Last year I price-checked most of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday advertisements on electronics being sold at the Big Box stores in the area. Want to know the low-down on those so-called deals? They weren’t so great after all. Surprisingly, if you went to the manufacture’s web site and priced out the same items, you could get the same deal straight from them, and occasionally for a slightly better price. That’s right, you could avoid the crowds and chaos on a day when you might prefer stopping by the local Christmas tree farm with your family to find that prized spruce and sip a hot cocoa, or take another shot at that buck you hoped would be in your freezer for the winter. So don’t just assume that these deals are all they’re cracked up to be. Research has shown that most electronics (especially TVs) are usually older models that retailers want to clear out. Some retailers also carry units built to a lower price point specifically for the holiday sales. These units will often boast the same marketing as regular units, but if you look at the specifications, you’ll find that they differ from regular inventory. When something truly new and “hot” is advertised, the quantity is extremely limited; this is just a lure to get you into their store. Is it really worth spending time fighting the crowds of crazies just for a chance to get some gadget? Shop smarter; these deals are advertised well in advance, so you can do your homework by checking other locations and websites for the same product. When possible, use the model number to ensure the comparisons you make are accurate. Simply going by the sales description is a bad idea because they are purposefully vague. Get the model number and check the manufacturer’s website to verify what you’re getting.
Small Business Saturday and Reasons to Shop Local
So we know that deals from the big retailers aren’t all that great, but what about your local stores? People are often amazed to discover that their friendly local retailers not only have great deals for the holidays but all year round, and they’re much more pleasant to shop with. Whether it’s exceptional service, great inventory, or the simple convenience of being down the block, your local stores have so much more to offer you. It’s true, you may find the price of an item is a few dollars higher than at Big Box Mart but understand what you’re getting for that minor increase. A staff that calls you by name when you walk in. A family member or friend to help you find what you need. Understand that you are supporting not just the business owner, but their employees, your town government and schools. These people are your friends, family, and neighbors. Communities don’t simply exist because people live there, residents need jobs and places to purchase goods and services from. Without our local businesses, not only would we need to drive further for things, but our quality of life would drop. When we support local businesses, we support ourselves. So before you tackle the shady marketing tactics of faceless corporations, consider visiting your friends and neighbors; you’ll be glad you did.
Price vs. Value
Rather than sell you the highest priced device they can talk you into, local stores work with your budget to find the best value. Not only that, but their regular pricing is often at or below what the big stores offer anyway, AND they give each client truly personalized service. Instead of simply selling you something with all sorts of bells and whistles, local stores work to understand your priorities. This way they can determine what will get you the most benefit. For local businesses, customers aren’t just another addition to the sales quota, they are friends and neighbors, people they see every week. Wouldn’t you rather shop with a friend and get the best value you can?
Quality
My father taught me it’s better to spend a little more money on a quality product than a little less on a cheap alternative and then have to buy it again. While many people consider a lower price to be the better deal, most local stores prefer to offer higher quality products to their customers. Why? Because they know their customers will be happier with a quality product, long after the thrill of the “deal” goes away.
Please note that our office will be closed Wednesday through Friday this week (November 21st-23rd) as we spend time with our families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your time with family and give thanks, we have so much to be grateful for!
Small Business Saturday and Reasons to Shop Local
So we know that deals from the big retailers aren’t all that great, but what about your local stores? People are often amazed to discover that their friendly local retailers not only have great deals for the holidays but all year round, and they’re much more pleasant to shop with. Whether it’s exceptional service, great inventory, or the simple convenience of being down the block, your local stores have so much more to offer you. It’s true, you may find the price of an item is a few dollars higher than at Big Box Mart but understand what you’re getting for that minor increase. A staff that calls you by name when you walk in. A family member or friend to help you find what you need. Understand that you are supporting not just the business owner, but their employees, your town government and schools. These people are your friends, family, and neighbors. Communities don’t simply exist because people live there, residents need jobs and places to purchase goods and services from. Without our local businesses, not only would we need to drive further for things, but our quality of life would drop. When we support local businesses, we support ourselves. So before you tackle the shady marketing tactics of faceless corporations, consider visiting your friends and neighbors; you’ll be glad you did.
Price vs. Value
Rather than sell you the highest priced device they can talk you into, local stores work with your budget to find the best value. Not only that, but their regular pricing is often at or below what the big stores offer anyway, AND they give each client truly personalized service. Instead of simply selling you something with all sorts of bells and whistles, local stores work to understand your priorities. This way they can determine what will get you the most benefit. For local businesses, customers aren’t just another addition to the sales quota, they are friends and neighbors, people they see every week. Wouldn’t you rather shop with a friend and get the best value you can?
Quality
My father taught me it’s better to spend a little more money on a quality product than a little less on a cheap alternative and then have to buy it again. While many people consider a lower price to be the better deal, most local stores prefer to offer higher quality products to their customers. Why? Because they know their customers will be happier with a quality product, long after the thrill of the “deal” goes away.
Please note that our office will be closed Wednesday through Friday this week (November 21st-23rd) as we spend time with our families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your time with family and give thanks, we have so much to be grateful for!
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