Arrogance does not sit well with Journal reader

Published Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Regarding your story (Journal, Aug. 10) about Fergus Falls residents traveling to other communities to shop, it’s too bad the Chamber of Commerce director and some local business owners do not understand that trade and commerce is a two-way street.

It never ceases to amaze me when a local business opens its doors for business at 10 a.m. and cannot understand why they went bankrupt and then blames local shoppers. I'm retired and have all the time in the world but I also have my business done well before 10 a.m.

I refuse to patronize any business with the arrogance to make me wait until 10 a.m. to purchase their precious commodities.

When I retired three years ago and returned to Fergus Falls I promptly purchased a new car from a local dealer. In my opinion, the salesman lied to me and the dealership failed to keep its promises. Since that transaction I have purchased four additional new vehicles and one used from a dealership in Fairmont.

The Fairmont dealership not only keeps their word, sells the same car for less then Fergus and they deliver the car right to my door in Fergus Falls. As a matter of fact, they will be delivering another new Buick to me next Tuesday.

If the dealership in Fergus had treated me as a valued customer instead of an invalid who could not travel to other communities I would have purchased those same vehicles here in Fergus.

One more point, if Fergus Falls merchants want loyalty from locals they should practice that same loyalty.

Case in point ... last summer I went to another auto dealer here in Fergus Falls to deal on a new pickup. The salesman offered me a ridiculous price for my trade. When I told him he was undervaluing my trade he retorted "why would I pay you more than I can buy the same pickup for at the auction."

In other words he wanted me to pay full Fergus Falls prices, but was willing to go to the out-of-town auction for the price on my trade. I told him the next time he was at the auction to see if he could find a customer there.

There are many fine merchants here in Fergus Falls and they will continue to get my business. One example is Premiere Meats, they are friendly, knowledgeable, remember my name and provide reasonable value for price and (wonder of wonders) they actually are open when you want to shop.

Lastly, if the Chamber director believes people travel to Fargo to shop as an adventure, she needs to get out more often.

Richard Olson - Fergus Falls