Comments on: Buying Local: How Does it Affect Your Finances?

By: Kristine

Kristine — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:45:09 +0000

I like to go to the farmers market on Saturdays. The whole family goes, including the dog. We talk with the retailers, enjoy the weather, and help our local businesses. Yeah, the prices may be higher, but I love the experience and the relationships formed more. It’s all about what people value.

By: Smarter Spend

Smarter Spend — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:49:21 +0000

You’re forgetting that you have a better chance of negotiating down the price for a local company and that you can get good deals as a repeat customer.

Why spend your money on multibillion dollar corporations when your neighbors are in a jam? Even if its a few cents extra, the money is going to come back to your community.

By: Cd Phi

Cd Phi — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:59:38 +0000

Fortunately, although I live in a considerably big city- we still have small local businesses that I really enjoy frequenting. Although the prices may be slightly higher, I know I am getting a quality product because I talk to the people and they take the time out to form a relationship with me which is something that I certainly would not get at a retailer megastore like Walmart.

By: marci357

marci357 — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:33:08 +0000

Small town here – about the only things I buy out of town sometimes are groceries and clothing. Reasons being – the local grocery stores are big chains and the money goes mostly out of town on them anyway. Same with the Only clothing store in town – Fred Meyers… their prices are too high for our local economy. One or two trips out of town per year, when I’m going anyway, are all it takes. It’s 75 miles to the nearest “other place” to buy….

Gas – I’ll buy from a local rather than Freddies tho – the price may be cheaper at Freddies, but the money needs to stay in the local economy – and that’s worth the extra 50 cents per fill up.

Appliances – I buy local. When something goes wrong, I can walk right into the local store (been here 40 years or more), tell them my problem, and they will see to it that I (a valued customer and acquaintance) am well taken care of. They go out of their way for customer satisfaction. Again, this keeps the money in our area. Plus the installation guys are local and can be trusted to go in if you leave your door unlocked, install the appliance, and lock the door when they leave. That says a lot to me. There’s a certain amount of trust and good reputation built up in dealing locally.

In my earlier years when I needed the help, the local appliance dealer would offer me 30-60-90 same as cash deals on the appliances also. Something the big box stores would not do.

Used vehicles – again, local. The dealers here will see to it that we don’t get a lemon and will take care of us – again – in person – customer satisfaction.

I like to be able to walk into a place and deal face to face – therefore my insurance, bank, investment man, lawyers, doctors, are all within a mile of my house. That’s local. That’s keeping the money in our tiny community.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:35:40 +0000

There are many factors where and when I draw a line.
1. The money difference is quite significant
2. Quality vs quantity
3. Service
4. I will not drive 15 miles to Walmart to save $5. That’s hardly worth time and gas.
I do live in a struggling small community. I always try and buy local as I can. I see it as an investment in people, my town and my house value.
Great post, keep up the good work.