During the past 2 generations we have had a shift in how we get the products we use. My Grandmother would plan a “Trip to Town.” Have my Father measured for a suit, visit the Dentist, shop for produce and stop by the Hudson dealership, all in 1 trip, downtown. We gradually moved from the 1 stop, many shops idea into the plazas and shopping malls of my youth. Then we transitioned into the Wal-Mart shopping experience of the New Millennium. Yet another shift is happening. Amazon and other Online Retailers are bringing the products directly to your door. No trip at all. The future indicates 2 paths, a completely disposable society, or a return to high quality products that can be repaired many times before needing to be replaced.
It is easy to focus on bottom line pricing. When your shop needs tools, a pair of wire strippers from Northern Tool for $9, seems like a better product than a Snap-On stripper for $34.99. However the quality of a product can be paramount for a skilled tradesman over the bottom line. When that $9.00 product fails, you have to stop work, and go buy another product for $9.00. Now you are in for $18.00 plus the time it cost your job in efficiency, plus the fuel and depreciation on your other tool you had to use (diesel fuel is not cheap!) to replace the inexpensive unit. That is all assuming you live close enough to be able to drive and buy a replacement. What if you bought it from Amazon, and it fails under warranty? Now you have to ship it, wait for the product to be inspected, get a new product shipped out to you. OR you could pay $34.99 and call the Snap-On truck when your product fails. The truck shows up that same day. That service is part of what you pay for. I recently read an article explaining that Sweden has had a large upturn in the market for Repairmen and Service technicians. The home of IKEA is heading toward a high quality repairable product focus as opposed to a completely disposable society. This is an interesting debate.
What is the answer? When I go and buy the OSHA approved boots I need to work in the warehouse, I buy Red Wings. They are high quality. The initial cost may be high, but I know that I am getting a quality product that will last a very long time. What do you think? Is price paramount to quality? Is quality more important than price? How about country of origin? My Father In-law nearly refused to let my Daughter wear shoes because they were made in Vietnam. I personally hope we can steer our next generation more toward the Skilled Trades. Perhaps we can be the stewards of a future filled with high quality products at fair prices.
Here at Stenten’s we support small businesses. Local, is even better. We strive to offer American made products at fair prices. We use local suppliers as much as possible. If you are aware of any suppliers in your area who are making components that you think we might be interested in call or Email us!! Don’t forget we have G BOOST Brake Shoes on sale all February, and Free Freight Fridays all Month. Bulky items aside, normal UPS orders are on Stenten’s on Fridays all month!
