5 Powerful Reasons to Buy Local

5 Powerful Reasons to Buy Local

When we’re looking to make a purchase decision for our foodservice operation, brand, product specifications, price, quality, and value usually top the list of criteria. For more complex products, we do our research and maybe even talk with a trusted colleague or sales rep to help us make the best choice. Once we’ve decided on a product and are ready to buy, it can be deceptively convenient to do a quick search online, click on the first familiar link, and buy it right then and there without giving it a second thought.

Here are 5 compelling reasons to skip the “buy now” button and talk with your local dealer before you invest precious budget dollars with an e-commerce store thousands of miles from your business.

1.     Price

One leading e-commerce site for both consumer and business products is known for its complicated pricing algorithm. Prices can unexpectedly go up on high-demand items and throw a wrench in your budget or make the product entirely unattainable. Your local foodservice equipment and supply dealer’s business model will enable them to offer consistent, predictable pricing. They are also in frequent contact with Wallin Foodservice Resources, so they are in the know about special manufacturer programs and incentives that can save you money.

Freight or shipping are typically an additional cost on foodservice E&S e-commerce sites, sometimes making what looks like a great price on the surface not-so-great once you’ve factored in freight.

2.     Product Availability

With increased consumer ordering online due to the pandemic, logistics companies’ resources are stretched thin, and delivery times are lengthening. The holiday season is expected to exacerbate the problem. NBC News recently reported that “delivery services are bracing for what some are calling ‘shipageddon,’ with a potential shortfall of as many as 7 million packages a day….That shortage could mean up to 7 million packages a day between Thanksgiving and Christmas could face delays.”

Your local dealer stocks high-volume items so you can get what you need when you need it. Why risk the delay when you can get it right away?

3.     Choosing the Right Model

Most well-designed web sites will suggest coordinating products to help you take advantage of product systems and synergies if you want to, but they are much less likely to help you ensure that you’ve selected the right model for the application you intend to use it for, or if it’s compatible with your utilities or physical space. This can result in the need for a costly and time-consuming return. In addition to knowing the right questions to ask, your local dealer can help you or connect you with us to measure for equipment, shelving, and even warewashing racks. They can also ensure that you get the brand of product that you’ve specified, with no disappointing surprises when you open the carton.

4.     Proper Installation

Proper installation is critical to product performance, safety, and keeping the product warranty valid. Your local dealer will either have installers on staff or know and recommend a trusted and authorized installer to ensure the job is done right, which is one less thing for you to have to worry about.

5.     Supporting Your Local Economy

One of the things we love about the South is that we take care of our own. Our local dealers have been around a long time serving commercial and noncommercial foodservice operators like you. They’ve seen good times and hard ones, yet they continue to be there for their customers and communities, bringing the right resources together every day. They provide goods, services, and jobs while understanding your needs with a unique awareness of local trends and developments affecting your operation. Working with your local dealers is a meaningful way to support your region’s economy and ensure you continue to have a familiar and valuable resource into the future.

Need help finding a great foodservice equipment and supply dealer near you? Contact us, and we’ll get you connected!

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