Dollars at work: who enjoys your financial allegiance?

[chamaeleo]

Or in other words, who do you boycott?

Politicians may ignore their constituents all they like, but the entities who own them must at some point acknowledge the buying powers of the consumer. In pursuing my rather low-impact, modest lifestyle, I have settled upon a set of guidelines to live by...

Buy local when possible. Not only am I possibly saving on transportation costs, I like to think that this helps to support my local economy. Local produce from the farmer's market is waaaay higher quality, since plants are selected for flavor rather than transportability. Just eat it fast.

Given the choice, buy from whoever advertises the least. Advertising costs money, so it follows that whoever runs the most ads is wasting money better used to run services, produce stuff, etc. Plus, ads are annoying, and that should never be rewarded.

Avoid fastfood. Nasty stuff, expensive, and the worker-drone conditions are pitiable. I cheat, though, and still occasionally visit Arby's and Popeye's (and In-N-Out whenever possible). Viable alternatives: local ma and pa restaurants, cooking at home.

Avoid big-box stores and franchises. I have exceptions, but generally speaking, places like Walmart have a miserable impact on local economies. I'd rather buy from 30 small businesses, than see them replaced with a monolithic building and be greeted by their former owners at the door.

Made in China. Not good in my book. Most times there is little choice, but whenever possible I avoid Chinese products considering: worker conditions, US debt, low quality, poor testing standards, and the undercutting effects on domestic producers.

Credit cards. I use the hell out of mine at bigstores and franchises: to earn dividend rewards, maintain a high credit rating and to allow the card to ding the store for credit card transaction fees. I exclusively pay cash, locally: small businesses don't enjoy paying transaction fees, and appreciate my mindfulness. What's more, I ask them "can you do any better if I pay cash?" and pretty often get myself a better deal!

BP. 'Nuff said.

Illegal workers. Ok, some places you cannot avoid without doing it yourself: carwashes, fruitsellers, etc. Still, for all those service sectors where some shops use illegals while others do not...I try to figure it out, and patronize the more domestically inclined shops!

Politically outspoken Shops. Whenever I see a McCain/Palin sticker on a worktruck, I try to memorize that business and avoid it. I'm sure I miss out on some good service, but then they prolly attract a more like-minded clientelle and it all evens out in the end.

Everyone else...most of these should go without saying: whomever gives really poor service, doesn't understand their own products or services, is majorly inconsistent, offers weird political idealogies at random or tells uncomfortable stories, has a poor BBB track record, prominently displays a little fishie emblem under their logo, etc...

I'm getting more codgerly with each passing day, and will prolly update this as more new things in life begin to piss me off...but in the interim:

How do your earnings get distributed...do you keep track?

Who do you love/hate, and why?

Just how many discounted savings are needed, to allay any deeper moral qualms about patronizing a "cheap but evil" business?

[Phier]

Or in other words, who do you boycott?

Politicians may ignore their constituents all they like, but the entities who own them must at some point acknowledge the buying powers of the consumer. In pursuing my rather low-impact, modest lifestyle, I have settled upon a set of guidelines to live by...

Buy local when possible. Not only am I possibly saving on transportation costs, I like to think that this helps to support my local economy. Local produce from the farmer's market is waaaay higher quality, since plants are selected for flavor rather than transportability. Just eat it fast.

Not always true. Often the best produce is the shipped produce since you need to send the higher quality stuff to offset the shipping costs which are constant. Whats better to ship, the high end stuff which costs 1 dollar to ship per pound and sells for 10 per pound, or the low end stuff with ships for 1 dollar a pound and sells for 2? Some produce like tomatoes are better local, but buying local doesn't always equal the best.

Given the choice, buy from whoever advertises the least.

Advertising costs money, so it follows that whoever runs the most ads is wasting money better used to run services, produce stuff, etc. Plus, ads are annoying, and that should never be rewarded.

Sometimes you need to get the word out, advertising takes money, but its also money they are spending on the business. If a guy doesn't advertise you have no idea you are getting better anything, he just might be taking home more. It also depends on the service. An annoying add for a physician normally implies a lower quality, while one for a restaurant, not so much.

Avoid fastfood.

Nasty stuff, expensive, and the worker-drone conditions are pitiable. I cheat, though, and still occasionally visit Arby's and Popeye's (and In-N-Out whenever possible). Viable alternatives: local ma and pa restaurants, cooking at home.

The worker drones conditions are pitiable? You never worked in a 'greek' restaurant obviously

Avoid big-box stores and franchises.

I have exceptions, but generally speaking, places like Walmart have a miserable impact on local economies. I'd rather buy from 30 small businesses, than see them replaced with a monolithic building and be greeted by their former owners at the door.

Which then brings us back to making 10 trips with less selection at higher prices for the same goods. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Made in China.

Not good in my book. Most times there is little choice, but whenever possible I avoid Chinese products considering: worker conditions, US debt, low quality, poor testing standards, and the undercutting effects on domestic producers.

I want my plastic made in America too.

Credit cards.

I use the hell out of mine at bigstores and franchises: to earn dividend rewards, maintain a high credit rating and to allow the card to ding the store for credit card transaction fees. I exclusively pay cash, locally: small businesses don't enjoy paying transaction fees, and appreciate my mindfulness. What's more, I ask them "can you do any better if I pay cash?" and pretty often get myself a better deal!

The reason most like cash is you don't report it to the IRS. You can't hide it from credit cards.

BP.

'Nuff said.

Not really. Did you want to buy from Exxon Mobile or Citgo instead?

Illegal workers.

Ok, some places you cannot avoid without doing it yourself: carwashes, fruitsellers, etc. Still, for all those service sectors where some shops use illegals while others do not...I try to figure it out, and patronize the more domestically inclined shops!

And how can YOU tell, do you work for the AZ DA?

Politically outspoken Shops.

Whenever I see a McCain/Palin sticker on a worktruck, I try to memorize that business and avoid it. I'm sure I miss out on some good service, but then they prolly attract a more like-minded clientelle and it all evens out in the end.

How progressive of you. I avoid Obama stickers because it most likely means they are lazy.

Everyone else...

most of these should go without saying: whomever gives really poor service, doesn't understand their own products or services, is majorly inconsistent, offers weird political idealogies at random or tells uncomfortable stories, has a poor BBB track record, prominently displays a little fishie emblem under their logo, etc...

Yes I agree, poor businesses don't get my return business, but then again I don't discriminate on religion like you apparently do

[chamaeleo]

Not always true. Often the best produce is the shipped produce since you need to send the higher quality stuff to offset the shipping costs which are constant. Whats better to ship, the high end stuff which costs 1 dollar to ship per pound and sells for 10 per pound, or the low end stuff with ships for 1 dollar a pound and sells for 2? Some produce like tomatoes are better local, but buying local doesn't always equal the best.

Undoubtedly true in some cases.

However, farmers whose produce will be shipped thousands of miles before consumption will plant veggies selected for resilience and shelflife, not flavor or nutrition. For this reason alone, local produce is usually better. Nevermind the environmental impact of transportation itself.

Sometimes you need to get the word out, advertising takes money, but its also money they are spending on the business. If a guy doesn't advertise you have no idea you are getting better anything, he just might be taking home more. It also depends on the service. An annoying add for a physician normally implies a lower quality, while one for a restaurant, not so much.

Obviously.

Given two choices, I will patronize the the company whose ads are least frequent/annoying. You don't really need to explain the purpose of advertising to us...

The worker drones conditions are pitiable? You never worked in a 'greek' restaurant obviously

No Coke! PEPSI!

Which then brings us back to making 10 trips with less selection at higher prices for the same goods. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Naw, I just don't shop as frequently and make the most out of my compulsive list-making disorder.

I want my plastic made in America too.

As I said, most times there is no choice.

The reason most like cash is you don't report it to the IRS. You can't hide it from credit cards.

True, but most would rather save the customer 3% than fork it over to Visa.

Not really. Did you want to buy from Exxon Mobile or Citgo instead?

Yep. Until they screw up too.

And how can YOU tell, do you work for the AZ DA?

Word of mouth. Advantages of living in a smallish town.

How progressive of you. I avoid Obama stickers because it most likely means they are lazy.

Yes I agree, poor businesses don't get my return business, but then again I don't discriminate on religion like you apparently do

My thing w Jesus fish is based on experience. I've found that there is often (definitely not always) an inverse relationship between a company's supposed religiosity and their honesty / quality of service. I hypothesize that slapping a fish on a sign is essentially fishing for Christians, perhaps on the premise that some portion of their faith in God bleeds over to fellow worshippers and allied businesses. They can have each other, there's plenty more companies to choose from.

I also hate it when casual shop-conversation is steered towards Churchy topics or politics, I hate feeling as if I should downplay my beliefs in order to maintain a healthy business relationship.

I don't bring politics into my shopping, I find it to be rather bizzare and the kind of thing only people who are really too far into some sort of cause do.

I find it to be the simplest, easiest, most effective way for a person to support those they consider worthy...whilst possibly undercutting less savory entities' bottom line. I also enjoy forging relationships with small business owners, who are generally more knowledgeable, invested in their fields, and able to cut me deals than some random guy in a blue vest.

I buy the best products possible for the given task. I tend not to let either peace or love have any bearing. I don't buy tailored goods because I can't bear the thought of a Bangladeshi sweatshop, I buy them because they're better quality and fit my shape better.

I don't condone sweatshop labour, but really, what's better, sweatshop employment or unemployment and starvation? Think it through.

Oh, and when you make purchases based on sovereign debt, you know you've gone too far.

I too, try to buy the best. Especially tools, and outdoor gear. I'd rather pay $100 once than $50 three times, avoiding equipment failures and problems related to halting a job in mid-progress to scramble for a replacement.

As for trying to buy American, what can I say? Usually the quality is better, and said form of patriotism far surpasses that of some nimrod wearing his US flag T shirt/hat/bandana/bumpersticker kit (all made in China).

[Poach]

I, quite frankly, don't give a damn. If I want something I'll find out where I can get the best deal on it and get it there.

Obviously numerous smaller variables factor in, like if I needed a pint of milk I'd walk 5 minutes to the local shop rather than drive to a supermarket, because it's just easier.

I don't bring politics into my shopping, I find it to be rather bizzare and the kind of thing only people who are really too far into some sort of cause do. I have a friend, for example, who won't shop anywhere that even slightly supports Isreal, which just makes me laugh.

[JP226]

I, quite frankly, don't give a damn. If I want something I'll find out where I can get the best deal on it and get it there.

That is called greed sir.

[Poach]

Greed is the gathering of things beyond that which you need, not being sensible about where you gather them from, sir.

[The.Delegate]

I also tend to look for products made locally, then provincially, then nationally before I look at other choices. I also favour local shops over big box stores, I avoid those if I can. I'd much rather support my local economy even if it costs me a little more.

[Dr. Oza]

How progressive of you. I avoid Obama stickers because it most likely means they are lazy.

how progressive of youu! obama is lazy rite... him being black and all.. and since people vote for him only because of race guilt and are probably black or minorities to begin with.. they must be lazy too!!

......

i try to buy my fruit from local farmers markets, which are plentiful here

but i purchase most things based on how close they are from me, there is a persian grocery store with turkish stuff i like tho... i have often shopped at places owned by crazy republicans.. they are only far too common around here ... my neighbor wears an obama is a commy shirt

[Phier]

how progressive of youu! obama is lazy rite... him being black and all.. and since people vote for him only because of race guilt and are probably black or minorities to begin with.. they must be lazy too!!

You should have waited a post or two to play the race card, using it early just makes this post 'derp' worthy.

[Big War Bird]

I have a decidely humanitarian outlook.

I avoid buying locally, my neighbors are doing well enough already. But people are starving in Bangladesh, so I rejoice when I see that "Made in Third World Hellhole" label. I snap it up. Those people need the work. I just wish I knew what was being made with child labor - I'd be willing to pay a premium for that stuff.

[Ishoss]

I have a decidely humanitarian outlook.

I avoid buying locally, my neighbors are doing well enough already. But people are starving in Bangladesh, so I rejoice when I see that "Made in Third World Hellhole" label. I snap it up. Those people need the work. I just wish I knew what was being made with child labor - I'd be willing to pay a premium for that stuff.

Pretty much agree with Poach here. Quality do play a part but not unreasonably. But for example when buying strawberries I prefer to get them at the local market as opposed to a big store. The local strawberries are best for some reason.

[Lord Mandelson]

I buy the best products possible for the given task. I tend not to let either peace or love have any bearing. I don't buy tailored goods because I can't bear the thought of a Bangladeshi sweatshop, I buy them because they're better quality and fit my shape better.

I don't condone sweatshop labour, but really, what's better, sweatshop employment or unemployment and starvation? Think it through.

Oh, and when you make purchases based on sovereign debt, you know you've gone too far.

[Dr. Oza]

You should have waited a post or two to play the race card, using it early just makes this post 'derp' worthy.

couldnt wait with lazy black presidents running around

[JP226]

couldnt wait with lazy black presidents running around

Why do you think Obama is lazy?

[BNS]

I only see cost and benefit unless the producer is doing something balantly immoral. Employing people from poorer countries does not fit that category. I'll buy local if the quality does indeed match the raise in price.

[jman47]

I only see cost and benefit unless the producer is doing something balantly immoral. Employing people from poorer countries does not fit that category.

other than the fact that globalisation and outsourcing are destroying the american middle class and quickly creating an america with only the rich and the underclass, which will permanatly curb our economy to the point of irrelavance?

[Phier]

wrong thread

[Dr. Oza]

Why do you think Obama is lazy?

phier does , im being sarcastic

[Phier]

phier does , im being sarcastic

Where did I say that?

[razor-]

I don't care all that much where my products come from, I simply don't have the money, and I think people who does not want too buy Chinese/American/Israeli/whatever goods based on some ideological principles are zealous. I do however favor Danish agricultural products when I have the choice, too support our farmers, and I only buy ecological milk because of habbit and the price difference is so small. I also try as much as possible to buy from small local shops, like the butcher for meat, or the baker for bread, instead of using the supermarket, because I think it would be a shame if old family owned businesses would have to close.

Oh and I never buy stuff from apple computers, they have a very nasty way of doing business, despite their relaxed image, but they are expensive to start with so thats no problem.