Why Buy Local?

By Captain Capitalist

Campaigns that suggest you should "buy local" or "support independent
business owners" may smack of protectionism at first glance. After all,
shouldn't a true capitalist favor open competition?

Of course, but a true capitalist always considers his/her own self
interest. For in the long run people taking care of themselves benefits

everyone.

So how can a good capitalist justify a "buy local" or pro-little guy
policy?

You have to look at the big picture. You should always look for quality
goods and services at competitive prices, but that doesn't mean these
are the only factors one should consider. Now, I wont presume to tell
you what those factors might be. That's for each individual to determine.
I can tell you what some of mine are.

When you buy a $5 caulking gun from Bob's hardware, where does the
profit from that transaction go? To Bob. Bob lives in your neck of the
woods. There is a pretty good chance that at least some of that profit is
going to find it's way back to you one way or another. He may stop into
your shop, or leave your son a tip at the restaraunt. He may even just
improve his property, which in turn helps elevate everyone's property
value. In any case, the longer those dollars stay in your neck of the
woods, the more likely they'll come back to you.

When you buy a $5 caulking gun off the internet or from House Depot
Megastore where does that profit go? A good piece of it is going to
corporate headquarters which is likely not in your neighborhood. The farther
those dollars get from you, the less likely they'll be coming back.

The trick to acquiring wealth is to get in the middle of some cash
flow, and try not to let it all come in one end and out the other. It's not
as easily said as done, but the more cash you keep flowing in your
proximity, the more chances you'll have at it.

Of course, nobody benefits from propping up incompetent, unethical or
dishonest businesses. Price and quality are also important. But all
other things being equal, or close, spending your hard earned dollars in
your own back yard can be self rewarding. So whether you support your
local independent business person out of a "sense of community" or because
your a capitalist pig, the result is the same. You win. Your local
businessmen and women will be very appreciative and I promise they wont
question your motives

Note: this article is not about food, but this is where the site's powers that
be said to post this article after rejecting starting a new title.

Learn more about this author, Edward Duffy.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

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