My Wife Thinks The World Is Ending

[Outside Bend]

try the 100mph rain suits, best I have seen.

It was a pair of wading boots, where a couple of rivets popped off in the parking lot as I was lacing them. But I am in the market for a new rainsuit, I'll have to check 'em out!

[Outside Bend]

I don't go to Walmarks. Can't stand the place.

But this is the question I've been asking lately.

At what point should I forget my loyalties to local businesses and just shop price to save ME some money?

SIO3

Pretty much what Justin said, it's up to the individual to decide whether they value price or local businesses more. I think it depends a lot on the product, and the experiences you've had with local business. I buy practically all my fly fishing gear and tying materials locally, in part because I want to know the deer hair or bucktail or dubbing I get will meet my needs, in part because I just like the people running those businesses, and they've helped my fishing immensely. They've helped me not just by selling me an item, but by helping me figure out where to fish, how to fish, what products are worthwhile and what are junk, how to tie a particular fly. The least I can do (IMO) is return the favor by keeping them in business. Conversely, there are local businesses I no longer patronize, because they don't value their customers, and it shows.

Not to sound overly nostalgic, but I another component may be our general societal impatience, our need for instant gratification. It IS more time consuming to build a rapport with your local fly, camera, or bike shop. But in my experience it's worth the time.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I'm talking about everyday items like lawn care supplies and household goods. I don't need help or service just a cheaper price.

If the toilet is running all the time I go to the old time hardware store where the people know how to fix it. If I need a bag of millorganite I want the best price.

Pete

[FishinCricket]

Sounds like a "have your cake and eat it too" situation, Pete... :/

[Justin Spencer]

If the toilet is running all the time I go to the old time hardware store where the people know how to fix it.

Now your cutting out the poor old plumber!

The everyday purchases where all money is going to be made you buy at the big chain stores, the once every 5 years toilet running item you buy at the local small store, and we wonder why these small guys go out of business. At the same time, to cut costs some of these small stores quit carrying common items so it does make it a pain in the butt to go to 5 different places to get your shopping done.

The other day I went to a plumbing store to get some sort of PVC part, and they sent me to Hirsh Feed and Farm which is a local chain feedstore and a whole lot more. Kind of made me shake my head because I needed to go to Hirsch anyway but wanted to support the other store that should have specialized in this sort of item.

[Feathers and Fins]

This is how I look at it, I want the top quality I can on certain items and the best price on other items.

Boat = I could have bought used but no warranty and no history of maintenance, So I bought new. 22,000 vs 8,000 but the warranty and lack of headaches was worth it..

Fishing Poles and reels = Walmart gear may work just fine for a combo of 59.00 or I could go with the best possible rod and real… Walmart stuff will break fast as much as I fish and I would easily spend 200.00 a year rough guess on going back to keep buying it each year or I can spend the 250 for the reel and 380 for the rod and have them last a lifetime… Again quality wins

A worm is a worm im buying them where they are cheap same with terminal tackle.

Then comes the {POINT IN LIFE VIEW} When I was younger and still had the kids at home frugal was the name of the game. Bills had to be paid and food on the table and to be there. Now the kids are gone, bills are a lot less and I look at myself and think “ I have earned the right to have nice things within reason} The best example is I have friends who still have bills and kids who want top go hunting and rough it to save money! I look at them and say I paid my dues im getting a motel! Creature comfort “ I don’t like skeeters and guys blowing duck calling in the parking lot all night! I like a soft bed a shower and tv and59 bucks aint breaking my bank!

As to the 99% Well I aint rich and I sure worked my butt off to get where I am and don’t behold a grudge to rich people. Maybe the 99 need to get off their GIMME GIMME butts and work hard to earn the right to have things. I was always taught when you earn something it means more than to have it given to you! Thanks Gramps it was a good lesson

[rainbow]

I agree that BPS is slipping in the fishing department. They sell way to much in clothes and other stuff. I was at an Academy in La. and it was not much to talk about. I have been buying most of my fishing gear from Cabelas in Hazelwood. Very impressed with the selection and pricing. They also have some good clearance sales on fishing gear this time of year.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Sounds like a "have your cake and eat it too" situation, Pete... :/

I feel ya Cricket.

The question stands. At what point does a guy look out for his own pocket instead of the local businessman?

Pete

[Gavin]

BPS and Cabela's have both lost there luster for me...I've bought allot of spin & casting tackle from them over the years, but the selection is limited to proven sellers and they are slow to adopt new products. If I want the latest & greatest, I'll find it someplace else long before a BPS or Cabela's will have it on the shelf.

[Tom Tricamo]

Cabelas for hunting or fishing clothing

BP for gear. I find the St Charles BP has a far superior bait selection to hazelwood Cabelas.

Does anybody know of any mom and pop tackle shops in St louis? I think there is a nice fly shop on Manchester in rock hill.