Buying local – How it saves you in the long run

We all are used to flipping the tag on our garment or on an item and seeing the item has been made overseas, its just normal right? It’s a good option and is usually better priced. But we love to unpack things here at Montage (not only because it usually means we are unpacking a pallet for an install!)
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So, why by local? And how it’s better for you in the long run!

The first one is a dead giveaway. – It supports the Australian economy.
When purchasing Australian made products, the money you spend stays within the country, this then generates more income nationally as it supports more jobs, more businesses, and industries as a whole.
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Research published by the Industry Capability network shows that for every $1 million of new or retained manufacturing business in Australia, the following effects flow through the economy:
$713,400 worth of gross value added generated
$225,300 worth of tax revenue generated
$64,900 worth of welfare benefits saved
6 full time jobs created
With COVID-19 still slowing the global economy, there’s a greater need than ever to support our Australian one. 

​Shorter lead times and cost

When you buy local you have the benefit of saving time on shipping. You are no longer at the mercy of overseas port delays and the actual time it takes for the item to be transported to our shores. Especially when these delays are unexpected, resulting in long lead times and potential costs associated with a “temporary plan B solution” to negate the project completion delay. 

There is also a financial addition of delivery costs, these costs go into the shipping and handling of each individual piece, which you wouldn’t normally experience with an Australian product. These costs can offset the savings from cheaper labour costs overseas.
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Environmentally better

Another component of this is the environment impact of each item takes to be imported here.

Fuel consumed for the air miles, or for shipping. Overseas products when ordered, embark on a seaborne journey around the world. It happens thousands of times a day, on tens of thousands of vessels moving from port to port.

​Ships handle roughly 90 percent of global trade, nearly 10 billion metric tons (11 billion tons) of product per year.
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Boats and ports are only a part of the picture. Airlines, railroads, trucks, warehouses, refrigerators, delivery people — the international system of goods movement is integral to the way we live in the 21st century. Buying local is a great opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint.
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Developing a connection with the community

When we work with a local supplier, we develop a more intimate working relationship with them. This isn’t to say that we don’t have an amazing relationship with overseas suppliers, it just means that an Australian supplier is part of the local community and supporting them in turn gives you a greater connection with them.

Combined with the fact that geographically Australian suppliers are easier to visit firsthand. These face-to-face conversations allow for a more fluid communication which also plays an integral part to connection. Plus, the added benefit when you visit your local supplier, you more often than not inject income into their local area with the coffee you buy or the meal you consume (just to name a few)

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​Greater customisability

While stock standard may be convenient, it also can fall short if your client looking for something more unique. Today, we desire products that reflect our personality and the energy of a space.

This is especially important when an office space the requires a more bespoke feel which is an expression of the client’s businesses style. When you go local you gain access to a whole new world of customisation options. Not to mention the fact that there is less room for error as in some cases a local supplier will be able to come out to your space and measure it up personally of provide alternative or more cost-effective solutions which may not have been initially considered.

There are a range of reasons why local saves you. Of course, at the end of the day you have to do what’s right by you. And like everything you have to weigh up your benefits to the negatives before you make your decision. 
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​At Montage, we have a range of items from local suppliers and products which we locally design, manufacture, and where possible source local materials. It’s all part of the complete offerings we like to provide to our client.