Kitty sorry for writing this here, and yes i know it is a bit off topic, but in talking with my wife there is something i observed and wanted to share.
I think it was up to April or May (possibly June or July) there was a majority of people here on this very forum that refused to buy from the States.....
I'm a little confused about what you're getting at? Are you advising me that local is better for my neighbor's "instant gratification" yen? If so, I wholeheartedly agree, and will be advising her accordingly....
However, if it's a well-meaning, well-intentioned, gentle slap on the wrist for ordering beyond borders, I'll be happy to address that also. Before I start, let me offer this disclaimer: I don't mean to sound the tiniest bit harsh here..... just wish to explain my position, and that without regret or apology.
I'm on a very fixed budget. Without getting too personal, my domestic situation changed drastically over the summer, and I'm now a single mom living off my savings and trying to stretch them as far as I can so I can be with my son during this tender formative time in his life. I don't get my nails done, I cut my own hair, I buy dollar store cosmetics and streeeeetch them. I mend my clothes and seldom if ever buy anything, other than the odd wardrobe addition from a thrift store. I never visit the mall; all my shopping reflects necessities and is done at Costco, Walmart, Dollar stores and thrift stores. My idea of going out to dinner is *occasionally* taking my little darling for a McD's cheeseburger. Our bill is under $5. The only little luxury I really enjoy used to be smoking, and realizing I was literally burning money, I switched to vaping. Vaping MUST come in cheaper than the stinkies, or I'll have to give it up as well. So there's the backdrop to my story.
I love to support the locals as much as the next flag-waving Canadian. However, having said that, my first allegiance is to my little boy. If I can place an order overseas, shipped!-- for $100 that would cost me $200 UNSHIPPED locally, I'm not going to need to think about it much. Before you argue that $200 ships free, no it doesn't. Because I have yet to find a vendor that can fill that whole order, so you end up placing 3 small orders to fill it all and THREE SHIPPING FEES. Even without the shipping, that's over $100 I can use to put money into a great vaper's business, which in another life I'd gladly do... or put money into toddler clothes, Christmas gifts, gasoline to take him places, and maintaining our internet and basic cable access so Mommie can stay sane, and he can enjoy some of our local PBS kids programming. It's money I can use to make my son's and my life better, or a local business owner's business better. Do I really need to justify this? Not to myself. Fin.
I'm not saying I never buy from the locals. I do try to spread it around a little and support especially those that have given me advice or help. However, I'll not hesitate a moment to order something for $35 from China (free shipping) that would cost me $100 here, probably plus shipping.
*deep breath*
Unless someone wants to be my Benefacteur de Vapour (aka: vaping sugar-daddy).... in which case I promise to spend your money right here on Canadian soil, no exceptions other than where something is not available AT ALL in Canada. *giggles*
(edit: Oh yea, and Daddy? *big brown doe eyes* Can I please....
pleeeeease have a shiny new Provari? Pretty please with cherries on top *blink blink* hahahahahahahahahaha)
sucks
