how many of you try to buy locally?

[holland]

I am trying to buy local-where I buy my dog food is cheaper than on-line-at least when I checked last

[Liesje]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

One challenge I have faced is customer service seems better online than locally.

I've had this experience with some camera/photography equipment. We have a local camera shop that is OK, but the past few times I've been in, the sales reps have tried to sell me stuff I don't want, and when I ask questions about the product I came in for, they are very vague in their answers. For example I wanted a CHEAP 50mm lens so I picked one out online and then thought I'd go to the local shop and buy it. When I asked whether it worked with my body, they said no and tried to sell me one for twice as much. I bought the one I wanted and it has always worked with my camera body. When I use the B&H web site, they have an instant chat where I can talk live to a representative and they will answer any question, even open up a package to look at something if they need to. They just answer my questions and don't try to sell me other products.

[Marnie]

I buy most of my dog/cat foods, bowls, and treats locally from small feed stores. The kibble I'm currently using is made in a small plant near me and only sold in a limited area. The feed stores can tell me the name of the local supplier of their bully sticks and pigs ears (I'm terrified of getting some poisonous Chinese product). Leashes, collars, come from dog shows or from an online site. For my dogs, only local sources. For everything else, I go by my Consumer Reports and shop for the best deals.

[Wolfiesmom]

I buy all my dog food at the little pet shop in town. The lady that owns the store was nice enough to order Fromms for me when she didn't carry it, and now she stocks it.

[martemchik]

I buy locally made products when I can...Rehorst Vodka is one that comes to mind. Also nice that they are a premium vodka and I've been to the distillery a few times as well. I feed Fromm's as its made locally as well. I try to support some of the smaller pet shops, luckily the food there is either the same cost or about a buck more than what the big guys have it for, plus Petsmart pissed me off once so I don't shop there at all.

When it comes to large purchases...I'll go for who ever wants to give me the best price. We barely have any small electronics places left, they just can't compete with the big box stores.

But about the vacuum...I thought the dyson I promised my girlfriend so that we can get a second GSD was expensive...and it's less than half what you paid for whatever that vacuum was!

[jae]

Amazon is the furthest 'big box store' that I will ever purchase from. But only because it is SO convenient. And then, only for mass-productions, electronics, media, etc. Because in the end it doesn't matter, corporations win anyway.
I get a lot of flak from everyone for buying local, since it is always expensive. A single dress shirt, from a boutique shops in NYC, costs me $150, but the fit is amazing, no baggage on the sides, they design and sew, they pick and choose styles, and their style suits everything I have ever wanted.
Produce, to restaurants, to clothing, to hard goods, as much as possible.

Wal Mart can suck it

[Caledon]

I prefer to buy locally and I try to buy Made in Canada goods if I can. Doesn't always work out but I'm making an effort.

If the local stores have a higher price I will ask them to price match. Sometimes it works, other times I walk out.

[Powell]

I buy my dog food locally. Food, the grocery store chain. I can get my eggs from my mail man and other local folks I know.

[Marnie]

Originally Posted by Caledon

I prefer to buy locally and I try to buy Made in Canada goods if I can. Doesn't always work out but I'm making an effort.

If the local stores have a higher price I will ask them to price match. Sometimes it works, other times I walk out.

Asking local store to price match is a good idea and one I haven't tried. Sounds like a good idea.

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

I shop at a local chain usually one of the non corporate owned ones for groceries. These guys hire local help and really do well by their emp[loyees. I try to shop local for furniture,definitely restaurants and also trying to for dog food. I bought our last TV from Amazon and of course books. Im addicted to my kindle.