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buying on the cheap

5/5/18       
Dan Cook

Just a thought. Having spoken with some suppliers who are struggling with the online retailers (Amazon, etc) we need to support the people who support us with product everyday or we will eventually lose them to the Walmart shoppers. Just buying items from the conglomerates for a savings of a couple of bucks is shortsighted. The big stores are not interested in providing the specialty items we often need and if we don't support the ones that support us they will go away and then our only option will be the Amazons, Walmarts, etc.

5/5/18       #2: buying on the cheap ...
rich c.

Aren't you about 20 years late with the Walmart comments?

5/5/18       #3: buying on the cheap ...
Gary Gossling

rich, a reminder now and then is good medicine.

In my opinion good service from a local supplier is worth a lot.

5/5/18       #4: buying on the cheap ...
Leo G Member

I like to keep my purchases local or at least semi local. I ordered some Milwaukee Packout boxes online from my local store Just because I didn't have time to go in. Got an email back that they had part of my order in stock but the rest was on backorder and they weren't sure when it would be ready because Milwaukee was having supply issues as it was a newer product.

Asked if I wanted to ship a partial order, cancel or just ship what they had and cancel the rest. He suggested that I get the backordered stuff elsewhere because of the unknown timeframe.

I told him because timing wasn't an issue I wanted to keep the order with them and ship everything when it came in. They were very appreciative that I wanted to stay with them. Told them I like to support locally brick and mortar stores, and I do.

But Amazon is used for small parts that are difficult to get locally. Usually price isn't a concern because you can't source them locally.

5/5/18       #5: buying on the cheap ...
Harold

Website: http://morantzcabinets.com

I have narrowed my purchasing of hardware and sheet goods to 2 companies in each category. Less checks to write, less time to spend and when I can order on line like with Richelieu, it’s fast and I get fast delivery or pick up with a “call for” without waiting in line. When I need some air hose or a fitting for my bander, it’s faster to google the part I need on amazon and get it next day with prime than it takes to remember which supplier carry’s that part and going to pick it up, or spending time on phone with sales reps who often tell me it’s not a stock item and my time is wasted.
Companies that have streamlined or automated ordering and service will get my business as I have enough to do in any given day. It’s not always cheaper per item, but my time is too valuable to shop around.
I will spend more time once to get the Best Buy I can find, but once done, that’s it.
Two good examples:
Buying side mount slides from same supplier means not risking having to change hole boring patterns.
We use an aluminum channel routed into bottom of upper cabinets for led light strips.
Was paying over 30.00/8’ length. I found it online at Alibaba in 5 minutes and now import 100pcs via fedex from China for 7.00@. If local costs more than 4x the price, than I import.

5/6/18       #6: buying on the cheap ...
rich c.

Gary Gossling, sure a reminder is good, but the ship sailed a long time ago for Mom and Pops vs Walmart here. There are 5 Walmarts within 12 miles of my house. 2 in Peoria, 1 in East Peoria, 1 in Washington, and 1 in Morton, IL

5/6/18       #7: buying on the cheap ...
David R Sochar Member

I buy hardwoods from one vendor, and have a second vendor for back up. I get sheet goods from the back up guys. This simplifies my life. I tell them both I don't shop, but I expect their best price for their good customers. And their best material.

I don't mind paying a few cents more per whatever for good material. If I were to shop and take 30 minutes to do so, the $50 I just spent needs to be saved on the material, and that is hard to do with the small amounts we buy. I like to see my vendors do well, just as they like to see us do well.

I have entered a Walmart twice in my life. I do not need or want such businesses.

5/6/18       #8: buying on the cheap ...
David Dennison

David,

Why did you go in the second time?

5/6/18       #9: buying on the cheap ...
Harold

Website: http://morantz Cabinets.com

Obviously, to return the crap he bought the first time😂

5/6/18       #10: buying on the cheap ...
David Dennison

Harold,

Why would you say bad things about Walmart? You also buy from Alibaba.

Think of all the Raymond Enkeboll moldings slathered all over cabinets today. Every one of those shops that use Enkeboll could hire a wood carver. The wood carver's wife could also make handmade shirts for the crew.

Why do you think that doesn't happen?


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