Local Community, local business.

[thefruitfarmer]

Yesterday morning...

1. I took my car back to the privately owned tyre place as the tyre they had fixed the seal on last week (for the grand total of £3.50) was losing air again. They put some more glue stuff on it for no charge.

2. Then I saw the mechanic, who is a friend of friend, in his garage and had a cup of tea with him. He fixed the bonnet on my car, which was n't opening easily and checked all the fluid levels, again for no charge.

3. I went to the Ghurka shop opposite and bought chillis, garlic, ginger, chapatti flour and green lentils for just over £5. I had a chat with the guy and offered him some plants from my garden for his weed filled border at the sunny side of the shop. I think the sedum could do quite well there.


Now, if I had done business with the corporates they would probably have tried to sell me new tyres, charge me for a full service on the car and Tescos would have seduced me with pre-made chapattis and all sorts of blends of salt, sugar and fat.

I am just so glad there is still a small business community around here where people are decent to one another, despite all the difficulties they are facing. It's such a better way to get things done. If I had gone to the corporates that day I could have easily spent £300 when all I needed to do was talk to the right people, give them some conversation and spend £5.

[TJ55]

From the very small bit I understand, sounds like you got a deal. Good call.

[MJ5150]

I like supporting the reasonable local businesses as well. Just the other day at my local grocer, when I went to pay, I had left my debit card at home. The store let me take everything home, about $110 worth, and then return later in the evening to square up.

I doubt I would have received that consideration from a large national chain.

-Mike

[Downunderwonder]

For the benefit of those less aquainted with BritSpeak than Kwesi:
3 pound 50 p = pocket change
bonnet = hood
chappatis = dry Indian flat bread,
ghurka shop = shop that sells retired Indian volunteers in the British Army, jk, or more likely a store owned by a retiree Indian volunteer in the British army exercising his right to live in the UK after serving, specialising in yummy stuff from India.
tescos = supermarket

[colcifer]

I know a little British but the food stuff went over my head (thanks for the glossary). Small businesses owned by nice people are great!

[thefruitfarmer]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

For the benefit of those less aquainted with BritSpeak than Kwesi:
3 pound 50 p = pocket change
bonnet = hood
chappatis = dry Indian flat bread,
ghurka shop = shop that sells retired Indian volunteers in the British Army, jk, or more likely a store owned by a retiree Indian volunteer in the British army exercising his right to live in the UK after serving, specialising in yummy stuff from India.
tescos = supermarket

Thanks dude...

I forgot about the vernacular!

I just wanted to make the point that the big corporate food stores and the big chain places that sell tyres and service cars are no good to do business with. Over the last 30 years they have got better and better at taking your money.

The small guy is part of the community with which he does business with, he relies on goodwill and local reputation to survive.

I spent less than £10 that day (about $15 USD) and I could have spent £300, if I had accepted the upsell and phoney advice from the corporates.

It is just nice and relaxed doing business like this - and is the way things should be, IMO.

[Relic]

Definitely agree with you. For my part, whenever possible I try to patronize the local private-owned businesses in my area and so on. I prefer the personal level of interaction that you get, plus I fear what life may be like once they're all gobbled up by the Walmarts, Home Depots, and CVS's of the world..