We all love a deal and places like Costco and Home Depot with their buying power with 290 stores combined can make the pricing look good, why would you not want to buy from them? There are some big differences between the Big Guys out there and the little family business (like Goemans). Lets see what a local store has to offer that the big stores just can’t match.
Selection
You might expect a company like Costco, with its massive warehouses, to offer the widest selection of products. However, the challenge with having such a large space to fill is that it's impossible to cater to everyone's preferences. In contrast, smaller stores like ours strive to have something for everyone. While we may have a more limited selection of appliances, we make up for it by offering a much larger variety. Our range of products can accommodate most budgets, whether you're looking for a few appliances for a small rental or a unit that combines functionality and style to meet your changing needs.
Service
We've already discussed the importance of selection, but let's not forget about the crucial role that service plays in keeping customers coming back. Smaller local businesses like ours rely on word of mouth and repeat business to thrive, so we prioritize providing exceptional service and making every customer feel special. When you purchase from Goemans, we go above and beyond to assist you even after the sale. Our dedicated team is always ready to address any issues you may encounter, and we have established contacts with all the manufacturers we carry. This allows us to expedite service requests and ensure that you receive prompt assistance. Despite our smaller size, we still have significant purchasing power, and manufacturers recognize this, ensuring that our calls are not necessarily more important, but typically answered more quickly.
Knowledge
A big box store can help you find a frozen pizza or show you where the new washer and dryer are located. However, they may not provide you with the details that make a washer and dryer top of the line or explain why it's the best option for your specific needs. Do you really want to purchase an appliance that will play such a vital role in your daily life from the same place that sells toilet paper in bulk? On the other hand, small box stores have extensive knowledge about all the products they sell. The staff at these stores have more time to spend with each product, and they receive visits from company sales representatives who provide them with information on what's new, what works well, and what is changing. This valuable information is then passed on to you, the consumer, through our helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. By shopping at a small store, you become an informed consumer, and as we all know, information is power.
The People
This is all about the people who enhance your shopping experience. I won't go as far as saying that going into a big box store is a terrible experience, unless it's a Saturday before a holiday, then it can be a bit overwhelming. The staff at these stores are helpful and have always assisted me, but they may not be able to guide you through every step of the process. Big box stores aim to offer a wide range of products, hoping that something will work for you. On the other hand, small local stores prioritize ensuring that you leave with the product you truly need and want. The staff at these stores typically listen attentively and provide guidance to help you make the right decision, offering assistance every step of the way.
Come visit a local business see how different the experience is for yourself, if you are on a fixed budget the big box store may be able to help you out for the quick fix, but always check out the local store, they may not match the price every time, but sometimes the cheapest price may cost the most in the long run.