To the Editor:
First off, I want to give my condolences to Mike Daybell and his family. I have known Mike almost 25 years and am saddened by this business loss to the community.
Years ago, I was at a Christmas dinner and overheard some colleagues of mine talking about how cheap it was to shop in the states. I, of course, could not let this conversation die, so I asked the simple question, “Do you want your grandchildren working for Wally World?” The quick answer, without any thought, was “No, of course not!”
I have been in sales for over 23 years now, and been a business owner for about 10 of these years. I have seen dramatic changes since the early ‘90s, and these changes for the most part have been negative for most small business owners, especially those Canadian businesses on the border. At one time, a customer was willing to wait six to eight weeks for their purchase, with a 50 per cent deposit, and if they did not like the item when it arrived they got hit with a 20 per cent re-stocking charge and/or an in-store credit. Now if a company does not have it in stock, they might lose the sale, not to mention that the customer knows as much or more than the sales guy.
So here is a list of very common misconceptions consumers have about business owners:
•Business owners are lining their pockets with all the profits they are making. The truth is there is very little profit anymore. Most business owners find that by the time you pay staff, a location, heat, lights, stationary, advertising, etc., there is little left to pay their mortgage and food. Many business owners have taken part time jobs themselves just to pay the bills.
•Creston property owners charge too much. The truth is that Creston property owners are right on par, if not as much as half that of the big city. Property owners, if they have a mortgage on the property they are leasing, need to make enough money to pay property taxes, insurance and mortgage.
•It costs so much to live in Creston, and this is why business owners are charging more money. This is so false in so many ways. I have so many examples I don’t want to bore you with them. By the way, some of my friends on the Coast need to take home over $4,000 a month just to survive, and they live in a modest condo.
Canadians need to realize we are not Americans, and comparing us to them is pointless in regards to pricing and savings; don’t get me started on the cost of health care, for a quick example.
I don’t want to sound bitter, I appreciate all the business I get, although I’ve heard all the opinions of why people won’t shop in Creston, and frankly, most of these opinions are unfounded. I know that most business owners are just trying to survive, and they are our neighbours and friends. If you’re upset with the pricing, talk to us first, instead of getting it in the states without giving us a chance.
Think of “your money” as the community’s money — if everyone started shopping local regardless of price, you would see the stores return to Canyon Street and give you more choice, the local economy would grow, and that 20 per cent more you paid would help someone in need.
Bill Dyck
Whirlwind Audio
