Most people think that in order for them to get everything they need, they need to go to a big garden supply center because they will have everything you need for a successful harvest. This is not entirely true the type of garden supply center is more important than the size of the garden supply center. There are many independent smaller centers that offer specialized products and equipment that might fit your needs much better then the major chains.

One of the advantages enjoyed by the large garden supply center companies is the pricing they can offer their customers. Due to the large quantities they purchase for resell they can usually get a better deal than the smaller independent operators. However, the one thing that many smaller garden supply centers have that many of the big chains lack is service and knowledge of the products they sell. And often they can provide you with a complete other quality of equipment also.

For the home gardener who knows exactly what they want and how to use it, the larger corporate garden supply center is going to have a larger selection from which to choose while saving a little but of money. However, if you are seeking advice from the same chain's employees can be hit or miss as to whether they understand home gardening or just there for a summer job.

Do you go for cheap products or for good advise

While there are pros and cons to both the small independent garden supply center and the large chain-owned outlets the needs and preference of the customer are often different, resulting in some customers sharing their business between the two. There is also a perception that the independent garden supply center must be priced higher than their corporate competition and in some cases that may be true, but customers are often surprised by the savings they can find at the small outlets.

Many of the independent operators will have a smaller variety of merchandise but larger ones tend to shy away from carrying indoor gardening supplies and aim at the outdoor business instead.

If you want sameness everywhere you go and the convenience of the one stop shopping experience the large chains provide you with you should go there. But if you like stores that actually can provide you with unique and quality products and equipment you should try a independent garden supply center for a change.