Big Companies vs. Small Business

We live in a world where quantity reigns supreme.  Superstores have taken over as our major supplier for almost everything.  Small specialty stores still exist but it is more difficult for a small business owner to compete.  The modern consumer wants products right away, for a cheap price, and wants to have a number of options to choose from.  This concept seems great when we first think about it but quantity can come at the cost of quality. 

Mass Produced Goods

The global economy has developed to a point where major companies buy a large quantity of a single item to keep the cost down.  This has resulted in factory specialization and a decline of custom made items.  It is less expensive for companies to design a smaller number of items and produce them overseas and ship them to America then it is to make every item made to order.  As a result these companies can pass along some of the savings to the end user.  Often times these businesses will create a product line, within a category, and come up with several affordable options.  This business model is dependent of selling a large number of a these items to multiple people.  Companies like Wal-Mart, Target, Kohl’s, Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon are just a few examples of the many businesses that make a lot of money using this business model.  These companies pick a number of styles, within a category, and sell them without offering customizable sizes and options.  This is a great way for all of us to get what we want at a cheap price, but there are some down sides.   Consumers are limited to what is available and if the size or color doesn’t match your décor there is nothing you can do about it.

Small Customer Shops

With a decent amount of options available from multiple companies it is hard to image not finding what we need at a fair price; however, this problem is more typical then you would expect.  People have different styles and different needs and as a result of this often times standard items will not work.  These situations are where small businesses thrive.  It is extremely difficult to complete with the large buying power of a major company and trying often leads to failure.  In order to succeed individuals must find a niche market where consumers can buy items that are more catered to their needs.  Furniturewholesalers.com is one of these businesses.  You can walk into a number of major companies and buy a desk or a chair but when you need something to fit your specific space is where we excel.  Many of our offerings can be customized to change size, color, and ever style.  All you have to do is ask.  If you see something online you like but you do not think it will fit your space simply e-mail sales@furniturewholesalers.com and let us know what you’re looking for.  We are able and willing to work with you to ensure you get the perfect product for your needs at a great price. 

Supporting Local

There is a great feeling when you buy something from a small local business.  You know that you are supporting a hard working family and you know you will get better service then you would at a major company.  There is nothing wrong with purchasing from a large sized business but there is a drastic difference in the type of quality of service you will receive.  Small business owners and employees almost always have a reason for the company to succeed. Its success equals a better life for all of the company’s employees.  Major companies try to replicate this but it is very difficult for a company with 10000 employees to ensure everyone cares and is fully committed.  The intent is for all of these employees to feel valued and feel like the companies success will impact them but it is difficult to get there.  Paying out bonuses and allocating payroll expense is gets exponentially more difficult as the number of employees increases.  This is why major companies often have employees who do not seem to care.  It is important to point out that these companies will also have extremely committed and wonderful employees as well.  You never know who you will be dealing with when working with a large company though.  With a small business you know who works there and they are often easier to reach out too.  Finally, supporting small businesses is good for communities and the country.  All companies start as small businesses, the ones who do a great job become Fortune 500 businesses. 

We will always shop at superstores.  They have a place in our society and in our daily lives.  However, we must make sure we do not get too fixated by their offerings and we must remember to shop local and small.    Having a balance between the two is the best way to ensure we get what we need, at the price we want, and that we end up satisfied with our purchases.  Finally, remember to be patient.  Sometimes getting what we want will take a little extra time.  Being patient and waiting for what we want results in long term buying satisfaction.