DURING A TRICKY ECONOMY: KEEP PLAYING, BUY LOCAL {2010}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
Everyone is concerned over the economy. Many people have been the target of layoffs, downsizing, buyouts, etc. If you have been a target, no doubt you have access to lots of advice about job searching and how to survive unemployment. Here’s mine: Keep up your tennis! Playing will relieve tension, raise your spirits and help keep you healthy.
Even if your tennis budget is tighter now, your local tennis shop may be able to help you stretch your tennis dollar. If you can’t buy a new racquet, keep your current one in good condition with a fresh grip, replacement bumper guard and grommet strips, and fresh string. Look for bargains on string and other necessities. Ask about case prices on balls. You can share the cost of a case (24 cans) with a friend and both save money. Chances are, if they care about keeping customers, you will get better service at a local shop than at “big box” stores, too.
If you are shopping for a new racquet, don’t automatically jump to the internet to save a few dollars. Give your local shop a chance to get what you want. Most shops have prices close to the legitimate internet sites. Be wary of “deals” on auction sites; you may be throwing your money away. Ask about demo programs, layaway, and other benefits. You may get quite a good deal on “close-out” and “nearly-new” retired demos, too. Yes, you will pay sales tax, but why not? The sales tax keeps your state running! Some counties in Florida even get a bit extra direct benefit from the sales tax.
If you have professional stringers that you value, support their tennis establishments. Stringing alone won’t keep the doors open. By buying bags, frames, balls, shoes and accessories from them you help keep the business going and the stringers on duty when you need them!
Many businesses have shut their doors for the final time. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the small business arena. We all want to help keep the economy strong, so consider supporting small business in your local area. This will not only help the economy in general, but will help build the economic strength of your community and your state. The money that stays here in Florida and your city directly benefits YOU!
COPYRIGHT 2010
Category:
Editor's note pertaining to all articles presented.
All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
