Local or Global? (19)

May 14, 2012 11:00 AM CST Local or Global?
Which do you choose when it comes to buying things that do cost you more locally?
I went to buy a computer cartridge this weekend and the first 4 places I tried did not stock the one I wanted (and were office suppliers/ stationers/ computer stores) . The last was my nearest supermarket and amazingly was cheaper than Tesco but at €17.99 for one cartridge does not compare with the €24.95 I paid for 25 compatible cartridges. (OK I know the ink wont be guaranteed to last 100 years but who'll be around to check?)
When it comes to things like garages, tyres, petrol, computer repairs & groceries then I do shop local but other things I will look abroad for...

Made me think - will we extend our own recession if we continually look beyond our borders for products and services?
May 14, 2012 11:22 AM CST Local or Global?
If you don't look after your own pocket, no-one else will. If you can get it cheaper abroad... get it abroad.
May 14, 2012 11:39 AM CST Local or Global?
Glatlol
GlatlolGlatlolDublin, Ireland2 Threads 5,358 Posts
sally101: Which do you choose when it comes to buying things that do cost you more locally?
I went to buy a computer cartridge this weekend and the first 4 places I tried did not stock the one I wanted (and were office suppliers/ stationers/ computer stores) . The last was my nearest supermarket and amazingly was cheaper than Tesco but at €17.99 for one cartridge does not compare with the €24.95 I paid for 25 compatible cartridges. (OK I know the ink wont be guaranteed to last 100 years but who'll be around to check?)
When it comes to things like garages, tyres, petrol, computer repairs & groceries then I do shop local but other things I will look abroad for...

Made me think - will we extend our own recession if we continually look beyond our borders for products and services?


To be honest I dont think about the recession or the recovery of the economy when I am buying anything, just my pocket and bills, so if I can get things cheaper I will.
May 14, 2012 12:02 PM CST Local or Global?
fifitheminx
fifitheminxfifitheminxDublin, Ireland35 Threads 4,039 Posts
MADDOG69: If you don't look after your own pocket, no-one else will. If you can get it cheaper abroad... get it abroad.


what if ur pocket contains the funds from local purchasing, and relies on it?
May 14, 2012 12:23 PM CST Local or Global?
fifitheminx: what if ur pocket contains the funds from local purchasing, and relies on it?

Everyone's pocket contains money from local purchasing, indirectly. Though I understand you mean by more directly. If I depend on local custom I'm going to price my stuff competitively enough that I can make a few quid. If I price gouge I go out of business fast. If I give things away for free, I go out of business fast. If Mr. Li from Shanghai sells my stuff on the internet cheaper I call it a day if I can't value add and make money. On the other foot, Mr. Li buys his Car from Germany. And why shouldn't he. :)
The Sugar business in Ireland was the perfect example of that.
May 14, 2012 1:26 PM CST Local or Global?
saoirse65
saoirse65saoirse65Ballyshannon, Donegal Ireland210 Threads 3,338 Posts
I do my everyday shopping locally and use local services etc. However there is just not enough competition locally for prices to be competitive. For clothes shopping my choices are to travel to Sligo or Enniskillen. I go to Enniskillen as it is just as close and the prices are better even with the rate of exchange. There is usually a difference of about 5 euro per item in clothing in regular shops such as Next which does add up if I am buying a few items. I bought my laptop locally as the guy is really helpful and great after sales service. My cameras I did not buy locally...just too expensive. Obviously in rural areas we just do not have the same selection. I feel that I contribute enough to the local economy. In fairness during the "Celtic Tiger" years I never felt that local retailers gave a crap about me. I encountered absolute indifference in shops and restaurants. Having said that the shops in Ballyshannon are amazing and really do look after the customers. So my long winded answer is do what you can for the local economy but if the item you need is not competitively priced then I do not see anything wrong with shopping around and going for the best deal.
May 14, 2012 1:28 PM CST Local or Global?
fifitheminx: .they do stuff i cant get anywhere..

if i pay 10 cents extra on some bananas from my fav greengocer..its balances out with the fantastic rolls he makes that if he were gone would just be a mere memory for me..


And that's perfectly fine. He's got Added value. He understands the personal touch or a specific customized service keeps him relevant. thumbs up
May 14, 2012 1:37 PM CST Local or Global?
billyj1
billyj1billyj1Sydney, New South Wales Australia12 Threads 2 Polls 801 Posts
sally101: Which do you choose when it comes to buying things that do cost you more locally?
I went to buy a computer cartridge this weekend and the first 4 places I tried did not stock the one I wanted (and were office suppliers/ stationers/ computer stores) . The last was my nearest supermarket and amazingly was cheaper than Tesco but at €17.99 for one cartridge does not compare with the €24.95 I paid for 25 compatible cartridges. (OK I know the ink wont be guaranteed to last 100 years but who'll be around to check?)
When it comes to things like garages, tyres, petrol, computer repairs & groceries then I do shop local but other things I will look abroad for...

Made me think - will we extend our own recession if we continually look beyond our borders for products and services?


I try to go local as much as possible, especially with food, as the only hope for Ireland now is to develop localised economises when we leave the euro. Ireland has enormous resources so I don't see why we need to import potatoes and beef etc..... however when it comes to women the global option could be more attractive.
May 14, 2012 1:42 PM CST Local or Global?
saoirse65
saoirse65saoirse65Ballyshannon, Donegal Ireland210 Threads 3,338 Posts
however when it comes to women the global option could be more attractive
Thought we were talking about making purchases??laugh
Just joking...not meant to be offensive wave
May 14, 2012 1:43 PM CST Local or Global?
billyj1
billyj1billyj1Sydney, New South Wales Australia12 Threads 2 Polls 801 Posts
MADDOG69: Everyone's pocket contains money from local purchasing, indirectly. Though I understand you mean by more directly. If I depend on local custom I'm going to price my stuff competitively enough that I can make a few quid. If I price gouge I go out of business fast. If I give things away for free, I go out of business fast. If Mr. Li from Shanghai sells my stuff on the internet cheaper I call it a day if I can't value add and make money. On the other foot, Mr. Li buys his Car from Germany. And why shouldn't he. :)
The Sugar business in Ireland was the perfect example of that.


And now sugar is more expensive in Ireland than ever and people are bemoaning the loss of the Irish sugar industry.
May 14, 2012 1:45 PM CST Local or Global?
billyj1
billyj1billyj1Sydney, New South Wales Australia12 Threads 2 Polls 801 Posts
saoirse65: however when it comes to women the global option could be more attractive
Thought we were talking about making purchases??
Just joking...not meant to be offensive


Sure I was talking about buying presents for woman ? What were you thinking ? :)
May 14, 2012 1:50 PM CST Local or Global?
saoirse65
saoirse65saoirse65Ballyshannon, Donegal Ireland210 Threads 3,338 Posts
billyj1: Sure I was talking about buying presents for woman ? What were you thinking ? :)

Me thinking (before typing)? That would never happen. I knew you were talking about buying women (presents). Thai Bride shopping never entered my head!purple heart tongue
May 14, 2012 1:53 PM CST Local or Global?
saoirse65
saoirse65saoirse65Ballyshannon, Donegal Ireland210 Threads 3,338 Posts
saoirse65: Me thinking (before typing)? That would never happen. I knew you were talking about buying women (presents). Thai Bride shopping never entered my head!

Ok...dunno where the purple heart thing came from...You're not a war hero by any chance are you?blushing
May 14, 2012 1:59 PM CST Local or Global?
billyj1
billyj1billyj1Sydney, New South Wales Australia12 Threads 2 Polls 801 Posts
saoirse65: Ok...dunno where the purple heart thing came from...You're not a war hero by any chance are you?


That's happens all the time :) I just have that affect on people :)
I am a man peace ... no war here
May 14, 2012 5:49 PM CST Local or Global?
MarsMan
MarsManMarsManBobbing along, Cork Ireland29 Threads 8 Polls 981 Posts
Someone I know not so long ago needed to get a new exhaust for his car, the price here in Ireland was around 700 Euro, that is just for the exhaust and does not include it being fitted, so he went online and bought the same exhaust from the UK for 450 Euro including shipping.

If Irish business bring down their prices for goods and services there would be no need to look abroad for anything. If I don't need something there and then, I will go online for the best deals I can get, the rip-off republic is still alive and kicking, and I won't be emotionally blackmailed into buying local, just because it is local.
May 14, 2012 5:56 PM CST Local or Global?
sexydivabella
sexydivabellasexydivabellaDrogheda, Dublin Ireland44 Threads 4 Polls 5,978 Posts
For food shopping I support my local butcher ...his sausage is second to none devil grin
Groceries I try and go to Dunnes more than Tesco and rarely venture to Aldi or Lidl.....and if I do I try my best to buy Irish produce.
I use small local run take aways instead of chain ones.

I do try and get good value and watch my pennies too but hate to see local businesses closing down! sigh

I never shop UP NORTH grin
May 14, 2012 6:09 PM CST Local or Global?
LadyBlackAdder
LadyBlackAdderLadyBlackAdderKillarney, Kerry Ireland24 Threads 2,355 Posts
Having a family to feed I can't afford to be political in my shopping. I shop where I can get the cheapest product. However, if I have a choice of inexpensive foreign item or only slightly dearer Irish item, I will opt for the Homegrown item. I also like to buy fairtrade as much as possible. I only ever buy fairtrade or organic bananas.
May 14, 2012 6:12 PM CST Local or Global?
Glengirl
GlengirlGlengirlConvoy, Donegal Ireland54 Threads 2 Polls 5,560 Posts
To be honest, the only time I ever look out for Irish goods is when I'm buying meat.

It drives me mad when I hear politicians telling us not to shop in the North, shop local and save local jobs.....

Look after number one I say, if it's cheaper "Up North", I'll shop "Up North" dunno
May 14, 2012 6:18 PM CST Local or Global?
Theoneucanthate
TheoneucanthateTheoneucanthateDublin, Ireland42 Threads 1 Polls 1,729 Posts
I have the constitution of a horse so i need lots of food! I LOVE my food
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