General cons of buying locally: more expensive. As mentioned above, local food and products tend to be more expensive. There isn't that much variety or selection. You know more about your food.
It may be surprising to read, but buying local products actually has some potential downsides. First of all, it's important to understand that just because something is produced locally doesn't mean it's environmentally friendly. If supplies or equipment need to be shipped to create the product, that can offset any benefit of creating or growing the product locally. Large retailers such as BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club entice customers with the promise of saving money when buying in bulk.
But are they really worth it for the average consumer, or can you get better deals by shopping at smaller, local retail stores? In other words, is it worth buying in a big way for yourself? Here are five advantages and disadvantages to consider. Price is often the most important factor when choosing where to buy. Large stores offer their most attractive discounts on expensive items, surpassing specialty stores and smaller retailers in terms of prices. So yes, you can often save hundreds of dollars on electronics, appliances, and other major purchases if you shop at a large retail store.
Large stores often sell items in large sizes or quantities. Real bargains can be obtained by buying non-perishable items in bulk, such as paper items. Foods with a long shelf life, such as soft drinks, canned goods, or giant bags of frozen chicken wings, are usually well priced. By buying food and other products that are produced locally, you stimulate the economy in which you live.
In your local small business, you might find what you're looking for, but you won't find much variety. A small local business cannot compete in this particular area, since reward systems will only diminish the company's limited profits. Conscientious buyers know that the lowest price isn't usually the best factor that determines their decision, so you need to know the most common advantages and disadvantages of working with companies of different sizes to help you make the best decisions for your business. Big stores definitely have their place in the American consumer landscape, as do small retailers and local stores.
This isn't something a small local business can do, since their profit margins are generally smaller than those of large stores. Nextdoor, a platform that connects you with residents and businesses within your zip code, is an effective way to interact with neighbors and keep up to date on local offerings. However, small stores and local businesses would have difficulty managing the logistics of a delivery system, so in many cases (not all), you won't be able to receive your products at your door if you buy from small local businesses. The same cannot always be said for a small local business, as their level of coverage will be quite limited.
Small local stores may not offer this convenience, as it will involve hiring more staff or paying overtime, which can be an unaffordable expense for a small business. Shopping at small local businesses can sometimes put you at a disadvantage, but that doesn't completely deny your convenience. If there were only small local businesses to support, imagine how many jobs would be lost in your community alone. With this in mind, you can expect the following drawbacks and disadvantages when shopping at small local stores rather than larger, more prominent chains.
