The sad part is that we as Americans made them what they are today.
Wal-Mart The High cost of Low Price
- Thread starter Andytex
- Start date
I with you there. Speaking of CBid. Why do insist on paying more just to win a stinking bid? Am I the only person that checks prices before setting my max bid? Im done with em!
Adam, from someone in Canada, we thank you for this. I strive to do the same, buying items from N. America as well. It's hard to avoid the Made in China products at times, but I also don't shop at Wal-Mart much either.
There's a Super Wal-Mart less than 5 minutes away. It's not that much cheaper for groceries than the "Real Canadian Superstore" grocery store which is 2 minutes further up the road. But, I shop mostly at 2 other smaller chain grocery stores which are Canadian owned/operated. Smaller crowds, and a bill of only a few dollars more makes it easy to justify avoiding the crowds at Wal-Mart.
When i want cheap prices and big crowds, it's Costco.
Electric Sheep
Dsicle - BoM Dec 06
While I think WAL-MART is perhaps the greatest American retail success story and I would never wish for them to be unsuccessful, I personally don't shop at WAL-MART because of two reasons:
#1 - I don't agree with their strong-arm business practices.
#2 - I think in most cases, the products they sell are substandard crap.
(Oddly enough, this is precisely the same argument I have with Microsoft.)
#1 - I don't agree with their strong-arm business practices.
#2 - I think in most cases, the products they sell are substandard crap.
(Oddly enough, this is precisely the same argument I have with Microsoft.)
Electric Sheep
Dsicle - BoM Dec 06
REAL TALK right there.
Precisely the reason I stopped buying certain things there, as well. A few years back, I picked up a $29.88 DVD player there. I was cheap, it was cheap. it was a match made in heaven.
fast forward 2-3 months, and said DVD player craps out. Took it back, they exchanged it. Fast forward 3-4 weeks, and that one craps out. Took it back. Got a new one. Crapped out in about 2 months. Took that one back. Have had that one ever since, but it rarely gets used anymore.
So, you can be assured that none of those 3 went back to the manufacturer. It wouldn't be prudent to send them back. They most likely ended up in a landfill somewhere. A terrible waste of resources. All for a <$30 DVD player and the fact that I was too cheap to pony up for a good one.
You cheap-arse!! :stretchgr
You probably spend more than $30 in gas, running back and forth! :grin:
All of that running around you did you coulda had a BluRay player!
njstone
BoM January 2010
I agree with all of this. I do still shop there, because there are some items that it seems you can only find at Walmart, either that or it's a cheap Walmart item or a very expensive (albeit higher quality) version elsewhere.
We shop at Sam's Club much more than Walmart. They have the best prices on diapers, milk, and other necessities.
e-man67
Benny Hill's Understudy
I don't go to Walmart anymore...the ones around me are dirty with extremely rude folks working there...junk all over the place...the greeter doesn't greet just f...ing stands there...I hate them. The first one I went to some 15 years ago in Indiana was nice...I use to but my fishing stuff there...and they had knowledgible people working there...but this is back when Wal-Mart prided itself on American Made goods. I don't like their business practices and I can't stand that there has to be a Walmart off every highway exit...it's just too much.
njstone
BoM January 2010
This anit-Walmart tirade began back when I was in college. Tons of people started bashing them at talking about how it would be so much better if they didn't exist, etc. etc. I'm not talking about the "I don't like Walmart" crowd (of which I am a part), I'm talking about the "Walmart is EVIL" types. My main problem is that most of the people I know who follow this rhetoric are rather well-off. It's easy for someone who lives comfortably to say "you shouldn't shop at Walmart" or "you should eat organic food" or "only buy American Union-made items," etc.
But what about the people who can't afford those things--i.e. a large percentage of Americans? The fact is that if Walmart disappeared, a lot of Americans would really be hurting financially, because Walmart provides items in the bottom-rung cost sector. An extra $100 a month spent by shopping elsewhere would really hurt a lot of families.
My issue in college (and today with some people) is that it's it easy to throw stones from an ivory tower, bemoaning this thing or that. But those people are primarily concerned about their own conscience and values and NOT the less fortuante themselves. Virtually no is.
But what about the people who can't afford those things--i.e. a large percentage of Americans? The fact is that if Walmart disappeared, a lot of Americans would really be hurting financially, because Walmart provides items in the bottom-rung cost sector. An extra $100 a month spent by shopping elsewhere would really hurt a lot of families.
My issue in college (and today with some people) is that it's it easy to throw stones from an ivory tower, bemoaning this thing or that. But those people are primarily concerned about their own conscience and values and NOT the less fortuante themselves. Virtually no is.
e-man67
Benny Hill's Understudy
My tower is platinum with diamonds! Now come hither so I may cast a stone at ye Nate! :fencing:
If you owned a business and had to choose between remaining in America and being taxed up the yin yang or moving over-seas and making more profit, which would you choose? I’m a small business owner and you have absolutely no idea how much businesses are taxed. Money that we make is taxed three times! In fact, we have not made a profit in over two years. nearly 30% of our earnings goes to things like butterfly studies and saving smelt whilst starving people. If I could choose to take my business over-seas, I would too. It’s not about pride, it’s about survival (for the small business) and success (for larger businesses).
Unfortunately, this is what our culture has become…
I have no problem paying taxes for my roads, county workers, law enforcement, fire fighters, etc. I DO have a problem with paying taxes which contribute to pork-barrel spending and organizations such as ACORN and PETA (I don’t have a problem with their intended purpose, but they’re just rediculous now!).
I disagree completely with Moore’s political views. From what I know, he seems like a decent guy though. After watching him and Hannity debate, Moore seems to be a respectful and respectable person. However, his views are quite far-fetched. Keep in mind, the alternative to Capitalism is Socialism… and moving is always an option! If someone is successful in their business, I will not hold it against them. It is not their responsibility to support those who chose a different profession. I know bad things happen to good people, I was raised poor (as in Wal-Mart shopping was a treat, we normally went to Amvets and Salvation Army). However, I’m not poor anymore because I work hard and I pursued a goal. Winners seldom say “it’s just a game.”
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Electric Sheep
Dsicle - BoM Dec 06
yeah I guess that can be misinterpreted. Thanks. I know what it means, but differs in context/culture. I appreciate it Sheep!
Don't forget that Sam's Club is a division of Wal-mart.
Man! You got a lot to say. Kinda like me...
More... More... More.... When is enough enough? That's what I mean. Today, its not good enough to have one house or one car. I have a good friend who is a business owner. The dude has a big ass house a Benz for the wify the whole nine. Dude is always crying about taxes. Damn! Yes our tax dollars go to some b.s. but they also help a lot of people that need it. My point is that no one seems to care about what best for our country anymore. Its all about the buck. We as Americans are anti communism yet we support it and make it stronger with our dollars. Where I'm from thats called selling out. If thats the way it is then fine! Just dont play the role of a hollier than tho nation.
I couldn't agree with ya more... I guess we're just screwed lol. I think that is in part due to the advancement of technology, it's a bitter-sweet. My wife and I aren't able to own our own house because we don't make enough with our business. Luckily I have a FT job to suppliment. I agree with you about helping alot of people that need the tax $, unfortunately it seems like there's more people who abuse it than who genuinely need it :^/ I agree we, as a nation, have sold out... We totally support communism with our money, and it's partly our fault. Meanwhile, we cant enjoy a good CC... hypocritical of Uncle Sam isn't it?