Comments on: The Variables of a Purchase: Is Price the Ultimate Bottom Line? http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Do You Dave Ramsey? http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-648545 Do You Dave Ramsey? Sat, 02 May 2009 16:45:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-648545 Spot on Trent... not always is the lowest price also the best bargain. I was listening to a Zig Ziglar podcast just yesterday and he was talking about a sales technique he uses when the customer balks on price... ask the question - Would you rather pay a little more than you expected today or later realize that you had spent a little less than you should have? That's a loaded question... sometimes the answer still takes us to lower price and thats ok... but it does force us to consider price in the context of our other motivations. Thanks for sharing! Dave Spot on Trent… not always is the lowest price also the best bargain.

I was listening to a Zig Ziglar podcast just yesterday and he was talking about a sales technique he uses when the customer balks on price… ask the question –

Would you rather pay a little more than you expected today or later realize that you had spent a little less than you should have?

That’s a loaded question… sometimes the answer still takes us to lower price and thats ok… but it does force us to consider price in the context of our other motivations.

Thanks for sharing!
Dave

]]> By: Bill in Houston http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-646357 Bill in Houston Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:16:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-646357 To continue off of what Georgia said, Wal-Mart is one of the reasons American consumers have enjoyed low inflation for the past decade and a half. Wal-Mart was the model for many "big box" stores. I also remember Mom and Pop stores. Even the local "supermarkets" of the 60s (A&P in my home town) had limited variety and high prices due to a lack of competition. The local Mom and Pop was where we kids bought a soda and gum. My mother once practically screamed at me when she found out the quarter she gave me for gum didn't yield change. That being said, I don't shop Wal-Mart except at Christmas. The ones in my area are dirty. To continue off of what Georgia said, Wal-Mart is one of the reasons American consumers have enjoyed low inflation for the past decade and a half. Wal-Mart was the model for many “big box” stores.

I also remember Mom and Pop stores. Even the local “supermarkets” of the 60s (A&P in my home town) had limited variety and high prices due to a lack of competition. The local Mom and Pop was where we kids bought a soda and gum. My mother once practically screamed at me when she found out the quarter she gave me for gum didn’t yield change.

That being said, I don’t shop Wal-Mart except at Christmas. The ones in my area are dirty.

]]> By: Georgia http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-645663 Georgia Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:13:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-645663 I guess I'm in the minority here. I shop at Walmart and love it. There are at least 6-7 within 25-90 miles from me and are in places I have to frequent, so it's not out of my way. I have never been in a dirty Walmart, had bad customer service, or met disgruntled employees. I talk to plenty of them and they are grateful for the work. Walmart does have employee benefits and they are appreciated. I have had employees go all the way acroos the super store to help me find what I wanted and even miss their break time. As to unions, thank God they don't have them. Can you imagine how the prices would skyrocket if a union were allowed in? My husband discovered in the 60's that unions were not there for the employees benefit, but to line their pockets with the dues. As to the small mom and pop grocery stores. Are any of you old enough to remember them before Walmart? I can and they were not cheap and all of them were not good. Not where we shopped anyway. And a lot of mom & pop's closed in small towns because Jr. did not want to take over the family business when mom & pop got too old to manage. Nostalgia can lead up to all kinds of wrong conclusions. We old folks remember when items were very cheap as opposed to now. However, what we often forget is how much we were making. I went to college in 1956-58 and my entire two years of college cost me $1800 for tuition, room, and books. I worked my way and I was earning about $.75 - 1.00 an hour. Just took 2 classes at a community college (much cheaper) and the tuition and books ran me $860. If I'd went to a 4 year college, the minimum tuition would have been $325-350 an hour and room would be about $6000. I buy food, clothes, etc. by price (on sale) and if it does not suit, I just do not buy that brand again. I guess I’m in the minority here. I shop at Walmart and love it. There are at least 6-7 within 25-90 miles from me and are in places I have to frequent, so it’s not out of my way. I have never been in a dirty Walmart, had bad customer service, or met disgruntled employees. I talk to plenty of them and they are grateful for the work. Walmart does have employee benefits and they are appreciated. I have had employees go all the way acroos the super store to help me find what I wanted and even miss their break time.

As to unions, thank God they don’t have them. Can you imagine how the prices would skyrocket if a union were allowed in? My husband discovered in the 60′s that unions were not there for the employees benefit, but to line their pockets with the dues.

As to the small mom and pop grocery stores. Are any of you old enough to remember them before Walmart? I can and they were not cheap and all of them were not good. Not where we shopped anyway. And a lot of mom & pop’s closed in small towns because Jr. did not want to take over the family business when mom & pop got too old to manage.

Nostalgia can lead up to all kinds of wrong conclusions. We old folks remember when items were very cheap as opposed to now. However, what we often forget is how much we were making.

I went to college in 1956-58 and my entire two years of college cost me $1800 for tuition, room, and books. I worked my way and I was earning about $.75 – 1.00 an hour. Just took 2 classes at a community college (much cheaper) and the tuition and books ran me $860. If I’d went to a 4 year college, the minimum tuition would have been $325-350 an hour and room would be about $6000.

I buy food, clothes, etc. by price (on sale) and if it does not suit, I just do not buy that brand again.

]]> By: Pat http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644882 Pat Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:28:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644882 I try to buy all my groceries at our locally owned store. And their prices are as good if not better than the big box stores in town. I also do not shop WalMart for the same reasons stated above Target's customer service is second to none! Last year I purchased a power washer from them and it quit working after only the 2nd time. I had thrown away the receipt (not realizing that this item would break so soon) and they actually went through a week's worth of store receipts to find my purchase! They promptly refunded my money. I also try to be more conscience of where the products I purchase are produced. Clothing is tough since I haven't seen an American-made shirt or slacks in a long, long time. Maybe I'm not shopping in the right places so I'll keep trying. I try to buy all my groceries at our locally owned store. And their prices are as good if not better than the big box stores in town. I also do not shop WalMart for the same reasons stated above Target’s customer service is second to none! Last year I purchased a power washer from them and it quit working after only the 2nd time. I had thrown away the receipt (not realizing that this item would break so soon) and they actually went through a week’s worth of store receipts to find my purchase! They promptly refunded my money. I also try to be more conscience of where the products I purchase are produced. Clothing is tough since I haven’t seen an American-made shirt or slacks in a long, long time. Maybe I’m not shopping in the right places so I’ll keep trying.

]]> By: k2000k http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644161 k2000k Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:59:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644161 I agree with comment # 31. Having used apple products before and having to take their products in because of malfunction, I will state that their computers are not worth the price that they charge. And though the customer service may be better than dells, its still rather poor. For computers you can easily build one yourself. You get the enjoyment of making it, and the comfort of knowing what is going into your computer. However, there is the fact that if something goes kaput you are on your own. In which case you can go to the middle ground and find a local business that builds computers. We have one in Seattle which is an excellent company, that has customer service that puts others to shame. I agree with comment # 31. Having used apple products before and having to take their products in because of malfunction, I will state that their computers are not worth the price that they charge. And though the customer service may be better than dells, its still rather poor. For computers you can easily build one yourself. You get the enjoyment of making it, and the comfort of knowing what is going into your computer. However, there is the fact that if something goes kaput you are on your own. In which case you can go to the middle ground and find a local business that builds computers. We have one in Seattle which is an excellent company, that has customer service that puts others to shame.

]]> By: tammy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644112 tammy Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:51:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644112 I was just thinking about this today! I need a few things from the market, but if i go to the market, a few things will turn into $20 of needful items (I need to buy food!) However, I can get by with just some cheese until Friday----so I'll pick up JUST CHEESE at the local convenience store just to keep from spending a bundle at this moment. I'm a freelance gal and am waiting on client checks, so money is tight! Sometimes, convenience actually saves money! Great post Trent!!!! I was just thinking about this today! I need a few things from the market, but if i go to the market, a few things will turn into $20 of needful items (I need to buy food!) However, I can get by with just some cheese until Friday—-so I’ll pick up JUST CHEESE at the local convenience store just to keep from spending a bundle at this moment. I’m a freelance gal and am waiting on client checks, so money is tight!
Sometimes, convenience actually saves money!
Great post Trent!!!!

]]> By: Donna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644104 Donna Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:36:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644104 I don't shop at Walmart, for the reasons mentioned in posts 7, 18 and 21. I feel you can still big box shop at Costco or Target without helping Walmart to take advantage of it's employees.I'd rather pay a couple of bucks more for an item than shop there. I don’t shop at Walmart, for the reasons mentioned in posts 7, 18 and 21.

I feel you can still big box shop at Costco or Target without helping Walmart to take advantage of it’s employees.I’d rather pay a couple of bucks more for an item than shop there.

]]> By: Christopher http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644073 Christopher Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:03:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644073 Not to be one of those irritating fault-finding people, but I think you mean "other businesses couldn't care less" rather than "other businesses could care less". Not to be one of those irritating fault-finding people, but I think you mean “other businesses couldn’t care less” rather than “other businesses could care less”.

]]> By: grammaticaster http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-644059 grammaticaster Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:58:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-644059 "My biggest *criterion* for most of my purchases is simply price." Criteria is plural. (Great article nonetheless. :P) “My biggest *criterion* for most of my purchases is simply price.” Criteria is plural.

(Great article nonetheless. :P)

]]> By: IRG http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643895 IRG Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:38:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643895 One of the difficulties of shopping by "conscience" as it applies to companies such as Wal-Mart is the actual impact it has on the local market and individuals, and NOT the company as a whole. (They WILL remain in business no matter how many local outlets they close.) There is no Wal-Mart in our big city, but when I visit friends out of town, I do end up going with them to a local Wal-Mart. They, too, have major issues with Wal-Mart for all the reasons stated. however, they know virtually everyone who works in the local store personally. (Their work and children bring them into contact with a lot of people in their community.) NOT shopping there would put a lot of people out of work, with few, if any, opportunities, for work elsewhere. Not shopping there is NOT supporting their friends and neighbors. So...this is the real-life conundrum for them. Meanwhile, back in our big city. We shopped and supported many locally owned shops for years. Alas, there was nothing the owners could do to stay in biz given the greedy rent increases by the landlords. (The shops were well run and managed and well-priced. It WAS the rent increases they could not make up for, because they did not jack up prices.) The only satisfaction, if you can call it that, over the years, has been to see national chain after chain fail in these same locations where they usurped the little guys. The greedy landlords now have vacant buildings due to their greed--but we miss the wonderful people and stores that used to make this a real "community" even though we are part of a huge city. Again, it's all about the greed on someone's part. (Not the shop owners, that's for sure.) I miss the people behind the shops and stores as much, if not more, than the stores themselves. I don't know when we will see the end of this insanity with overpriced retail real estate that really is the end of "communities" in a very real sense. Personally, I prefer dealing with real people not big brands and conglomerates.Would that it were easier to do so. (We wanted to join a food co-op, for example. It was a futile attempt since it is SOO far away from us and required volunteering that we could not possibly do given our work and location. No other one available to us.) The "big" companies that I buy from, I do so because of customer service...not just price. (Drugstore.com is great for example.) And this is important because for whatever reason when stuff is shipped, there can be issues. I've learned the hard way over the years that it's not just the price on the initial sales, but what happens afterwards. Good value is NOT saving a few bucks here and there when it costs you more in time, return shippping, etc. if there is a problem. We order online when we possibly can rather than deal with some of the big box stores because they have lousy customer service and cutthroat-competitive sales people who will tell you anything--including outright lies-- to get you to buy big-ticket items. And when we have issues with how a company treats its employees, we do communicate our concerns to them. It may make NO difference, but we do it anyway. In a perfect world, each community would have the people and the wherewithal to provide the basics (for food at least)within the community. We're in a far from perfect world. The ability to get stuff from all over the world is great on one hand. But we've paid a horrific price for it at the local, and real, level in terms of lost jobs. One of the difficulties of shopping by “conscience” as it applies to companies such as Wal-Mart is the actual impact it has on the local market and individuals, and NOT the company as a whole. (They WILL remain in business no matter how many local outlets they close.)

There is no Wal-Mart in our big city, but when I visit friends out of town, I do end up going with them to a local Wal-Mart. They, too, have major issues with Wal-Mart for all the reasons stated.

however, they know virtually everyone who works in the local store personally. (Their work and children bring them into contact with a lot of people in their community.)

NOT shopping there would put a lot of people out of work, with few, if any, opportunities, for work elsewhere. Not shopping there is NOT supporting their friends and neighbors.

So…this is the real-life conundrum for them.

Meanwhile, back in our big city. We shopped and supported many locally owned shops for years. Alas, there was nothing the owners could do to stay in biz given the greedy rent increases by the landlords. (The shops were well run and managed and well-priced. It WAS the rent increases they could not make up for, because they did not jack up prices.)

The only satisfaction, if you can call it that, over the years, has been to see national chain after chain fail in these same locations where they usurped the little guys. The greedy landlords now have vacant buildings due to their greed–but we miss the wonderful people and stores that used to make this a real “community” even though we are part of a huge city.

Again, it’s all about the greed on someone’s part. (Not the shop owners, that’s for sure.)

I miss the people behind the shops and stores as much, if not more, than the stores themselves.

I don’t know when we will see the end of this insanity with overpriced retail real estate that really is the end of “communities” in a very real sense.

Personally, I prefer dealing with real people not big brands and conglomerates.Would that it were easier to do so. (We wanted to join a food co-op, for example. It was a futile attempt since it is SOO far away from us and required volunteering that we could not possibly do given our work and location. No other one available to us.)

The “big” companies that I buy from, I do so because of customer service…not just price. (Drugstore.com is great for example.) And this is important because for whatever reason when stuff is shipped, there can be issues.

I’ve learned the hard way over the years that it’s not just the price on the initial sales, but what happens afterwards. Good value is NOT saving a few bucks here and there when it costs you more in time, return shippping, etc. if there is a problem.

We order online when we possibly can rather than deal with some of the big box stores because they have lousy customer service and cutthroat-competitive sales people who will tell you anything–including outright lies– to get you to buy big-ticket items.

And when we have issues with how a company treats its employees, we do communicate our concerns to them. It may make NO difference, but we do it anyway.

In a perfect world, each community would have the people and the wherewithal to provide the basics (for food at least)within the community. We’re in a far from perfect world.

The ability to get stuff from all over the world is great on one hand. But we’ve paid a horrific price for it at the local, and real, level in terms of lost jobs.

]]> By: Make Money On Line http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643875 Make Money On Line Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:54:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643875 I would have to say price is sometimes is the bottom line, but its only not when you see the value in a product. Lets say for example you see a product somewhere that you think will make you tons of money and see the value you wont care what the price is you will buy it to start making tons of money I would think. I would have to say price is sometimes is the bottom line, but its only not when you see the value in a product. Lets say for example you see a product somewhere that you think will make you tons of money and see the value you wont care what the price is you will buy it to start making tons of money I would think.

]]> By: Helix http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643869 Helix Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:46:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643869 Adding on to other folks' great comments, next time you're in the market for computer repair or even a new computer, please don't overlook your local computer shop. You're pretty much guaranteed they'll beat any repair price from a big box store, and for the most part they can compete with them on new computer prices too. No, they won't beat the Dell $299 special, but I'm pretty sure Dell doesn't sell very many of those anyway. Plus they're customizable if you get from a local shop. Amusing side anecdote - when my boyfriend ran a computer repair store in Michigan, the local big box retailer called him to come in and upgrade their servers... even when they had their "squad" on staff. Adding on to other folks’ great comments, next time you’re in the market for computer repair or even a new computer, please don’t overlook your local computer shop. You’re pretty much guaranteed they’ll beat any repair price from a big box store, and for the most part they can compete with them on new computer prices too. No, they won’t beat the Dell $299 special, but I’m pretty sure Dell doesn’t sell very many of those anyway. Plus they’re customizable if you get from a local shop.

Amusing side anecdote – when my boyfriend ran a computer repair store in Michigan, the local big box retailer called him to come in and upgrade their servers… even when they had their “squad” on staff.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643842 Lisa Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:58:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643842 Shops are closing up. I LOVE the fact that in my community (let's say, within 1 mile from home) there is a brick & mortar retail for just about anything I need (hair cut, grocery, vacuum sweeper dealer, chiropractor, fish shop, camera shop, bike shop, etc.) It is a joy to see these businesses open and vibrant. I am doing my best to shop very local (even if the stuff is made overseas) to help my community. I could, like Trent, buy vacuum cleaner bags from Amazon, but I am having my local guy order them for me. Someday I am going to be pleased that he is there it fix my vacuum. New bike helmet, etc. the first thing I do is look local. A sense of community is extremely important to me. I want to do my part to keep from having a main street of boarded up vacant buildings. I moved from sprawlville (eastern Kansas) to a Buffalo, NY suburb. I can't believe the number of mom & pop businesses and I absolutely love it. Shops are closing up. I LOVE the fact that in my community (let’s say, within 1 mile from home) there is a brick & mortar retail for just about anything I need (hair cut, grocery, vacuum sweeper dealer, chiropractor, fish shop, camera shop, bike shop, etc.) It is a joy to see these businesses open and vibrant. I am doing my best to shop very local (even if the stuff is made overseas) to help my community.
I could, like Trent, buy vacuum cleaner bags from Amazon, but I am having my local guy order them for me. Someday I am going to be pleased that he is there it fix my vacuum. New bike helmet, etc. the first thing I do is look local.
A sense of community is extremely important to me. I want to do my part to keep from having a main street of boarded up vacant buildings.

I moved from sprawlville (eastern Kansas) to a Buffalo, NY suburb. I can’t believe the number of mom & pop businesses and I absolutely love it.

]]> By: prodgod http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643837 prodgod Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:49:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643837 This presumes our financial situation affords us such a choice. Often, we HAVE to choose the cheapest option, sacrificing a bit of quality in the process. Just the way it is for some people these days. This presumes our financial situation affords us such a choice. Often, we HAVE to choose the cheapest option, sacrificing a bit of quality in the process. Just the way it is for some people these days.

]]> By: Bill in Houston http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643819 Bill in Houston Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:06:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643819 I use Price, Time, and Distance as my variables when contemplating a purchase. That's about it. Anything else is a bonus. Quite often, though, it turns out that I'm buying from Costco, who do act ethically and have great customer service. I use Price, Time, and Distance as my variables when contemplating a purchase. That’s about it. Anything else is a bonus. Quite often, though, it turns out that I’m buying from Costco, who do act ethically and have great customer service.

]]> By: Clair Schwan of Frugal Living Freedom http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643808 Clair Schwan of Frugal Living Freedom Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:55:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643808 Value over price is the way to go. You can buy one good pair of shoes that will last for many years versus a somewhat cheaper pair that will last perhaps one year. No sense repeatedly buying crap only to imagine that you're saving money. Customer service is not meaningful when you're buying wood or hardware (a commodity) where the quality is the same all over town. Who cares? I avoid Wal Mart simply because they added TVs to their stores. I'm there to buy and you have to keep me entertained and sell to me with TVs all over the store? It's insulting and annoying, and because of it, they've lost me permanently as a customer. My preference is to buy locally and patronize the small shops that will take better care of their customers. If I get a fair price on specialty products and services, and I'm treated like a valued customer, then that shop gets my business forever. It's a big plus for me if the place also allows me and my dog to come in and shop:-) Clair Value over price is the way to go. You can buy one good pair of shoes that will last for many years versus a somewhat cheaper pair that will last perhaps one year. No sense repeatedly buying crap only to imagine that you’re saving money.

Customer service is not meaningful when you’re buying wood or hardware (a commodity) where the quality is the same all over town. Who cares?

I avoid Wal Mart simply because they added TVs to their stores. I’m there to buy and you have to keep me entertained and sell to me with TVs all over the store? It’s insulting and annoying, and because of it, they’ve lost me permanently as a customer.

My preference is to buy locally and patronize the small shops that will take better care of their customers. If I get a fair price on specialty products and services, and I’m treated like a valued customer, then that shop gets my business forever.

It’s a big plus for me if the place also allows me and my dog to come in and shop:-)

Clair

]]> By: kat http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643757 kat Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:14:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643757 I also refuse to shop at Wal Mart because of their employee treatment, anti union activities and censorship policies on music and books. I also avoid buying goods made in China as much as I possibly can. I live in a rural area, and the local Wal Mart has squeezed out a K Mart Duckworth and several other small stores. I try to shop local as much as I can. the local grocery store has many items as cheap as and better quality than the Wal Mart. I also refuse to shop at Wal Mart because of their employee treatment, anti union activities and censorship policies on music and books. I also avoid buying goods made in China as much as I possibly can. I live in a rural area, and the local Wal Mart has squeezed out a K Mart Duckworth and several other small stores. I try to shop local as much as I can. the local grocery store has many items as cheap as and better quality than the Wal Mart.

]]> By: Battra92 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643737 Battra92 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:41:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643737 I'm saving to someday buy a good rangefinder system. I've spend hundreds on cheaper 35mm systems in the past and now I really want to get something that will last me the rest of my life. I've been debating on Voigtlander vs Leica for a while and hopefully someday I can make up my mind to commit. Of course, once I do that most every other camera I own will need to be sold. I'm not sure I can commit to that. Sometimes, if you REALLY care about it, it pays to buy the best regardless of price. Not always (most of the time it's fine to be super cheap on nearly everything) but once in a while it just makes sense. I’m saving to someday buy a good rangefinder system. I’ve spend hundreds on cheaper 35mm systems in the past and now I really want to get something that will last me the rest of my life.

I’ve been debating on Voigtlander vs Leica for a while and hopefully someday I can make up my mind to commit. Of course, once I do that most every other camera I own will need to be sold. I’m not sure I can commit to that.

Sometimes, if you REALLY care about it, it pays to buy the best regardless of price. Not always (most of the time it’s fine to be super cheap on nearly everything) but once in a while it just makes sense.

]]> By: Thrifty Momma http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643728 Thrifty Momma Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:25:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643728 I live in a very small town so we don't have many local businesses. I do try to support them as much as I can. Even if their services are more expensive, I feel good about helping the local community. It also saves me gas by not driving an extra 10-12 miles to the bigger town. I live in a very small town so we don’t have many local businesses. I do try to support them as much as I can. Even if their services are more expensive, I feel good about helping the local community. It also saves me gas by not driving an extra 10-12 miles to the bigger town.

]]> By: Shelly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/27/the-variables-of-a-purchase-is-price-the-ultimate-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-643720 Shelly Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:12:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3481#comment-643720 I agree wholeheartedly with this article; sometimes it's not just about price. The ethical part is really important to me. My husband and I refuse to shop at Walmart because of the way they treat their employees and the way they take over communities. Our supermarket chain was founded in our area, and has been ranked in the top 10 for employee satisfaction for the past several years now. Their prices are very close to the Super Walmart, but occasionally a little higher -- and I'll pay it in a heartbeat to know that I'm supporting a company that actually cares about the people who make it run. The "Aldi Factor" made me laugh, but I will say that at least in my area, all the Aldi stores are extremely clean. I still don't shop there very often because I don't like how they don't sell any local items (lots of unnecessary food miles), but I'll stick up for them on the cleanliness. :) I agree wholeheartedly with this article; sometimes it’s not just about price. The ethical part is really important to me. My husband and I refuse to shop at Walmart because of the way they treat their employees and the way they take over communities.

Our supermarket chain was founded in our area, and has been ranked in the top 10 for employee satisfaction for the past several years now. Their prices are very close to the Super Walmart, but occasionally a little higher — and I’ll pay it in a heartbeat to know that I’m supporting a company that actually cares about the people who make it run.

The “Aldi Factor” made me laugh, but I will say that at least in my area, all the Aldi stores are extremely clean. I still don’t shop there very often because I don’t like how they don’t sell any local items (lots of unnecessary food miles), but I’ll stick up for them on the cleanliness. :)

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