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<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>I do, I'll admit it. The first time I was in
one was in Louisiana, way back when. I walked in, having never heard of the
place, found what I needed, saw the price and thought, "I wish we had these back
home."</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Wal-Mart is convienient and the prices
are reasonable. Do they have everything I need/want? No. But they do have
everyday items I do need. For instance, I have to take naxpoxen sodium (Aleve)
for my knees/hip (orthopaedist's orders). I can get 100 pills of the house brand
at Wal-Mart for about $5, which is whole lot cheaper than anywhere else.
Deodorant, razors and most everyday items are there at a cheaper
price.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>I buy film on occasion (I shoot about 95%
digital now) at the store, usually for 2-4 bucks cheaper than anywhere else.
When I shot a lot of film, I usually bought it in bulk off of E-bay. If I
need "quickie" prints or processing, I use Wal-Mart or Costco. A mini-lab is a
mini lab and both places have newer ones. I have built a working relationship
with lab employees at both places. I can ask for push/pull processing, custom
cropping, the whole shebang and get a decent job done by them...in a hurry, if
needed. At a decent price, even.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>For the times when I need the absolute
perfect, hand checked, print I use Wasem's in Clarkston or an east coast lab via
mail. I used to use a local lab, but they managed to lose 2 major orders in a
row, in house! I had to refund my clients several hundred dollars and still pay
the lab. Neither Wal-Mart or Costco has EVER lost one of my orders at their
in-house labs. I trust them. </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Wal-Mart doesn't have the type of photo
equipment I need either, so I check Wasem's. Sometimes they have it, sometimes
they don't. If they do and I need it right away, I'll purchase it. Usually they
are price prohibitive, because they are the only photo store within about a
hundred miles, so I wind up buying online.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>If I need a pack of deck screws...Wal-Mart.
</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Lumber, plumbing or electrical items...
Moscow Building Supply or Tri-State.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Feed/supplies for my kid's fair animals over
the years? Spence Hardware, Intermountain Feeds and D&B Supply.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Wal-Mart has a lot of "stuff", but its not
specialized "stuff", its just "stuff" the average person on a budget needs
on a regular basis.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Smart business owners check out Wal-Mart to
see what they "don't" offer and aim at that market. There is a lot that Wal-Mart
doesn't sell.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Portrait photographers compete with
Wal-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penney and any number of other "crank 'em thru" $9.99
studios. But the $9.99 studios don't do location work, nor do they do
much custom work. They make pictures. </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Independent photographers capture a moment
in time and turn it into art. Skill, quality and knowledge make the difference.
</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>The same applies to Wal-Mart and other
businesses. Know exactly what you want/need and its a general item? Go to
Wal-Mart.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006>Not sure, need advice or a specialized item?
Go to a pro and get it.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=724233122-28012006></SPAN> </DIV>
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