David Jenkins
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| posted on 12/1/23 at 06:01 PM |
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Well, I did try...
I have a policy of buying local, if at all possible. I like to help local businesses, plus I dislike dealing with ebay as a general principle. For
example, I have a local supplier of screws and fasteners that always supply good-quality products, often in some weird sizes  , and frequently much
cheaper than on ebay. I'll even pay a little extra to buy local, knowing that I'll walk away with the goods in my hand and with no anxiety
about shipping.
But yesterday I went looking for some clear plastic sheet to make a lid for some electronic equipment... 500mm x 440mm in 6mm acrylic. Went to a
well-known supplier in Ipswich, and was quoted £76. Asked if there was an offcuts bin, and was told that it would still cost £76. I left them to
it...
Got home, and ordered the same size piece, but in 8mm polycarbonate (much more suitable for my purpose) from a company on ebay I'd bought stuff
from previously - just under £40. The ad said 'free postage' but we all know that the P&P is built into the price - but it was almost
half the cost, for a thicker sheet in a superior (brand name) material.
People get criticised for preferring to buy online, but the local companies need to avoid extracting the urine...
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coyoteboy
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| posted on 14/1/23 at 04:47 PM |
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Pretty much always the case in my experiece. I don't buy local unless I'm forced. Loyalty, helpfulness and pride in the work matters but
rarely exists and I'm not buying anything regularly enough to test out a bunch of suppliers.
Often I'd rather buy online from a local supplier because I'm too busy to go to the shop.
I recently had to go to a local garage because I needed to pop a wheel bearing/hub assy out of my upright. I checked a bunch of local places reviews,
went to the one most recommended by both online and through friends. They charged me 250 quid to pull a caliper off, unbolt 4 bolts, knock out the old
bearing, bolt in the new one that I supplied. Jokers.
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nick205
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| posted on 15/1/23 at 02:01 PM |
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I liked to buy local when/where possible, but fewer and fewer places left now.
Being unable to drive (medical) online with delivery is a lifesaver sometimes.
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