It doesn't always pay to shop locally

[Lin]

I would like to support local stores if I can, but sometimes it is not affordable.  I needed a torch for a plasma cutter I bought.  I like the guy at the local welding shop and thought to myself that I would buy it from him even if it was a little more.  His price was $500. with taxes while it was $300 online including shipping.  I can't afford to overlook that kind of price difference.

[belfert]

I always buy local when the price is within reason as you say. 

My bad,
I thought a couple of bucks was well within reason . . . .

I'd pay $10 bucks extra to be able to put my hands on something - especially if matching up mattered.

But, the price difference isn't a couple of bucks.  The local place wants $20 and online is $10.  Yes, there is shipping, but at $10 each I would have just bought two and bingo the price goes to $14 each with shipping.  I don't need the lights right away so I probably would have ordered something else from the online store eventually anyhow and lowered shipping even more.

A lot of us bought buses because we couldn't afford a fancy diesel pusher.  $6 here and $6 there adds up after a while.

[MattC]

I generally do the math and consider the ~9% sales tax rate and gas opposed to waiting for a couple days and paying UPS ground or USPS rates.  Nine out of Ten times it's cheaper for me to buy on das web and have it shipped in.

The exceptions are things like washer/dryer bought locally, my Refer / Stove / Tanks / Water Heater / Pump etc that I bought from Elkart because even with tax it was cheaper drive there and buy than it was to have them shipped.

Guess the answer is use your spreadsheet when making such decisions as local or not. 

However my advise is wort exactly what it cost you.  (nothing)  =)

Matt

[CrabbyMilton]

 I try to patronize the local business if possible. But the key is all things being equal. I once tried to use a local pharmacy but they were unable to supply the meds I needed and the guy was the crabbiest old geezer you could imagine. I tried KMART and never had a problem. I don't buy the arguement that the big national stores are putting the "Mom and Pops" out. People chose based on what is available regardless of who's name is on the building. Perahaps the locals in some cases need to get their act together and realize that they don't have a captive audience anymore.

[belfert]

In rural areas they say that big box stores are actually helping the local area.  Shoppers come from all over to shop and they stop at the other stores while in town.  Unfortunately, the towns without big boxes get hurt.