In today’s world, shopping on Amazon has become part of our social fabric, second nature for many of us. It’s fast, it’s convenient, and sometimes it seems like it’s the most cost-effective option. But have you ever thought about the value of shopping from a local or private business instead? As a small business and small business owner, we often get asked, “Why should I buy from you instead of Amazon?”. Our answer is always the same: We’re here to support you, answer your questions, and offer personalized service that you just can’t get from a giant online retailer.
When people ask us why they should buy from us instead of Amazon, do they really want a long dissertation on breaking monopoly powers, fair competition laws, and the dark arts of Amazon’s business analytics—or are they just looking for a friendly face who knows their name and actually picks up the phone and says something funny? As a small business, I can tell you, even if I share various topics, they still often purchase from the negative review cheaper option!
When you buy from small independent businesses, you’re not just getting a product. You’re gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Small Business owners pride themselves on being able to provide answers to your questions, offer guidance on how to use the products you purchase, and help you find the best solutions for your needs. This kind of support is invaluable, especially when it comes to specialized products like hearing aids or other health-related items.
Besides being valuable, small independent businesses, like ours, instead of Amazon stores are also incredibly accessible. When you choose to work with a local and small business, you’re not just getting a product or service—you’re gaining a direct line to real people who are dedicated to helping you, customer service at its finest! Independent businesses are not some distant, faceless company like Amazon or larger corporations, with endless hold times or automated messages. When you reach out to us, you’re speaking with professionals who are ready and eager to assist you, answer your questions, and find the right solutions for your needs.
Accessibility means you can walk into our clinic, click onto our website, send us an email, and know that you will get a prompt and thoughtful response. When you need us, we’re here—and we take pride in being available to support you in every way possible.
It is true that many people who initially buy from Amazon end up reaching out to us for help. They email or even call (back when our number was listed) to ask how something works or to get advice on what product to choose. And while we’re always happy to help, we’ve noticed that more and more people are relying on our expertise without actually buying from us.
Let’s take hearing aids as an example. Many people choose to buy hearing aids from big-box stores/fulfillment centers like Costco or through third-party sellers such as TruHearing. While these options may seem cheaper upfront, they often come with limited customer service and generic, one size fits all solutions that may not address the unique needs of every individual. That’s when they come to us for the extra support and personalized care that only a dedicated clinic can provide.
At our clinic in Hopkins Minnesota, we’re happy to help those who purchase their hearing aids elsewhere. However it’s important to understand that our time and expertise come at a cost. People with hearing loss who visit us after buying froma Costco or third-party sellers, are usually more than willing to pay for our services because they recognize the value of having a local, knowledgeable professional who can provide personalized adjustments, follow-up care, and advice tailored to their specific needs. If we didn’t charge for services, we wouldn’t be able to keep our doors open and provide this crucial support. By paying for our time, these customers help ensure that we’re here for them—and for anyone else who needs us—whenever they need help.
Imagine if everyone bought from Amazon and then came to small businesses like ours for free support. We wouldn’t be able to keep our doors open! That’s why we kindly ask that if you purchase from Amazon and need our help, you respect the time and effort we put into providing that support. We have an online support system in place, and it’s quite affordable. If we receive an email from you and you haven’t purchased from us, we may share this blog post with a link to pay for our time. It’s about fairness and respect for the services we provide.
We want to extend a huge thank you to those of you who already respect and value our time and knowledge. Your kindness makes a big difference and helps us continue to offer the level of service we’re known for. Supporting small businesses means you’re contributing to the local economy, helping us continue to provide jobs, and ensuring that there’s always an expert to turn to when you need help.
Great service starts with great employees. At our clinic, we believe in valuing our team by paying them a fair and decent salary. When you come to us, you’re not just interacting with anyone—you’re meeting with professionals who are knowledgeable, caring, and committed to providing you with the best possible experience. To keep these amazing employees on our team, it’s essential that they feel respected, valued, and well-compensated for the hard work they do every day.
If you want personalized service, expert advice, and a team that goes above and beyond, it’s important to understand that maintaining such high standards comes with a cost. Paying our staff well ensures that we can continue to offer you the exceptional level of care and attention you’ve come to expect from us. We believe that good employees deserve to be treated with respect.
So, when you choose to support a small business like ours, you’re not only investing in your own care and experience but also in the livelihoods of the people who make that possible. Your support allows us to retain skilled and passionate employees who are here to serve you with the level of service you deserve.
So, next time you’re deciding where to make your purchase, think about what you’re really getting for your money. Is it just a product, or is it the support, the service, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re supporting a business that truly cares? We hope you’ll choose us—and if you do, know that we’re always here to help you, every step of the way.
So, when you support our clinic, you’re not just paying for a product; you’re investing in ongoing care, support, and a relationship with professionals who are genuinely committed to helping you hear better. That’s something you won’t find with a faceless online retailer or a big-box store.
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