Here is some food for thought why buying from a small local dealer should be your number one choice:

• Small dealers buy over 95% of a manufactures product line at the same price as the big box stores.  People are fooled by the misconception that because they are so big and so many of them that they must get a better price.  NOT true.  Only certain derivative (generally low end) product is bought in such a volume that the big box store may buy it better.  It represents less than 5% of the manufactures line.  Remember, manufactures want to make money too!  You will be able to recognize them as the model number will not be on the manufactures website.  

• Small dealers have far less overhead than big box stores.  The next time you are in a big box store, look around at the store, not the products.  Just imagine the heat, electric, air-conditioning, rent, insurance and maintenance among other things it takes to maintain the store.  Then look at the number of employees, managers, assistant managers and so on.  Who is paying for all of this? 

• Small dealers have the product knowledge lacking from the big box stores.  The sales person you see today, yesterday and tomorrow usually is the same, with a small dealer.  One of the largest problems in any business today is employees.  The next time you are shopping for a product that needs knowledgeable explanation, consider who you are speaking to.  Will they be there next week?  How long have they been selling the product? 

• Small dealers are the backbone of your community.  They support local functions, school clubs and sports, church functions and many other community events.  You will see local small businesses supporting these activities.  When you don't support your local business who will fund the community activities.  Certainly not the big box stores.   Where would little league, school sports, music, drama club and the list goes on  if it weren't for local small business.  Try going to a big box store for a donation to aid a local family in need. 

• A portion of the sales tax monies collected by your local business is funded directly back to your local government.  Actually the way it works is that the portion of the sales tax money collected by a business is funded back to the community where the business resides (excluding point of delivery).    Therefore, if you live in one town and shop in another, the sales tax portion you spent goes to the other community.

           After much thought and response to this page, there IS one thing all shoppers should do before buying,                         Don't Assume....Compare before you buy!