Many times, we’ll opt to shop online out of convenience and tell ourselves we’re doing it to save money. At least, that’s how I justified what I was doing. But how much are we really saving?

Are you familiar with the commercial for 1-800 Pet Meds on TV? Betty White, the spokeswoman-actress is very convincing that you get to stay home and have your pet meds delivered to your door and it’s much cheaper than anywhere else in the Galaxy.

Obviously 1800 Pet Meds is dumbing down their advertising to attract the people that (a) believe everything they hear or (b) are too busy to care.

On the commercial, one of the products they show as being “delivered” to Betty is Frontline. I have news for them, in no way shape or form is Frontline cheaper through 1-800 Pet Meds then the Pet supply stores here in Dallas. Even with 1-800 Pet Meds free shipping and the giant Dallas sales tax, I still come out on the winning end when I shop locally.

Ok I will admit, I am only saving 13 cents. But why send 46 dollars outside of my community if nothing comes back to us?

Let’s say I was on the losing end. That I spent 13 cents more to shop locally. Would I still do it? Yes, I’d have done it if I lost $5 in the deal and here’s why.

1. Immediate Satisfaction. When I want to buy something, I want it right now.

2. If we think our taxes are high now, how high will they be if everyone in town sends their money to another town or state?

3. If I am worried about saving $5, I shouldn’t be shopping for anything except for food at my local grocery store.

4. If that $5 would make more of a difference to a small brick and mortar business owner than the inconvenience to me, I’m all there.

5. I don’t ever have to whine that my product isn’t delivered in time for little Fi-Fi’s flea treatment. My product will be here exactly when I need it.

6. The vet is directly across from the health club so it forces me to get an extra yoga session in

7. The health club is right next door to the local coffee shop which I adore. I’ll stop off there and meet a couple of friends for lunch.

8. I can time it right to pick my daughter up from school instead of her having to ride the bus, she’ll like that.

Top Small Brick And Mortar Businesses Will Move Mountains For Your Business.
Here’s something I’ve done in the past. I wanted to get a new TV. I found the exact TV I wanted and priced it online. The prices ranged from $869 to a little over $900, no tax and $40 for shipping on each. There are 2 family owned TV and Appliance stores in town. I went to the first one, found the exact TV I’d been looking at and it was $950 plus tax. Ouch. I went to the owner who vaguely remembered me. I showed him the TV I was looking at and told him that I could buy it online for a little over $900 delivered. I told him that I’d much rather buy from him and have it delivered the next day.

Did the guy shrug his shoulders and say, “Too bad, the price is the price?” No way. Without hesitation he sold me the television set for $830 plus tax which was a couple of dollars under $900 and had it delivered to my house that afternoon. Small businesses know they have to compete and every day is a battle for them. The top small businesses value their customer so much they will find a solution to the problem.

Did I take advantage of this small business owner? I hope not because that wasn’t my intent. I’m not the type of person to haggle over prices, ever. I honestly wanted to buy the TV from HIM. I wasn’t asking him to sell me the television for less than he’d paid for it, just a better price than he had slapped on the price tag.

I got a nice TV out of the deal. He got a customer for life. And who do you think I’ll refer people to when they’re looking for a TV or an appliance?

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