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Marketplace:  I'm gettn' it from all sides...I'm not Walmart  |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 12:49:26 PM
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A little while ago my MIL came in the store for the second time in 3 months even though I am literally a few blocks from her house. She practically LIVES at WalMart, so she's not familiar with local shopping.
Anyways, she was looking around at things and saw the little doggie sweater made of reclaimed cotton textile scraps, made in Bozeman, Montana, USA. She has two Yorkies, and they have all types of outfits and coats and sweaters, but I'm sure they are all chinese-sweatshop-labor-made. So she touches the sweater and says "this is real nice. how much is it?" and I tell her the price, and she says "well, that's nice, but you know they have sweaters for dogs at WalMart for $5-" I say, yes, but these are American made, and made frmo scraps that would have otherwise been thrown away.(they are called ReKnitz) and she said "Oh."
I am not as close with Josh's family as I am with my dad, but his mom knows why I grow our veggies, and knows why I refill water bottles, etc. She knows my reasoning behind the store, but for her to come in and say that to me is like a total smack in the face. Isn't WalMart taking over and putting all the little guys out of business by offering their merchandise for pennies on the dollar because of their cheap quality and imported crap?
She still spent a few bucks, but it just puzzles me why she would say that to me. (this is coming from her, who had a Yorkie given to her, but insisted on paying the lady $450 just to be nice)
Grrrr...
Honey, When can we pack for alaska?
Cristine
Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are. - Roosevelt
www.thelittlegreenstore.embarqspace.com
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Edited by - MsCwick on Dec 06 2008 10:47:51 AM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 12:57:23 PM
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Cristine- That is really tough. It's like making a nice dinner out of organic food only to have your dinner guest say "I would rather have a Big Mac".
Maybe next time you could appeal to the love of her dogs by saying something like "Well, with all the recalls on pet products and kid's toys that were made over seas with toxic chemicals and ingredients- I feel much better about knowing the source of what I give to ..... These are all natural so whomever is safe to play or use it."
Sometimes I think people say things trying to be helpful but they don't realize how it sounds. *hugs*
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 1:04:35 PM
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I tried to state that they were not made by child labor, in a dirty factory, by people who are not getting paid a fair wage, amongst the pullution, and other immoral issues that go on over there in thrid world companies. I dont think she is aware that the Hong Dynasty is still only permitting one child per couple, and she's quite a pro-life advocate, so how she could put money in the pockets of people who do away with additional pregnancies, or the ability to have babies is beyond me. She sends SO much money to those feed the children charities, and has even "adopted" an ethiopian boy, but she continues to shop at walmart. It's like being hypocritical. I'm not saying I would spend the money on a sweater, but how rude to come in her DIL's store (that I have worked really hard on) and say something so ridiculous? I know she has a good heart and wants to do good and charitible things. There is a huge history behind my husband & his parents, but I never felt so looked down on for what I am trying to promote until she said that.
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 3:16:32 PM
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We all learn at different paces.. She just isn't there yet ( which is why she needs you, even if she doesnt know it yet).. but the upside is that she did come in and did see the products you have. It is my experience that quality sells itself, there is no way she couldn't see the difference.
Recently I had a lady tell me, while I was talking about making homemade cards.. "sweetie, you know they sell cards now".........?????? being the little snip I am .. I said, "what, they sell homemade cards?" she looked puzzled! LOL
Anyway.... for some it is babysteps, little tiny baby steps!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 3:19:05 PM
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| :) Thats what I should have said...OMG! they have a walmart here? |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 3:59:00 PM
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That's exactly why I do not go to Walmart. Haven't been in over a year.I decided to go local as much as possible. I want to support the small business people and as much American made as I can.
Has anyone heard of Steve and Barry's? It's a clothing store that sells rediculously cheap clothes from foriegn countries I've never even heard of. My mom found this store in Savannah and loves it. Well, Chatt. got one last year. We went a few months after Christmas and I could not believe the prices. $8.00 for everything in that store. Coats and all. I could just see the poor little children bent over sewing machines in dark cold warehouses making those clothes. I could not go back in there. They are closing the stores now.
I just cannot see how clothes can be made so cheap. I would gladly pay for homemade and local, when I can find it.
Kris
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. |
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Susan G
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Susan
Los Angeles
CA
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 4:15:32 PM
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Seems to me Steve and Barrys got just what they deserved.... Why buy everything at Walmart? So you can look like everyone else? Go ahead! Buy that sweater, only 50,000 or so other women have the same one.....what MY sweater???? Why I made that myself...and NO ONE else in the world has one just like it.....remember ladies....use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 4:39:20 PM
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Christine - I know how you feel. Mom mom used to tell me that I could never sell any of my kids clothes because they were so much cheaper at Wal-Mart. I let it bother me until I came to understand that she really didn't mean any harm - she was just trying to save me the heartache of making things and not being able to sell them (she thought). I'm not sure about your MIL, but I know my mom truly didn't understand the value of handmade things, or environmentally friendly things, because when she was growing up, that's all they had. She would have killed for a store bought dress because she HAD to wear home made or "recycled" clothes. Looking at it from that perspective helped me to understand. But, I know how you feel! *Hugs*
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 4:43:50 PM
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Sometimes it's so overwhelming to try to explain what's wrong with what they're doing - how it doesn't help our world - that I try to make out what's right with another view.
Like, you could have one-upped her comment that there are the same thing at Walmart by saying something like "of course! but it really says something about the quality of a person who appreciates finely crafted handmade items, don't you think?"....or some such thing. It's a bit underhanded, but sometimes you have to use skillful means to get folks to see do something differently until the see why they should consider another way.
I'll bet she'd have everyone buying things from you if it meant raising their status by buying handmade! 
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 10:45:58 AM
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But it's funny because she buys these so called "natural skincare" products, the most expensive organic crap WalMart has, all Natural doggie treats. It's not like she doesn't know that these things are important(well maybe the clothing) but she's not a fashionista anyways. Also, she has a decent idea where we stand financially, so it wouldn't hurt to support my cause, my store, my "livlelyhood". SHe;s the one who LOVES the organic cotton t shirts at walmart, but can't figure out how they are just as cheap as the regular t shirts. :/
I dont even view any of my products as comparable to anything at walmart, so I'm obviously aware that it is IMPOSSIBLE to sell anything quality and match the low price of the big-box-demon. That was the whole point of the store, to offer high quality, american made products that you can't find anywhere around here.
www.thelittlegreenstore.net
Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are. - Roosevelt |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 11:02:42 AM
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Cristine, I don't mean to be a Pollyanna about this because I know you have your feelings hurts over it and I don't like that. But I too was thinking that it was neat she came into the store at least...sounds like your "type" of store isn't her usual shopping experience.
I'm hoping today is going better for you.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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wild daisy
True Blue Farmgirl
503 Posts
Madelynne
Billings
Montana
USA
503 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 11:38:22 AM
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Maybe she just came by because she is lonely and needed the company but she didn't want to make it obvious. I agree at least she came by. Don't try and follow in her footstep with her temperament but keep a positive outlook and tell her you enjoyed the fact that she came by. There are some out there that no matter how hard you try they always look at the glass as half empty and not half full.
Madelynne |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 12:22:36 PM
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I'm so sorry. That is hard! Hang in there and keep on keeping on with your beliefs and passion. Don't get deterred! :) you are what we need more of at least you have us here for support! That's like my cousin that comes for thanksgiving and my mammy cooks all day a fabulous meal and he must have his kfc chicken!!!! I still want to wring his 20 year old neck about that. People don't want to pay more for handmade american made good stuff. I'm sorry hon.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 1:26:41 PM
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I'm so sorry. That is hard! Hang in there and keep on keeping on with your beliefs and passion. Don't get deterred! :) you are what we need more of at least you have us here for support! That's like my cousin that comes for thanksgiving and my mammy cooks all day a fabulous meal and he must have his kfc chicken!!!! I still want to wring his 20 year old neck about that. People don't want to pay more for handmade american made good stuff. I'm sorry hon.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 4:25:00 PM
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You said it - you are NOT Walmart. Enough said!
Go forward and feel great about that! Sooner or later, folks will learn that Wal-mart is not the end of the rainbow!!! :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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kim9365
True Blue Farmgirl
53 Posts
Kimberly
Salem
Ohio
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 4:42:16 PM
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I am so sorry that you were made to feel that way. Some people just dont get it! I used to be an avid walmart shopper but not so much anymore. I try to stay away from that place as much as possible. It does bother me that everything they have comes from China and with all the bad stuff that has happened from those products. Plus their bathrooms are so nasty!!!!! I swear every single one I have ever been in has been nasty!! I was just in Alabama last week for my grans funeral and I had to go to walmart with my mom and I had to use the bathroom and yes it was nasty! the doors are exactly the same chrome as in Ohio and they dont lock and goodluck getting any water out of the faucets cause the water stays on for a second and then you cant get anymore after that so you have to go to the next faucet.
I love Giant Eagle! for grocery shopping. I always use coupons when possible and buy sale items as much as possible, they are always there to help you, their store is clean and their bathrooms are always clean, they have really good meat> I know someone who works there and she said they always stock the freshest meats and always have to be clean.
I honestly cant stand walmart and I seriously do not buy something there unless I have too or someone else doesnt have what I am looking for.
I totally understand where your coming from! I have bought a few handmade items on etsy recently and I was very happy with the gifts I bought. I love handmade items! Good Luck to you! Chin up!
http://thehouseonthehill-kim.blogspot.com |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1404 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1404 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2008 : 09:00:52 AM
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Yesterday I was shopping at our local Craft Warehouse. Everything I picked up was made in China. Even the calendars were printed in China. I have been trying to avoid all things foreign, but it becomes difficult with the whole store is Chinese made.
Betty in Pasco |
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LauriP
True Blue Farmgirl
239 Posts
Laurianne
Hertford
North Carolina
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2008 : 09:19:21 AM
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>> When I used to ride with Tom goin' cross country hauling freight Everywhere, we got lots of freight for Wal Mart. There are usually stacks of paperwork that every driver has to double check, in order to have each store receive what Corporate has computer generated for sales.
These carbon copied pages, usually have the "Tariff" amounts printed somewhere in the paragraphs of information >> This is to basically say that Wal-Mart (and Target, Kmart, etc., etc. ) have "paid" tariff dues/whatever fees for Import to the US. -- And 98% if the time, when I'd read over the paperwork, the amount of tariffs paid were usually less than 2% -- Meaning whatever markup there is from Corporate is what the Consumer pays, not the exporter or whichever import/logistics company each store happens to use. And certainly the less than $100 we were paid for the 2,300 miles driven to pick-up/deliver was Not part of the price @ the store.
I only go to walmart IF it's absolutely necessary. Sunday Tom & I did because I needed some mat-board. And the crowds were horrendous, so that's that...with some horrid experiences hauling freight for Wal Mart, it was over a year before we even went inside a store. Too much to explain, but suffice to say, that when I should've been in an emergency room -- Wal Mart kept saying, "Look, just get that freight to it's location, we don't have time to worry about your health..."
There's a reason it's always the lowest price...And don' even get me going about how much more Malls have for their mark-up's..
Lauri |
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vermont v
True Blue Farmgirl
194 Posts
Victoria
Chester
Vermont
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2008 : 4:54:07 PM
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Just remind her and yourself that you are the one picking her nursing home LOL!!!!! |
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Marketplace: I'm gettn' it from all sides...I'm not Walmart |
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I'm gettn' it from all sides...I'm not Walmart
