Buy Canadian is easy, but Buy Local has been challenging.
Buy Canadian is easy, but Buy Local has been challenging.
Does anyone else feel restricted because of shipping fees?
I know that many of us have ditched Amazon, but it's hard to ignore their free shipping policy.
When you're looking for Canadian products sold by Canadian companies, and have to pay $10-$20 extra for shipping because it's not available locally, it's like a premium on top of a premium.
And yes, some places offer free shipping past a certain amount (usually well over $100), which just incentivizes buying extra stuff you don't need.
I mean, shit, you can get products shipped from China for free, so why can't we offer free or very low cost shipping within Canada (via Government incentives)?
Does anyone have any tips to ease this pain point?
You're viewing a single thread.
That's my problem. I have a lot of stray cats around me, so I buy a lot of cat food.
Locally an 8kg bag is $32.
If I drive 60km round trip to walmart, that same bag is $25.
Amazon with free shipping, that bag is $22.
Not a huge difference but I don't have a lot of money and it adds up fast, especially since I buy 5-6 bags a month. ($10 savings on a bag X 5 is $50 a month, or $600 a year.)
Edit: A few of the rodents (I spilled treats on the floor and they were kind enough to help clean up the mess.)
Everyone's situation is unique and we all just need do our best in whatever ways we can. Hopefully there will be better alternatives in the future as the market adapts to consumer demand.
I hear you. When we were fostering, we tried not to burden the shelter with supplying food, so Amazon or Walmart were very convenient (free shipping and lower prices from what you'd find locally for the same items).
But for pet food to feed our own, there's a MASSIVE increase in cost just from buying made in Canada products. Our cat food expenses are more expensive for two cats eating Canadian cat food, than it was for five adults eating brand name American cat food.
It's hard to balance, but you just gotta do what you can.
One suggestion in your case is to contact retailers who have products reaching their Best Before date, as they may be able to offer a much lower price. I know that shelters often get nearly expired products as donations, and they easily make use of it!