Looking for more businesses

We're looking for some new local businesses to feature on our blog. Do you know any great businesses with excellent service and competitive pricing? Send us the name of the business and the contact person and we'll do the rest!

Statewide Software & Systems

Today we have a service comparison between Best Buy "Geek Squad" and Statewide Software & Systems. The service is an in-home diagnostic of your computer. The Geek Squad service includes:

• Troubleshoot one computer using approved tools
• Test all software and hardware installed on the device for proper functionality
• Provide you with an estimated cost for repair(s) or upgrade(s) needed to provide a complete solution

Note: Repair service is not included.


The Geek Squad charges $129.99 for this in-home diagnostic service. The same in-home diagnostic service provided by Statewide Software & Systems in New Bedford is $40.00. This is a savings of $89.99!

That extra $90.00 in your pocket can be better used on the actual repair service, or towards a new computer should the one you have be too costly to repair.
Prices are current as of 2/17/12

Southcoast Kitchen Designs

Today I have a price comparison between Southcoast Kitchen Designs and a Lowe's store in Southeastern Mass. The comparison is between Masterbrand cabinet lines Schrock "Pleasant Hill" Maple & Diamond "Jamestown" Maple. Both product lines are 100% the same, made in the same factory, just under a different label. The price quotes are identical, line item for line item. The kitchen priced out, for materials only, at Lowes is $7,541.22. The same kitchen at Southcoast Kitchen Designs is $6,780.00. Both quotes are the every day price, not including any promotions. By shopping local you can save $761.22 and at the same time support the local economy. At the time of quotation Lowe's was offering an $800.00 "discount", which would bring their price to essentially the same as Southcoast Kitchen Designs' every day low price. Most people are trained to think local businesses need a big sale just to compete with the national chains, but this is just another example of how a large marketing budget can  influence the feelings of consumers.

Pricing current as of 2/8/12

Fairhaven Alarm Systems

Another great local deal! Fairhaven Alarm System beats the national competition by more than 50% If you google ADT monitoring in Massachusetts you will find Security Choice, an authorized dealer for ADT. Their "Essentials" package has an installation fee of $99.00, with a $100.00 Visa reward card, which gives you a $1.00 bonus for signing with them. That's where the bonus ends though. The monthly monitoring fee for the Essentials package is $35.99, with a 3 year contract. Over the course of 3 years you will pay $1,295.64 in monitoring fees. 

Fairhaven Alarm System will install a system in your home or office at a fee, but they will only charge you $15.00 per month for basic monitoring. That will save you $755.64 over the same 3 year period. Best of all, there is no 3 year contract to sign! In addition, you will be dealing with a local company that is able to respond to your needs at a moments notice. I recently called Ray to set up a system in my new office and he returned my call on a Sunday! I now have Fairhaven Alarm System monitoring my home and 2 business locations.

You can email Ray for more information at fairhavenalarm@comcast.net

All prices are current as of 2/13/12

New Bedford Welding Supply

Yes, you read right! We found a great deal for everyone and it is at New Bedford Welding Supply. You can have your 20 lb. propane tank filled for $12.75 at New Bedford Welding Supply. Stop & Shop in New Bedford has the Blue Rhino propane tank for $20.99! That's a savings of $8.24 per tank. The savings can add up if you're using propane for gas grills, mosquito control, and patio heaters.

You can add to the savings by clipping one of their $2.00 off coupons found in today's Standard Times.

http://nbweldingsupply.com/

All prices are current as of 2/12/12

Iz Schwartz Appliance

Today's featured deal is for a Kitchen Aid 26.4 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Refrigerator: Model # KSF26C6XYY. This refrigerator is offered online at a Southeastern MA Sears location for $2,099.99 plus delivery fees. This same exact model is offered by Iz Schwartz Appliance in Somerset MA for $1,749.00! This price includes local delivery! That is a savings of $350.99. This is a great example of how shopping locally can save you money and provide you with personal service.

Iz Schwartz Appliance

Pricing was current as of 2/10/12

What is Project Local?

Project Local was created to promote local small businesses as an alternative to the big box retailers. We will be posting products offered at independent merchants for less than what you would expect to pay at the so-called discount chains.

Please feel free to help us by getting the word out to small businesses everywhere so we can promote them and the growth of their communities!