property, inventory, or license taxes.
Yes, local merchandise may be a few dollars higher, but competition will not allow it to be too much. Sometimes the local business owner can and will negotiate prices with you. Don't even think about this consumer benefit with the Internet or even the bigger "box" stores where pricing is decided hundreds of miles away by the bean counters who have little or no concern for your personal preferences.
Support your local merchants whenever possible. They need your business as much as you need their products and services. On top of all this, notice how many local businesses support the Little League teams, senior center activities, local charities, and church contributions. You won't find that king of support from Internet sources."
Author: Doug O'Rear, a Certified Financial Planner from Pegram, TN
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!
"Q: Why does it always seem that I can get a lower price for almost anything by shopping on the Internet?
A: You have touched a pet peeve of mine. If price is the only gauge of getting the best value, perhaps you should always shop with total strangers and provide them your personal information (credit card numbers, for example) for items you have never personally inspected.
Call me old-fashioned, but I like my merchants to know me, my personal tastes, and my pocketbook. The corner hardware, bookstore, travel agent, and tire shop need me as much as I need them. While information from the Internet often gives me the shopping knowledge, I like the personal relationship I have with my local merchants. These shops are feeling the pinch of competition with delivery systems that do not have a local presence and, subsequently, do not pay local property, inventory, or license taxes.
Yes, local merchandise may be a few dollars higher, but competition will not allow it to be too much. Sometimes the local business owner can and will negotiate prices with you. Don't even think about this consumer benefit with the Internet or even the bigger "box" stores where pricing is decided hundreds of miles away by the bean counters who have little or no concern for your personal preferences.
Support your local merchants whenever possible. They need your business as much as you need their products and services. On top of all this, notice how many local businesses support the Little League teams, senior center activities, local charities, and church contributions. You won't find that king of support from Internet sources."
Author: Doug O'Rear, a Certified Financial Planner from Pegram, TN
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!
