[Gabz]

I love my local mom & pop hardware store/lumber yard. They beat the big guys (84 Lumber, HOme Depot, Lowe's) hands down on just about everything.....including price.

Yet...........they were the ones who sent me to WalMart for paint, particularly indoor paint that wasn't your standard flat or semi-gloss white. The paint department manager of the WM is a retired hardware store owner and knows his stuff.

[sarasmom]

That is one of the benefits of doing business with a reputable and professional company!

In my own sphere, I sometimes advise my customers to buy the item they need elsewhere.
I could certainly buy it for them from the same source, and resell it to them with a mark-up, but I would much rather retain my credibility with my customers as an honest expert in my niche market, and proudly look into the mirror at the end of the day.

My customers trust me to treat them fairly and professionally.
I always do.
In return, my customers refer everyone they come in contact with to me.
We all win, and we all avoid unreasonable expectations.