Manners Matter: Shopping Local

Dear Mary Pat,

I have my own salon and have been in the industry for more than 25 years. Recently, I experienced something that I still can’t believe. I gave some free (not free to me) product samples to a customer and stressed that using the right products for her hair can make a real difference. She nodded, said ok, then logged onto Amazon on her phone and started finding the very products I just recommended. Once she found them, I saw that Amazon’s price was lower than mine and offered to match it. She said, “No, that’s ok,” and hit the button to place her order. I was stunned. I said something like, “Gosh, I’m a big believer in shopping locally,” and she didn’t even look up from her screen. She didn’t seem to understand how inappropriate her actions were, especially since she placed the order right in front of me! Amazon is fine for certain things that we can’t get in the area, but when I have something in stock, offering to match the price, and I’m the one who told her about this line in the first place. Why would anyone pick big box over local?

Signed,

Stunned Stylist

Door County, Wis.

Dear Stunned Stylist,

I just adjusted my glasses to make sure I read your question correctly. It appears I did. And now I’m sighing and rolling my eyes at the nerve of some people.

I don’t get this woman. At all. Who does that? In a small community like ours, we need to support our local businesses to ensure they can stick around for the long haul. I truly hope this woman is reading this so she begins to maybe get a clue. (Lady, if you’re seeing this, what gives? Why would you penalize a person who gave you free samples and a lead on something great for your hair?) This isn’t how you treat your neighbor. This isn’t even how you would treat someone you don’t know or care for come to think of it. Maybe too much technology has fried some brain cells here.

I hope this is the exception and not the rule with your clients and that most appreciate what you do and make purchases at your establishment versus from your establishment.

Good luck,

Mary Pat