Local merchants: sit up and pay attention
Over the last two or three decades, a once-in-a-hundred years economic shift has been taking place. It’s called “Amazon”: huge selection, good prices, very quick, responsive service … AND satisfaction guarantees on everything!
In contrast with this, a few weeks ago, I purchased (locally) a $10 piece of equipment. Soon after, it began giving problems. I struggled with it, thinking that it was my fault. When I finally gave up, and brought it back to the store, I was greeted with a customer-hostile indifference. I was told that because it was already some weeks, and I had no receipt, there was nothing they could do. How many of us save our receipts on $10 local purchases: almost NONE!
I have now solved the problem … for $7 … online. The new device will arrive in a couple days, and have a satisfaction-guaranteed status. So, what’s the lesson here? Local businesses, you need to value and respect your local customers (who now have other options open to them).
This particular business collected the three or four dollar profit on this item, but gave up a hundred times that much, as I slow down, and evaluate local purchases more carefully. I don’t blame the two mystified sales clerks; I’m sure they were just following store policy.
Glen Gustafson
Poem: My Friend Tom
Tom, Tom
You were always so calm
On the bench you were like a bump on a log
A coach who appeared to be in a fog
But the truth of the matter is
You were a real coaching wiz
Your passion and knowledge of the game
Is what led you to your fame
To so many coaches you were such a true friend
Always with a positive vibe and nothing but great advice to lend
So many of us learned from your fine model
You were like a genie let out of a bottle
You loved to share your drills and skills
And you did it cuz you cared, not for the frills
Although basketball was a great love of your life
We all know that the thing you loved most was your beautiful wife
Diane, Diane
Boy did you know how to take care of your man
You two were a couple that we always saw together
You were in a romantic relationship that lasted forever
There’s no doubt that Tom is not to be replaced
A sad reality that we all need to face
But his spirit will always be a part of us
And for that reason let’s now celebrate his wonderful life and not make such a big fuss.
Tom Sutherland was a wonderful man and quite the inspiration
May he now rest in peace; my friend, who was a coaching sensation
Steve Hall
