As a SME we try to support other local independent businesses. We are lucky to have a large multi franchise machinery dealer locally who will match internet prices and gives exceptional support when problems arise, so will never buy machinery off the net.
However this is not so easy with hand tools etc, currently looking to buy some Bulldog hand tools as we rate the brand and quality. We have 2 local independent hardware shops but the prices quoted are well in excess of 50% more than off the net, funnily enough the best quote was from a large independent shop but some 200 miles away.EG Bulldog border spade YD handle - local £46 , net independent shop £30 inc vat and delivery. These price differences spread over the several items we need add up to a big difference, and my first priority is to financial health of our business. But would prefer to keep the money locally.
What's everyones take on this?
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I buy hand-tools on price, as long as it's a UK supplier. I wouldn't dream of getting them from the local ironmonger.
We used to have a local dealer who matched internet prices so became machinery supplier by default .
Also extremely competitive on safety equipment ,sundries and exceptionally competitive on repairs and service they even supported me after I got my gear stolen for the third time
Looking back I would browse around the showroom and see handtools for sale which were a bit pricey so I would shop elsewhere .
Hindsight is a wonderful thing . One day I called in and they told me they were closing down as could no longer compete with the internet .
After they closed Their doors I could not find another local dealer who gave such great reliable service in all areas and considering I was a very small fish compared to other gardening businesses I was still treated with equal respect .
Biggest regret I wish I had supported them by paying more for their handtools and not just had a one sided view but I assumed they were making a profit on the machinery etc .
Nothing has replaced that great service I received it was priceless and businesses like these add value to our day to day activities .
Some of these businesses could be turning over a million but making 20k profit or less .
Internet buying saves time which is precious and popping down to the dealers consumes time if you are a one man band but for me ,can't speak for others , it's a highlight I took for granted now that the dealer has gone and it's across the board with other businesses like with a local garage who supplies and fits tyres cheaply , I prefer them to stay in business and charge me properly rather than run at a loss to just tick over as I appreciate their reliable and efficient service .
Most tools anyway are a business expense .
That's the dilemma. When you need something NOW!
I agree and we are wired to get the best value for money .
All I can say from my experience is it cost me in other ways which only became apparent after the dealer closed down but I doubt in reality if my paying premium price for tools I could get cheaper elsewhere would have saved the business it would have taken a collective effort .
I even went along to buy reduced stuff in the closing down sale and it still haunts me but sometimes self preservation overides loyalty .
That's exactly the point "collective effort" the race to the bottom on price does not do anyone any good long term and has far reaching consequences. We all need to be supporting SME's
I prefer to buy locally with exception of the occasional tool I can't get. With hand tools I like to check the quality of the welding and pick the wood grain.
Hard decision when your buying multiple tools.
Hi, I'm same as you, I buy power machinery locally as the local service is invaluable should anything go wrong. I buy hand tools locally if the price is reasonable, otherwise from the net but use independents and stay away from Amazon/ eBay.
Update - asked our local independent to quote for a substantial amount of tools. Have chased once and after10 days still nothing from them. So forced onto the net.
My local supplier is still 30 minutes away, their prices are rediculous, way over anywhere else & only RRP on machinery, also £90 ph for any labour. So I stopped using them, purchase online, I don't get through much kit as only me using it. The Stiga mower I brought direct from Stiga early this year (Thanks for the recommendation Peter) was actually due to be delivered from this supplier, but I had to collect as they only deliver one day a week!! Even B&Qrap have moved away, not that I would buy there anyway. We were discussing Niwaki here last week (HoriHori) which is predominatly online as well.
Neil, how do you rate that Stiga, interested