From Patrick Cooper.

AS a regular reader of the JEP, I have followed the Think Twice, Buy Local campaign and would like to share my own recent experience with fellow readers.

Last week I needed to replace two of the tyres on my car. Looking in the phone book, I selected three companies to contact for prices and availability.

Although I phoned three times, during regular working hours, one company failed to pick up the phone. The second company said they could supply and fit the tyres I wanted but it would take two days to order in the stock.

So I thought, imagine getting stopped in a police road check and explaining to the officer that you were aware your tyres were defective but you had to wait two days for the garage to order in the replacement stock to replace them.

Ultimately, then, out of an initial choice of three, only one company had the tyres I wanted in stock and luckily had the keenest price, too.

Although I support the current campaign to buy local, I feel that if certain local
companies wish to stay in business they need to take a long, hard look at their current stock and customer service procedures.

After all, I could have ordered my tyres on-line and had them delivered within two days.

Dorian,
Rue Gombrette,
St John.