# Hey "Main Street USA", want to compete with bigger businesses? Here's a tip: **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 19, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319 "2010-09-19T20:56:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/61 "2010-09-21T17:21:04Z")
> [@Yarster](#): > > Also, I’m not so sure I agree with the fact that you giving me some advice on a specialty product at an independent store automatically means I should shop there. The truth is, yes, I might want you to spend ten minutes explaining the difference between three different $1000+ cameras, but buying online saves me 20% on the price, there is no tax, and shipping is free. I will come back and possibly buy a lens or other things from you, but if your prices are quite a bit higher and you have a shitty attitude because 10 minutes of your time didn’t translate into a huge sale, then your expectations are not very realistic. I don’t think that getting advice from a camera shop worker obligates you to buy from that shop. But I also don’t think that you should be soliciting advice from them if you have absolutely no intention of buying the item from them. If you know already that you’re going to buy online to save 20%, then IMO you should do your research online as well. (But perhaps I have misinterpreted your post.) ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/62 "2010-09-21T17:55:36Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > > [@Yarster](#): > > > > Also, I’m not so sure I agree with the fact that you giving me some advice on a specialty product at an independent store automatically means I should shop there. The truth is, yes, I might want you to spend ten minutes explaining the difference between three different $1000+ cameras, but buying online saves me 20% on the price, there is no tax, and shipping is free. I will come back and possibly buy a lens or other things from you, but if your prices are quite a bit higher and you have a shitty attitude because 10 minutes of your time didn’t translate into a huge sale, then your expectations are not very realistic. > > I don’t think that getting advice from a camera shop worker obligates you to buy from that shop. But I also don’t think that you should be soliciting advice from them if you have absolutely no intention of buying the item from them. If you know already that you’re going to buy online to save 20%, then IMO you should do your research online as well. (But perhaps I have misinterpreted your post.) That’s exactly it. If you fully intend to buy the product cheaper, do your research online. To keep with the camera shop example, I’d even understand (as a camera shop employee) if you wanted to come in and see them in person yourself before deciding which model to go with, even if you’re ordering online. However. Come in and look at them. When you get to asking about specifics, differences between the models, etc., that is when you’re being a jerk. Do your own research and don’t take up the store’s time and effort when you fully know you aren’t going to buy from them. Option A: coming in, looking at the cameras, leaving (also covered is coming in, asking, “can I see blahblah that’s in the case?”, looking at it, leaving): yeah, fine. Option B: coming in, looking at the cameras, chit chatting about your hobby, asking them about the difference in lens options between A and B, or if there has been any improvements on this newest model C here compared to the one that was out three years ago, and have you used any of these and if so, what do you prefer, etc. etc… and then leaving to buy it online as you fully intended to? : not okay. You’re a jerk. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/63 "2010-09-21T18:24:07Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > > [@MsWhatsit](#): > > > > I don’t think that getting advice from a camera shop worker obligates you to buy from that shop. But I also don’t think that you should be soliciting advice from them if you have absolutely no intention of buying the item from them. If you know already that you’re going to buy online to save 20%, then IMO you should do your research online as well. (But perhaps I have misinterpreted your post.) > > That’s exactly it. If you fully intend to buy the product cheaper, do your research online. To keep with the camera shop example, I’d even understand (as a camera shop employee) if you wanted to come in and see them in person yourself before deciding which model to go with, even if you’re ordering online. > > However. > > Come in and look at them. When you get to asking about specifics, differences between the models, etc., that is when you’re being a jerk. Do your own research and don’t take up the store’s time and effort when you fully know you aren’t going to buy from them. > > Option A: coming in, looking at the cameras, leaving (also covered is coming in, asking, “can I see blahblah that’s in the case?”, looking at it, leaving): yeah, fine. > > Option B: coming in, looking at the cameras, chit chatting about your hobby, asking them about the difference in lens options between A and B, or if there has been any improvements on this newest model C here compared to the one that was out three years ago, and have you used any of these and if so, what do you prefer, etc. etc… and then leaving to buy it online as you fully intended to? : not okay. You’re a jerk. How would you feel if someone did option B, but gave you a chance instead of leaving. Saying, “I’ve found this online for $X (shows you reputable competitor’s website on smartphone), and with Y guarantee. I like you guys and your store. If you can get in that ballpark, I’d prefer to buy this from you. Can you?” ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/64 "2010-09-21T18:29:06Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > How would you feel if someone did option B, but gave you a chance instead of leaving. Saying, “I’ve found this online for $X (shows you reputable competitor’s website on smartphone), and with Y guarantee. I like you guys and your store. If you can get in that ballpark, I’d prefer to buy this from you. Can you?” This is what I did when I got my new phone recently. I had fully intended to buy online, as Verizon offered a $100 online discount. On a whim, though, I pulled into the local Verizon reseller store to get a firsthand look at the phones. I mentioned this exact thing to the salesman, and he was very emphatic that they’ll match the online price. I wound up giving him the sale, since I do prefer to have the product in hand ASAP when buying online doesn’t give any significant advantage. Of course, once the deal was made it was then revealed that the “price match” came in the form of a $100 mail-in rebate I need to send in. Ah well. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/65 "2010-09-21T18:31:03Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > How would you feel if someone did option B, but gave you a chance instead of leaving. Saying, “I’ve found this online for $X (shows you reputable competitor’s website on smartphone), and with Y guarantee. I like you guys and your store. If you can get in that ballpark, I’d prefer to buy this from you. Can you?” I’d probably be reeeeeeeally extremely minorly irked 😉 but not really. Since I’m not the boss, I’d try to contact the boss (if s/he wasn’t in that day) to see what s/he’d say to the offer. Overall, though, (and this could be where my experience on both sides, as small business worker _and_ customer come into play), I’d think he was pretty cool for coming in and trying to purchase it from us. I’m in Michigan and we all know here that it boils down to the economy. I’d honestly appreciate that he was trying to purchase local but I understand that oftentimes, it can’t happen. Now, I’d hope that perhaps he’d be open to other offers if the owner couldn’t sell _that_ item at that price the online shop has. Perhaps, “we can’t meet that price, but we can knock X% off and give you a discount on this lens (or film, if it’s not digital, or whatever) and also, obviously, no shipping charge either”. I don’t work at a camera store so I’m talking a bit out of my butt with these specifics. 🙂 But I hope you get what I’m saying. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/66 "2010-09-21T18:36:09Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > To keep with the camera shop example, I’d even understand (as a camera shop employee) if you wanted to come in and see them in person yourself before deciding which model to go with, even if you’re ordering online. > > However. > > Come in and look at them. When you get to asking about specifics, differences between the models, etc., that is when you’re being a jerk. Do your own research and don’t take up the store’s time and effort… Even if you never speak to a salesman in the store, looking at physical models in a physical store is still taking advantage of there _being_ a physical store. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/67 "2010-09-21T18:58:29Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > > [@zweisamkeit](#): > > > > To keep with the camera shop example, I’d even understand (as a camera shop employee) if you wanted to come in and see them in person yourself before deciding which model to go with, even if you’re ordering online. > > > > However. > > > > Come in and look at them. When you get to asking about specifics, differences between the models, etc., that is when you’re being a jerk. Do your own research and don’t take up the store’s time and effort… > > Even if you never speak to a salesman in the store, looking at physical models in a physical store is still taking advantage of there _being_ a physical store. Yes, and I didn’t say that it didn’t… ? My point was that you’re taking advantage of the physical store, yes, but you’re not taking up much of the _time and effort_ of the people who work there. If someone wanders in and browses, all I have to do is ask if they have any questions (and in the “okay” scenario above, likely would just say they’re browsing) and keep an eye on them. If someone comes in and asks tons of questions, that’s taking up my time that could be used on other work or _on other customers who come in actually intending to buy from us_. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/68 "2010-09-21T18:59:28Z")
Seattle Pike’s Market. Probably the biggest freaking’ tourist draw that Seattle has, an amazing world of sights, sounds, smells, tastes that everyone should experience. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm Sunday, 11am to 5pm In the summers it doesn’t get dark until 10pm, and the streets are packed with foot traffic all evening. What the hell? I used to live within walking distance, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been looking for breakfast or brunch (closed!) or a quick dinner (closed!) or shopping after I get home from my 9-5 job (closed!). ---
**Author:** ![aesop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f8ce5/32.png) [@aesop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aesop)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/69 "2010-09-21T19:15:17Z")
When my wife and I were renovating our kitchen and bathroom in Columbia, SC our contractor suggested a particular tile store. It was only open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 to 5:00 or so. When I asked the salesman why they weren’t open on Saturday, to make it easier for people who worked all week to shop there, he said: “We tried that. But too many people kept coming in.” :smack: Damn customers were ruining his business, I suppose… ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/70 "2010-09-21T19:56:51Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > > [@spark240](#): > > > > Even if you never speak to a salesman in the store, looking at physical models in a physical store is still taking advantage of there _being_ a physical store. > > Yes, and I didn’t say that it didn’t… ? My point was that you’re taking advantage of the physical store, yes, but you’re not taking up much of the _time and effort_ of the people who work there. If someone wanders in and browses, all I have to do is ask if they have any questions (and in the “okay” scenario above, likely would just say they’re browsing) and keep an eye on them. If someone comes in and asks tons of questions, that’s taking up my time that could be used on other work or _on other customers who come in actually intending to buy from us_. Yes, I understand all that. _My_ point is that people who browse in physical stores, but don’t directly and specifically take up anyone’s time that day, are still getting something of value there. They’re still utilizing the time and money it took to put the store there and stock it. They, like all of us, would still be losing something if physical stores disappeared. Thus, they too _should_ try to support the store. > [@aesop](#): > > “We tried that. But too many people kept coming in.” :smack: Maybe they wanted to be able to give proper attention to every customer, and weren’t able to when they got too busy at once. I’ve declined customers because circumstances didn’t permit me to do a _good_ job for them. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/71 "2010-09-21T20:04:34Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > > [@zweisamkeit](#): > > > > To keep with the camera shop example, I’d even understand (as a camera shop employee) if you wanted to come in and see them in person yourself before deciding which model to go with, even if you’re ordering online. > > > > However. > > > > Come in and look at them. When you get to asking about specifics, differences between the models, etc., that is when you’re being a jerk. Do your own research and don’t take up the store’s time and effort… > > Even if you never speak to a salesman in the store, looking at physical models in a physical store is still **taking advantage** of there _being_ a physical store. That’s a pretty loaded phrase. I’m shopping smart - not tricking them into giving me handjob. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/72 "2010-09-21T20:07:50Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > That’s a pretty loaded phrase. I’m shopping smart - not tricking them into giving me handjob. As far as I know, the “loading” is appropriate to what you’re doing. You’re _taking_ something of value with no intention of reciprocating in any way, right? ---
**Author:** ![FuzzyOgre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@FuzzyOgre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FuzzyOgre)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/73 "2010-09-21T20:15:39Z")
When I bought my Canon rebel I shopped around. I knew I was going to buy at a store, but I was determined to get a good value(I was going to ask for extras). So when it came down to it, I bought at bestbuy and not the local guys(though I like them better). The bestbuy manager was willing to throw in an infrared remote trigger, and I wasnt going to ask even that much of the small local place. But when it came down to getting a nice macro lens, I purchased at the little guy regardless of price. I got a second lens through them later on, so of the 2100+ bucks spent on my camera, more than 2/3s was purchased though a individual retailer. If I want good technical advice, they are the ones to go to, so I consider it highly appropriate to purchase from them. ---
**Author:** ![aesop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f8ce5/32.png) [@aesop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aesop)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/74 "2010-09-21T20:18:42Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > > [@aesop](#): > > > > “We tried that. But too many people kept coming in.” :smack: > > Maybe they wanted to be able to give proper attention to every customer, and weren’t able to when they got too busy at once. > > I’ve declined customers because circumstances didn’t permit me to do a _good_ job for them. I guess that’s one solution. Another might be to hire more help – using the revenue from the additional customers. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/75 "2010-09-21T20:23:46Z")
> [@aesop](#): > > I guess that’s one solution. Another might be to hire more help – using the revenue from the additional customers. I wish I could hire someone as good as me. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![FuzzyOgre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@FuzzyOgre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FuzzyOgre)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/76 "2010-09-21T21:04:04Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > I wish I could hire someone as good as me. 😉 Thats precisely why I’ve never married! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/77 "2010-09-21T21:15:18Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > > [@drastic\_quench](#): > > > > That’s a pretty loaded phrase. I’m shopping smart - not tricking them into giving me handjob. > > As far as I know, the “loading” is appropriate to what you’re doing. You’re _taking_ something of value with no intention of reciprocating in any way, right? A good salesman’s knowledge can be valuable; that’s why he’s paid a fucking wage. The customer is not the salesman’s employer. Commission isn’t owed simply because the customer engaged a salesman; commission is earned. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/78 "2010-09-21T21:51:50Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > KToday when I wanted to eat at that nice little German joint, it was closed and I ended up going to Der Wienerschnitzel. This made me LOL. You were so wanting German food that you settled for a hot dog place with a German name ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/79 "2010-09-21T22:28:58Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > > [@Cisco](#): > > > > KToday when I wanted to eat at that nice little German joint, it was closed and I ended up going to Der Wienerschnitzel. > > This made me LOL. You were so wanting German food that you settled for a hot dog place with a German name 😉 ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319/80 "2010-09-21T22:47:09Z")
In the tiny WV town I live in, there are _four_ (count 'em, four) hair-cutting places. I’ve been wanting to get **mudgirl** a haircut for about two months now. I’ve not _once_ found even one of the hair-cutting places open, _none_ of them have hours posted, and the two that have phone numbers displayed, no one ever answered. I finally ended up taking her to the hair place at the closest Super Wal-Mart. :rolleyes: Seriously, folks, this is _not_ the way to run a business. Most businesses around here open early (8AM for retail, earlier for diners and such), close early (5 or 6PM, later for grocery stores and restaurants) and are closed on Sundays (except, of course, for the restaurants and grocery store). I don’t have a problem at all with the limited business hours. Just today, I had to pull **mudgirl** out of school early so she could make a 3PM eye exam. But really, is it too much to ask for you to post your hours of operation or at least answer your freakin’ phone?? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-main-street-usa-want-to-compete-with-bigger-businesses-heres-a-tip/554319.md?page=5)