I was just asking because I am always looking to keep all of my business local, even if it means that I have to pay more, rather than send it out of town. I have to say though that if the service at my print shop wasn't good or took too long, I would go and look for other sources a little further out of town..
If you can't stay local, you might think of a green online printer as an alternative. I like greenerprinter.com. Their work is very good and the quality of papers/inks available is just fabulous. They cost more but, to me, it's worth it.
That said, if I had a local option still available in my immediate area, I'd try giving them the business first.
The extra money comes back to you. Local money stays local and supports all of the businesses that your guests rely upon during their stay. IMHO, giving your business to your nearest neighbors whenever you can, is the smartest thing you can do.
Besides, if you're in a relatively remote area, each and every one of those local businesses will at some point have the opportunity to send you some business.
As many times as I have used Vistaprint, I could just about guarantee you that they've never sent me any business.
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As many times as I have used Vistaprint, I could just about guarantee you that they've never sent me any business.
And do you know for sure that your local one has. We rarely had a local refer anyone to us.
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Oh my god, the number of local referrals I've gotten has been astounding. Especially given the number of alternatives!
Yes, I'm sure the local printer sent me guests. Same for the local gas station, the local bakeries, the local deli, the local bookstore, the local saloon, and all the local restaurants.
All local businesses are potential goldmines for referrals.
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It's amazing how things are different everywhere. We were eating in a restaurant awhile ago where the PO works and I heard a group ask the waiter where could they find lodging. The waiter stood there and said, 'The only thing in town is the Hilton.'
When we were leaving, I gave him my biz card and told him, 'There are 10 B&B's in walking distance to this restaurant.'
He had no idea at all. And the guy who used to own my place was in the kitchen cooking!
A lot of the people who work in this town do not live anywhere near here. They come to work and go home and don't know anything about the town at all. We've organized bus tours around town, free breakfasts, free afternoon (after work) 'tea' parties and nothing works.
I drop off my brochures, talk to the owners, etc, but the owners are not at the 'front desk' when someone is looking for a place to stay. And the owners don't tell the clerks and employees about the B&B's.
Last year we had a horrible storm here in town. EVERY hotel filled up and not a single B&B got a call. THAT'S the kind of local support we get. And I still support the local businesses. Even people who come to the door to deliver items or pick things up don't 'get' that this is a real business and we really do take guests without the hotels being full. That's pretty much the way we're viewed here...overflow for the hotels. Even though almost every B&B has been here longer than almost ANY hotel.
The long time residents will call us and refer to us for even things like conventions. But the people who just work here? Not a clue.
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