Where Do You Shop for Equestrian Goods?
I've got something that's bothering me, and I'd like to get your take on it.
Like so many other people, I've gotten comfortable with both the idea and the process of buying equestrian goods on-line. I've learned to surf my way through various sites, comparing products, and can fill out an order form and send payment via PayPal faster than I can stand in a checkout line and write a check.
This wasn't something I learned to do by choice--it was more of a necessity, seeing as how I live in a locale that has little in the way of anything resembling a tack or Western store. I can buy a few things--brushes, lead ropes, dewormer, fly spray, and the like--at our hometown hardware store, but even it doesn't have much to pick from. As for show hats, boots, saddles, and most other forms of tack, I'm looking at driving 100 miles to find a standard store. Not something I can do every day, or even every month, which is where on-line shopping takes up the slack.
But therein lies the very thing that bothers me. The people who own stores like the one 100 miles from here are under seige by the on-line-buying phenomenon. Most have family-type operations and are having a harder and harder time of staying afloat thanks to on-line competition. Our own town had such a store when we moved here 10 years ago, but went under as more and more shoppers found cheaper prices and greater selection on their computer screens. We did our best to support it while it remained open...but its demise is what forced me to get over my reluctance to learn how to shop via computer.
Now, I feel bad when I see and hear about other stores being forced to close their doors. Because to me, there really ISN'T a replacement for the experience of shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, and I love to visit and buy from such stores whenever I come upon them in my travels. Going on-line is my fall-back solution to the dwindling number of traditional retail providers. And even though I, alone, am not responsible for their situation, it bothers me to be a contributor.
So what do you think? Are we past the tipping point here, where the end of conventional equestrian retail stores is only a matter of time? Do rural-area people like me owe it to our horse industry to make that extra effort to be a regular patron of conventional stores? By buying on-line, are we trading the viability of stores and a valued branch of the industry for our own convenience and chances to save some bucks? Or do each of us just need to do whateve works for us, and let the change-chips fall where they may?
posted by Juli Thorson @ 1:05 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
The tack shops in our area are definately feeling the pinch of catalog/online sales. It is certinly a dilemna for us all. I too make a huge effort to support the local tack shops every chance I get. Unfortunately my $$ are limited so I do have to look for deals.
Many times I will offer the stores the opportunity to meet the price of a certain item and they will if they can and if it is only a difference of a few dollars I will more often than not buy it locally.
I am also a fan of "touching" the items. I know many people have gotten good value from eBay for example, but I am not sure I would purchase high dollar goods there since I cannot evaluate the quality first hand. Just my prejudice I guess. It is also good to chat with the owners because often they are the hub of the "horseman's network" in our area.
So the bottom line for me is that I will buy locally whenever possible because these people are the ones who donate prizes and sponsorships to our local horse organizations...4H, riding clubs, etc. They are always willing to support these groups (often numerous times throughout the year)and I really think it is only fair to buy from the local tack stores WHENEVER it is possible for that reason.
I managed a western shop for many years. When we closed the store in 1999 it had been in business for 30 years. We offered our customers great service and our clerks all were involved in the horse industry. We donated to every horse show that came and asked and every party or queen contest in the area. I also would haul loads of tack and clothes out to horse shows for our customers when they would call and order them.
However, we faced the problem that the people would come in, try on the items and order them on the web or from a catalogue. We closed the store because we just could not afford to keep doing business. Yet, every time I go to a sale or show someone tells me how much they miss the store!
Most of the stores in our area have closed and one has downsized. We now purchase most of our personal items when we go south. We always stop in OK City and get boots etc. We also purchase some items on the web. Please, if you are lucky enough to have a good tack store in your area - support it! These people will take care of you and know their business.
I live in a large urban center, which is very similar to rural areas as far as tack shops are concerned. There's nothing closer than an hours drive, and I too found myself shopping online more and more.
Currently I buy standard items online (brushes, sadddle pads, wormer) and make the trip to the tack store for things I'd like to try out (riding clothes, boots, tack).
Going to the tack store has become somewhat of a field trip for the folks at my barn. We all pile into someones car and make an afternoon of it. The experience of the store clerks is 110% better than any online description of a product.
I've also found that horse shows are a good time to go shopping, as many shops will bring in trailer loads of items. It was the perfect opportunity to buy my horse a new blanket becasuse I could tryout lots of styles and sizes without having to drive back and forth, or pay high shipping prices.
You have a valid point Juli, may of us horsey folks live in a "No Tack Zone". Purchasing items on line has become second nature for me, particularly when it comes to staples like brushes, wormer, bits and repeat items such as boots or breeches by a manufacturer I already know fit me well. Free shipping is always an incentive and bonus gifts often clench the deal.
100% of my Christmas/Hanukkah equestrian gifts were puchased on line - yeah State Line Tack & Dover Saddlery! I have found the customer service to be above & beyond expecation. When I am unsure of an item or need more info. I always get them on the phone.
Supporting local merchants is also VERY important, particularly in small communities like the one here Dorris/Macdoel. Case in point: Purina is my favorite brand of horse feed, but I have purposely switched to Cargill/Nutrena since my girl friends run the feed conscession at the Macdoel Scales (we also purchase our 4H beef supplies there). The 3 or 4 bags of horse feed a month we buy are small potatoes in the larger scheme of retail business; it's the personal service plus the convenience of not driving to Klamath that makes it all worthwhile. The Scales are more than willing to special order something and support the local 4H kids in any way possible.
Just to show my added support I came up with a great promotion and teamed up with one of the Scale gals for a Xmas parade entry. We dressed up our horses with battery operated lights, went as the Bay Express (Santa's official toy shippers) and threw the crowd samples & coupons of horse & dog chow from our giant Xmas stockings! We took first place in the Adult Equestrian category, wining $50, which we agreed to donate to the 4H Horse group co-sponsoring an indoor Gymkhana Clinic.
So sometimes it isn't always the money we spend, but the good will we share that makes a huge difference. Invite your local tack/feed store to set up a small booth at your next event, put up a banner thanking them for sponsorship and ask them participate in a show & tell at your riding club or 4H meeting. Every little bit helps.
I will continue to shop on line as that Special Edition "never been used" Billy Cook saddle from Ebay may have been the smoking deal-of-a-lifetime, but always I try to remember the folks right here in town who have families to support too. One last note about Ebay - treat it like gambling because everyone is on the "honor system" so never commit to spending more than you are willing to lose and good luck!
Buckarette Annette
Monte Cielo Ranch
Macdoel, CA
I often have to buy speciality tack for Paso Finos which I can only find online, but everything else, I go to my local tack stores. We have 2 within 30 miles (they also sell feed and such), and PetSmart. Even though PetSmart isn't local, they employ local people (and I ride with the Manager). The stores can order just about anything for me, most recently I ordered extra small splint boots which I couldn't find anywhere online. They answer my questions, help me out and I find I am buying LESS stuff, but making better choices when I buy locally. So although I might spend $5 more for something, I'm not buying 2 different things to get the right thing!
I believe the two can co-exist. If a local tack shop sets up a web presence where buyers can purchase online, not only may it help the store to survive but they may also end up taking orders from customers further afield which may actually increase their sales revenue.
I have a local music store which sells new big ticket items on eBay and they sell to people all over the world.
Matt
In northeastern washington I have seen many tack stores come and go over the years, one huge one downsize, and only one remaining unchanged over my 17+ years involved in horses here. Now that Stateline tack is in our local PetsMart, im sure they are feeling the pinch. I enjoy the feel and clutter of a real tack store, the smells, the variety and displays, the owners dogs and cats..things that you could never get in a big box store or on the internet. I also use up all my patience with my horse and I HATE waiting for things to arrive in the mail or ups. The problem is that it seems like everyone is on a tight budget.. both money and time. Its not just the horsey businesses hurting, its everywhere. Maybe we can slow the machine by buying more locally, but i think times are just changing, like it or not. Heck, theres a website you can buy a horse online, with a credit card, enter your zipcode to calculate shipping. It sounds horrible to me, i mean its great to research horses on the internet, but to beable to buy with out even talking to the owners? scary.
The gal from NE Wa is right. Times are changing and rather than trying to beat your head up against a brick wall tryin to do business the same way you have been - try some new things. The key here is change. You what they say - if you can't beat them join them. I would love to see more local tack stores online and not with just thier own site - lets see them on ebay, horseman's auction, tack trader the list goes on.
Go to where the people are.
Diversify - one of our local tack stores also doubles as a drop off and pick-up point for "horse clothing" repair shop. One other of our local tack shops also repairs and makes tack, plus they consign items and give me a discount. Win-win.
Go to the shows - I find myself more and more buying items at shows blouses, hats, blankets, saddles, and even boots - its just easier that way. My trainer is right there and I can get his opinion plus my friend's thoughts on the spot. I feel as if I have made a good decision even if I pay a bit more for something at the show. Plus I don't have to pay for shipping and sometimes if its a cash deal i can wiggle my way out of sales tax too. Shhh, don't tell anyone.
There are just somethings I will not purcase online - Hats and Saddles are two of them. I have to try them on and try them out. In that regard the local tack stores win out, double so if they attend the shows.
I don't feel guilty - its just business. I am always trying to make my dollar go the mile and make the best possible purchases I can. Ultimately my horses benefit from my shopping habits and nothing is wrong with that.
Post a Comment
<< Home