Page 22 - Harnett Life Winter 2018

Brick and Mortar vs.

Big-Box vs. Internet…

By Jason Carpenter,
Owner, J&J Wholesale Kitchen & Bath

I would say this is the age-old debate, but I honestly can’t. This is where you, the consumer comes in. I will offer you a
After all, internet shopping hasn’t been around for that quick education. (Even though common sense will tell you,
long…relatively speaking that is. But for many years, it you already know most of what I’m about to say.)
has been the story of David and Goliath. The small, in-
dependent, quite often family-owned, business against the First of all, all products and services are not created equal.
massive, corporate chain giants. Now, add in another Goli- That’s right, even though a kitchen faucet looks similar, or
ath, the internet, and it seems to be a hopeless battle. even exactly the same, more often than not, they are differ-
ent. Did you know that big-box stores will commission a
Or is it? The outcome is solely dependent on you, the con- faucet or toilet manufacturer to produce an exclusive sku,
sumer. or product, just for their store and promise to buy a specified
number throughout the year? They ask them to make it as
Now. Here comes the disclaimer for the words that follow: inexpensively as possible to keep profit margins up. This,
by the way, is true for pretty much all industries…dish-
“This article may, or may not, express the opinions and washers, faucets, vinyl siding, and even shoes. Independent
views of the editors or the advertisers contained in this businesses don’t have the means to demand such practices
publication.” as this. We often carry the products that we believe in and
trust. After all, our customers are our livelihood, not just
I guess what I’m trying to say is, what you’re about to read dollar signs.
is my opinion, not necessarily fact. Actually, that is not
true. Everything you’re about to read is indeed a fact. If Second of all, our staff is optimally more knowledgeable.
you do decide to read on, then let me go ahead and apol- Small businesses tend to know the products they are sell-
ogize if I hurt your feelings or step on your toes. But let ing and usually have at least the basic understanding of
me say, if you do experience these feelings, it’s probably how they work. This is not always the case in the large, su-
regret, remorse, of even a little shame. I will also apologize per-stores. How many times has a teenage employee thrown
to the editors if I express myself a little too far, but these their hands in the air when the computer system is down?
things need to be heard. Or when you ask someone for assistance, only to find them
talking to another customer on their way to retrieve you a
What substantiates these opinions, or even qualifies me to cart, or worse yet, they completely disappear?
write them you may ask? I own and operate a family busi-
ness. A plumbing supply and kitchen and bath showroom. Third, and probably the most important, it’s not always
One my father and mother opened in 1977. I was a mere… about price. I’ve already touched on the subject of cheap-
well, that’s not important, the point is, we have been in er made products, but what about when you find the exact
business for over 40 years and I have been in charge for same product for less money? Say, on the internet. Should
more than half of that time. We have faced the challenges you automatically opt for the lowest price? After all, it’s the
that all independent businesses face…how do we compete same thing, right?
with the corporate monsters? And now, the internet?

Page 22 Harnett Life ~ Winter 2018