we had a hail storm come thru here in 2001, and there was an influx of storm
chasers, from Ok, and other points south and west. They came into town, cut
roofing prices everywhere, and ended up with a lot ( A LOT ) of business.
People would ask me to match their prices, and when I would refuse, they
said well "you know what I have to do" and I said yeah, pretty well do.
fast forward 3 years, their is not one week goes by, and I am not
exaggerating, that one of these "old customers" calls and tells me that
their roof is leaking, I do a little research in the old computer, and say,
hmm, didn't roofrex or Ameriroof, reroof America, do yours? and they say
well yeah they did what's the point? Makes my friggin day to tell em to
call for the warranty from them guys, and hear customer say "I cant seem to
get a hold of them anymore" And then I proceed to tell em, my prices are a
bit higher, because I AM here 3 years later, and I stand behind my work. And
further more, I am not going to do a cheap repair on those butchers work,
and end up "marrying" this lousy work for a few hundred dollars.
There is justice in the world, sometimes it just takes a while to see it,
but when the lady takes off her blindfold, well it warms the cackles of yer
heart LOL
-----Original Message-----
From Robert E. Shlafer [mailto:PilotRob at webtv.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 8:50 AM
To: Frank Clarici
Cc: type79@ix.netcom.com; spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Tire'ed of playing the game
Well...
I couldn't agree more about supporting the
local small businessman if at all possible.
But sometimes the local guy will try to
rip you off when he's the only game in
town. Sports & Classics used to be this
way and despite the fact he's right up
the road from me, I stopped doing business with him for years,
preferring
to wait for parts from VB and others rather
than giving him my hard earned cash.
Times have changed and so has S&C
which has allowed me to renew our
relationship. Which is a definite "win/win"
situation for all concerned, of course.
I've been doing business with the same
mech for 30 years plus now. But he's
worth it and it is absolutely true that if
you do not support the local guy in giving
him your business (even if you have to
pay a bit more....think of it as an
insurance policy or investment in your
own future well-being), he may not be
around when you need him.
Good thing he's younger than me. I
should go before he does so my BE
should be OK!! :)
OTOH, some local businesses need
replacement by the (yechhh!) Walmarts, etc.!!
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