The Importance Of Locally Owned And Operated

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

As the months and years pass, many businesses here in Salem and Oregon are operated and owned by out of state investors. Many of the homes that are bought outright in cash are sold to California transplants. Our State is attracting more and more people who want to relocate here, our state is also one of the most heavily costly to live in due to people wanting to move here.

What is the importance of buying local and using local services? Have you ever wondered why the cost of goods is more costly at a small general store than at a local Walmart? This is due to the big corporate businesses like Walmart being able to buy in bulk for dirt cheap prices (because they are buying so much).

The difference between goods and services is that services tend to be along the same cost whether or not they are a large or small business. But using local services that are owned and operated within your area is highly beneficial and cost effective. Local vendors have more information on current conditions within your area, laws about services you are requesting, rules for planning the services, and locally specific management perspectives than that who are out of state owned or new to the industry. Using local vendors also helps support community within your area.

When we think about community we see small shops, banks, and grocery stores, where a mother of two can talk to Mr. Policemen on the corner, call him by name, and ask how his mother is? If you take away the local human community element…all you have is a big empty corporate suit selling you goods.

Our SERVPRO franchises have been locally owned since they were started. The family that owns this company still oversees operations and shows up to work each day.

The difference between a small business and a large business is that in a small business you can usually go to the owners office and knock and enter to ask a question. You can’t do that at Walmart.

We should love buying local and sourcing local goods and services. It builds your network, encourages strength in small businesses, and is beneficial to the dying art that is small business ownership.

Plus, if something comes up that you need help with, you can call and get an answer. Rather than speaking to someone overseas after being on hold for 15 minutes.