I’m a minimalist at heart, so I scrutinize my purchases and tend to only get things I need. And if I need something, I’ll let it sit in my cart or wishlist and track price changes to get the best deal.

Take the last example. I needed a replacement battery for my UPS. I’ve been buying from a small business for years, but they are an hour drive away and only open during regular business hours. Driving there would be wasteful (time and gas), but I’d have to take time off work to do it.

They charged $19 shipping for the several that I’ve purchased in the past.

Amazon lists the same battery for the same price, but free shipping.

I should have gone with Amazon, but as the latest shipping price was “only” $12, I went with the small business instead.

Even if I had to make only one of those decisions per month, we’re still talking over $100 extra for no benefit to me as the consumer. It’s a hard sell, but I’ve been willing to spend more if it means keeping more money within Canada. I do not expect everyone to have the financial means to do that all the time, but I also don’t think we should be striving for perfection (which could act as a barrier to begin with).

And the other challenge I’ve been facing with trying to support local businesses is that quite a few don’t try to accommodate people like me, who need a safe place to lock up my bike when I shop. No consumer should have to fight to give businesses money, but I still try!