Baba: Do you know your credit card bill was ridiculously low last month?
Monkey: So? I told you I was cashing up for b-school and saving for my wardrobe in Vietnam and a few last trips*.
Baba: You know, you’re what’s wrong with the economy.
I recently made my first Etsy purchase. I kind of felt I owed it to myself after 7 weeks of studying 10 hours a day on weekends and three hours a day after my 10 hour workday. I really don’t know why I waited so long-I mean, I love the new Coach bag (PS, it’s still in storage, waiting for my first day of b-school-but I am using the wallet) but the truth is that a LOT of people are going to have that bag. How many people have handmade awesome?
End of July Study Present: this necklace.
There’s a lot to be said for big businesses-but there’s a lot to be said for small, locally owned and independent businesses as well. My parents’ favourite nursery, Lexington Gardens, recently went out of business. They are heartbroken. Even though their general M.O. is to think about the bottom line, they were aware that the higher prices charged by LG also meant that they got a) a better selection of plants b) healthier plants c) to talk with other avid horticulturalists rather than a random person who doesn’t care or know anything about plants. There’s a lot to be sad, upset and worried about in this economy-and certainly the attention spent on turmoil in the automotive and the financial sectors was not unjustified. I’m just sad about 2 sectors of the economy that are crippling in front of our eyes and no one seems to know what to do-small businesses that are shutting down because of rising energy costs and competition from prices and the newspaper industry.
I hope you’ll join with me in supporting at least one small business or organization a month. For me, it’s a small sacrifice but a worthy one. Besides, it’s so much easier to be snobby about a one-of-a-kind purse!
*Although with the Air France thing don’t think I don’t clench up and have full-on anxiety attacks just THINKING about getting on a plane.
June 9, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I was just kicking myself for over-paying at the local independent kids’ toy store. But then after reading this post, I’m reminded that it’s better they get my money and stay afloat so I can continue to find one of a kind, high quality birthday gifts for kids.
I’m now looking at Etsy. Ooh, I have my eye on a backpack there!
June 9, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Hi Anjali,
As cynical as I am, I love seeing people happy at things they enjoy, which is probably why going to an independent retailer is so awesome. The customer service at these places tends to be higher-you’re dealing with a small group of staff who are knowledgeable about the product, willing to put in special orders to retain your business, etc.. Of course, they pass this cost on in the product but there at times that I am willing to accept it-sometimes because the item is unique, other times because the location is convenient, saving me time. I think my parents found a combination of that in their nursery-the prices weren’t even that much higher than Home Despot but it was more conveniently located, the plants were healthier, they had more choice and the customer service was better. They now have to drive two or three towns over for another independent nursery.
Monkey
June 9, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I have always tried to support local businesses and restaurants, but now, I try even harder.
Per usual, your baba is correct. But still, I feel that I need to save more money, even though we are doing fine financially. So, we are spending less.
June 9, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I totally think he was joking with me!
June 11, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Sweet! My mom, who acts as my shipping agent, will very much appreciate that the girl who wrote the funniest waxing story *ever* will be rocking a Moz trade bead necklace at some point.
My Vietnam recommendation is to use Yali tailors. They are more expensive than some other shops, but the quality is really top notch and they always deliver on time. We went to the headquarters in Hoi An.
June 11, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Yally couture was the one I’ve already picked out-I was actually going to email you before I went (next year, you’re on notice) for your experiences and how to go about it.
If someone buys that one before next month I’m going to get the beautiful red one!
June 13, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I support local businesses wherever possible, but that also has limits (for example buying American car = supporting inefficient business model).
Somehow I think Obama is on a secret trip to nationalize everything!
June 13, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Haleem-the fate of the American car is a sad one. And I agree that for the majority of the affordable models “Buy American” = Buy a Piece of Sh*t. My main problem with all the dialogue surrounding their demise is that so much is being blamed on the Unions when I think Management’s stupid policy of not expanding R & D, cutting back both Labour and Management and creating good gas affordable models is what did them in. And having too many brands. Honestly, smokestack industries are run by idiots. Most of the talent goes to tech these days (IT, Healthcare, Biotech)
June 13, 2009 at 6:20 pm
NOT cutting back both labour and management, I mean