Small Businesses in the Indio Feeling the Consumer Pinch - There is a Solution
More and more small businesses are feeling the stress of the consumer these days as their customers are experiencing higher fuel costs and groceries. Indeed, since everything we buy, sell or trade comes by truck, train or plane to our Valley, the small businesses must raise prices to cover the costs to get these goods and services to our local market here.
This also means that all businesses have higher inventory costs as the costs of everything they buy to re-sell has increased in price. To make matters worse small businesses have company vehicles and delivery units that take fuel, we all know about the fuel costs at the pump. To make matters worse consumers have cut back on spending as they re-adjust their monthly household budgets.
Consumers are also forced to do more of their buying locally to save on fuel and driving. This provides an opportunity for small businesses, but only those who are involved in the local community and are known by these local consumers. The businesses that support the community can withstand the ups and downs or economic cycles, because the customers in the community will not forget their goodwill when it's time to buy.
Small businesses should join the local Indio Chamber of Commerce and get involved to insure that when the customers are ready to buy, they buy locally and these community oriented businesses. It's time for the customers and small businesses to become one. There is no challenge we cannot conquer together. Think about it.