~ In our October 2024 newsletter, we introduced a new series featuring Canadian-made items and local artists to highlight what we offer that big-box multi-national stores and online distributors do not. What follows is one example of how giving your money to local businesses goes a long way in keeping our community prosperous. ~
The Case:
You bought a bird-feeder online and now it’s broken and you want to replace it. You consider visiting a local shop in town, but it’s raining, so you search online.
– Local shop has a nice feeder by a reputable brand for $100. They even sell online, so you could order it and pick it up when it stops raining.
But, wait,
– Amazon has same one for same price and you could buy it and it’s done.
But wait,
– Amazon has a cheaper one that looks similar. Way cheaper. (But wait, that’s the one you bought before, made in China, shipped overseas, trucked over hill and dale, and it broke after one season. So, no.)
So, what’s the difference?
The name brand feeder is the same price at Amazon as at your local retailer BUT spending money locally stays in the community. Amazon brings nothing to community other than maybe the wages to the local driver who brought it the last few kilometers.
Buy locally and this is what you get:
– A shop that can keep its staff.
– A retailer who can make the usual donations to local charities.
– A business person who can say “yes” this year to the sports team or musical act still in need of a sponsor.
Independent businesses spend a lot of money keeping the lights on, the website updated and the credit card machine monthly rental fees paid. (They also say goodbye to 3-5% of the retail price that goes to the companies and banks.)
And they usually have incentives for cash payments because cash stays in the community.
Avant-Garden shop experiences all these challenges. And we also offer many benefits.
Pay cash and we give you 5% of your purchase back in bonus bucks that can be used any time for purchases in the store.
Buy 12 bags of seed and get one free.
Each Friday, we work with Curbside Peterborough & The Kawarthas Local Business Community (on Facebook) to offer extra specials when you pay with cash.
Just a friendly reminder that where you buy your bird feeder makes a big difference. And the reputable brands we carry are guaranteed for life. We’ll even give you tips on installation.
Pop in any time and say hello. We’re here.
And the only thing we track is the number of seed bags you’ve bought. (Only if you want us to, so you can get the free one.) ~