The benefit of a small business

I previously wrote about our efforts to find a great deal on our new water heater. We did choose the gentleman who my husband had some acquaintance with from his work. The plumber came to our home today to replace the water heater. Joel, my husband, called me when he had left.

Joel said that because he sends so much business their way, they gave us a 50 gallon water heater for a 40 gallon price. NICE! He also replaced a lot of the pipes that were outdated or not up to code and connected the refrigerator line to the water for FREE! What a deal!!

So it paid to choose the local guy who Joel knew over the Franchise with a little bit of a cheaper price. And in the future we’ll use him for all our plumbing needs and recommend him to our friends. (If any of you near Columbia MO need a plumber I’ll give you his name.)

This is just another benefit of a small business, personal, one-on-one experience. Joel contracts him to do installation for the appliances he sells, and so in return he gave us a great deal. Plus it feels good to help out the little guys who don’t have a corporate office halfway across the country. Try to find a maintenance, contractor, or plumber around your area and ask him to work out a deal. Maybe you can use him or promote him in your office or store. He’ll get more business, and it’ll help you build a great reputation around the community. Build rapport with people around your community and it’ll pay off because when he knows or hears of some one who needs what you offer he’ll recommend you first.