The reason I still shop there is cause their feed is 5% off right now and has been since summer. My regular feed store charges between 11.00 - 12.00 50 lb bag of grains and corn is 11.00 for 50 lb bag. At TSC All purpose grains 9.99 and 5 % off that I save money, and on the corn its 10.99 with extra 5% off that price. With gas prices going up, right now every penny counts.
While I agree with the above sentiment in this strained economy - I think that this mind set is one of the reasons we see uneducated people in all businesses we patronize. The small business owner cannot compete (especially feed stores) with the prices of chain stores. For those of you who do not know - feed pricing is based on bulk & since chain stores order by the semi - they get a reduced price. The common misconception is that the small business is simply greedy but the truth is that they pay more for smaller amounts of the same product. That being said, chosing a feed supplier based only on price compounds the problem. Personally I patronize businesses that are friendly, can answer my questions, know me by name & ask about my family. I may pay slightly more for the product but the wealth of knowledge, supporting of small business & friendship has to count for something.
Personally, I am the one across the counter when you come in for feed. I am also the one you call up for advise even though you buy your feed at
TSC. I am the one you ask to borrow my horse trailer. I am the one you ask for credit. I am the person that you feel owes you something even though you do not patronize my business. All of this is not said in anger - just truth. I receive at least a dozen calls per week about animal health although the feed used is from
TSC. My prices on many products is even lower than
TSC and my prices on some are higher because I try to remain competetive even though I make very little profit on a bag of feed (less than 10%). My profits are based on bulk sales.
You cannot ask for quality, knowledgeable staffing when paying the cheapest prices. You can be given incorrect information from these same places. Thats why in all of my needs I try to steer away from chain stores & pay that little extra to small business - those who know me, who sincerly try to help me & those who maintain that level of friendship & caring that I crave. We also strive to maintain that relationship with our customers & go above & beyond to answer (or to find answers) to their questions.
So forgive the minimum wage employee at the chain store their ignorance & find you a small business with people you can develope a personal relationship with - granted not all business owners know everything - but often will try to point you in the right direction. Thats what we do.
