Shopping locally is worth every penny

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In the last edition’s editorial, I noted that many Pontiacers shop across the border and suggested why they may be doing so:  they think it saves money.  I promised to share a story of shopping locally that saved me          thousands.

In the last edition’s editorial, I noted that many Pontiacers shop across the border and suggested why they may be doing so:  they think it saves money.  I promised to share a story of shopping locally that saved me          thousands.
My husband and I are in the midst of major renovations; I listed what we needed and set out to find the cheapest prices by phoning four local stores, as well as one big-box store across the border.  When I called the local stores, I was able to speak with a live employee and obtained my quote right away or within a few hours.  This personal contact was a relief because, when I called the big-box and worked my way through their automated phone system, I was hung up on twice and then put on an extended hold before even reaching the right department!
Finally with my list of prices, the result was astounding. I have also been guilty of thinking that big-box stores offer the lowest prices.  While the nearby stores’ total quotes varied from one another by a few hundred dollars, the       big-box store was $3,000 more expensive for exactly the same list.  Nor were they willing to waive their delivery fee – $100 or more – on such a large order!
Most of the local stores offered free delivery, returns on unused material, product advice, and direct contact with an employee without spending time on hold.  My decision was simple.  The lower prices were only the starting point of our decision to shop locally. Buying from the box store did have the advantage of getting my entire list delivered without waiting; the slight delays in delivery from the local stores was still well worth my time. 
My suggestion to local  businesses – and to organizations dedicated to helping our economy and persuading    people to shop locally – is this:  why not publicly compare prices?  Just telling people to shop locally is not as            convincing as dollars-and-cents facts.  And why not advertise comparison prices for other items – household items, children’s toys, groceries, plus building materials. It seems to work for car dealers.  Dollar figures can speak louder than pleas.
Finally, for me, the biggest advantage of shopping locally, aside from the savings, was the way I was treated.  Every time I visited the store, I was instantly helped by an employee to find what I needed.  They took time to answer questions and research other better-valued products.  But, most of all, I was thanked for my business every time I left.  When you leave a big-box store you are given a receipt with the same message printed out at the bottom.  The two, simply, do not compare.  
Allyson Beauregard, Editor