barbara friedland

The Internet- You can buy direct

I had a friend who used to say that when the rest of the world discovered wholesale, the Jews invented "factory cost."  This was stated without rancor, in fact, he had admiration for the ethnic shopping prowess.

Often as consumers, we have been advised to eliminate the middleman.  With the Internet, we all can "know someone in the business."

My friend is an interior designer.  She has helped me secure professional discounts at trendy shops.  One time, I ordered thousands of dollars of merchandise from a chichi bathroom store that soon closed.  They were no longer in business when I realized that I was missing the faucet that I had ordered and paid for.

It was a single hole faucet, still tricky to find except in the high end stores.  My friend said that she had two, left over from previous consultations.  When I tried to buy one, it was a series of issues: she forget what she paid, she was going out of town, she couldn't locate either.

Finally I stopped chasing her and went on-line.  I found sites with bathroom fixtures, offering her discount plus.  There I was as a consumer getting better prices than a professional designer.  Unless said designer starts buying on the Internet. The sites were very helpful as well.  I called one and was advised on how to determine the size of fixture needed based on the dimensions of the sink.

The wonder of eBay

I used to be addicted to eBay.  I often joked that it would be cheaper if I just used drugs but I wouldn't have nice things the next day. 

As in any relationship, we, eBay and I, grew apart.  I was scammed once.  I saw prices inching up and true bargains became harder to find.

Back in the day, as they say, I stumbled upon a jewelry designer that I loved.  She was just dipping her toe into the auction waters.  During her orientation, I was able to buy several pieces at very inexpensive prices.  That ship has sailed.

It is like a huge yard sale on steroids. Plus shipping.

Don't buy your holiday gifts on-line

Yes, I know.  You are a discriminating shopper: hate malls, wouldn't be caught dead at one of those massive retailers, especially the one that used to lock up their workers at night.  You have no choice but to turn to the Internet.

Actually there is an exciting alternative.  No matter where you live, there are independent store owners with unique and wondrous things.  Ethnic grocery stores are fascinating and educational places to shop.  Many artists showcase their work as well as other original pieces.

The owners are members of your community who have wagered their financial and professional future on people like you.  To compete in this market place, they are constantly looking for unique, off-beat items that won't be found on every other website or in half the shops in the mall.