Picked a local vendor over a big online platform for janitorial supplies

My last supplier kept jacking up prices on mop heads and floor pads. I got quotes from a national distributor online and a family-run place 20 miles away. Went with the local guy, placed a $450 order that included free delivery. He showed up same-day when I ran out of stripper mid-job Tuesday. Has anyone else had better luck with small regional suppliers over the big chains?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_brian2d ago

Wait, didn't someone share a story on here a while back about a local hardware store that did the same thing with plumbing parts? It's wild how often the big guys won't even return your call on a Friday afternoon. @linda_reed's point about knowing who to call in a jam really hits home here, especially when it's something as basic as running out of stripper and needing it that same day to keep your crew working. That kind of personal relationship with a vendor is hard to put a dollar sign on, even if $450 isn't a huge order.

iris_schmidt2d ago

Hang on, is this really something to make a whole post about? You bought some mop heads and floor stripper from a local guy, and he delivered it same day because you ran out mid-job. That's not exactly a groundbreaking business revelation. I mean, sure, it's nice he came through in a pinch, but it sounds like you're acting like he saved your company from bankruptcy. The big chains jack up prices because that's what they do, and local guys need to hustle to stay in business, so of course he's going to jump on a chance to get your $450.

linda_reed2d ago

You know what, @iris_schmidt, I used to think exactly like you do about this stuff... thought it was no big deal when someone helped out small. But then something similar happened to me and it really changed my mind. It's not about the money or the big revelation, it's about knowing who to call when you're in a real jam and they actually show up. That kind of trust builds up over time and it's worth more than just a cheap price from a chain store. Sometimes the little things like that are what keep a business running smooth when everything else is falling apart.