How Consumers and Communities Can Benefit From 'Buying Local'

Replying to WRITE2LIVE. Sometimes you are correct but having experience in a multinational and a local family owned that is often not the case.

1. Many local businesses have joined forces to create purchasing associations for buying power (such as the office products industry)

2. Often the local business can provide a much higher level of service while remaining competitively priced, I know, we do it all the time.

3. The reduction in price of computing power for small businesses has been an equalizer.

4. When a local business I worked for was acquired by a multinational a few years back the cost to do business for our branch almost doubled. Most of that through multiple layers of unnecessary management. Multiply that experience by several hundred and you get the idea.

5. Large organizations do have the benefit of HUGE marketing $ I'll admit, but much of the savings is smoke and mirrors. Large discounts on a few items but believe me, they make huge margins on MOST of their items, sometimes charging over manufacturers suggested retail pricing.

6. Think buying online is the answer - try returning to those companies and see what that costs.

7. READ THE FINE PRINT of Low Price Guarantees and Online Retailers.

I don't mind good competition, but buyers should be informed and not just assume bigger is better.

Also, and I say this with the kindest intent, I would not compare a "boutique" store with Target. That is like comparing A Marriott Hotel to Motel 6.

To Small Business Owners - it is imperative for us to be sure we are providing value if we push the Buy Local campaign. If we cannot compete on price (and some of us can) then we need to be providing some value that justifies our existence.

From someone who is in small business and believes in community.

4LBRTY of CA 12:43PM November 22, 2011