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Originally Posted by
yawn123_#21 
Really? I thought maybe he's the type that is intelligent enough to be able to continue a discussion instead of resulting to personal attacks because they cannot understand the situation.
You're right, yawn; you were attacked personally and without justification. I think you drew fire, not because of what you said, but because of the snarky, dismissive, winner-take-all manner in which you delivered the message. Regardless, you didn't deserve to be attacked on a personal basis. Apologies are in order.
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I personally would not do what the op has proposed. Many others would not either judging from the poll. Yet there are people who will, and companies will have to realize that.
Companies do realize this, but customers have to realize it, too. You're making this more one-sided than it really is. As you said, it's a free market. But you're ignoring the fact that buyers have just as much responsibility as sellers.
Some companies sell only goods; other companies sell goods
and provide services. Responsible shoppers will support, with currency, the goods and services they value. Irresponsible shoppers will always seize the lower price and then be surprised and upset when services they've come to expect are no longer available.
I think someone who holds your opinion on this matter has not carefully considered what "services" really means. A local retailer provides more services just than a sales staff and free alterations. Picture an assortment of slacks and sweaters spread out on a display table for your close examination. That's a service -- one that you won't get online. So is the fitting room and the privilege of trying on dozens of garments before making a selection. I really like those services and I don't want them to go away. The only way to prevent that is to shop responsibly and vote for those services with my dollars.
Again, there's nothing wrong with saving money by making purchases from online discounters. But it
is unethical and irresponsible to use the retailer's services and then make all your purchases online. The very reason you're getting a better price online is that you're
not getting any services there. It is hypocritical to expect to have it both ways.