Biz Blogs

Why just produce? As a person who is starting a small business in this crazy economy, I like the idea of using local people. I have lived here a long time, and it still surprises me that we have over 10,000 businesses here in the Windsor and Essex area, so why outsource when everything you need is right at your door step. It pains me to see jobs being given to outside city limit bidders. We are most likely the hardest hit city in all of Canada because of the economic crisis, yet we still buy our goods from the U.S. and we hand out huge local projects to outside companies.

People tell me that we have to look at the best price and I understand that my bottom and my bottom line are really all I should worry about. I still have the feeling that I am not helping my own economy if I go outside of my city to get a better price. Farming out my services to other local companies means I will use their resources when I need their services. Scratching my back while I scratch yours feels good, n'est pas!

The only way I do go to outside sources is if I can't find what I need here. You can always haggle over the price of goods and services. In fact it should be encouraged more often. I do it all the time, and my number one rule has always been, if the provider can meet or come within a reasonable range of my needs, I will not only do business with them, but I will give them my repeat business and I WILL tell two friends, and so on..and so on.

So again, why not local? I encourage you to ask your local pharmacist if you give them all your business will they lower the dispensing fee for you. Talk and make friends with your butcher, banker, and all the local merchants that surround your home and work. Talk to your dentist and ask if payment plans are available, and don't forget the vet if you have animals, start clipping coupons, check out Red Flag deals or Save.ca for great saving coupons. Use the internet to find discounts on travel, hotels, airfare, flowers, DVD's, etc...etc.....look and you will definitely find them. Use eBay and Kijiji and Craig's List for amazing deals.

We all have to figure out ways to save money, whether it's building a home, buying groceries, shopping for furniture, looking for shoes, or finding the right crib for your newborn, there are deals and savings to be had if you only ask. Again....try the shop around the corner. HAPPY SHOPPING!

If you would like to comment please do so below, or email me at lisa@bizxmagazine.com.