Yes, the economy is bad. Yes, we all are trying to find unique ways to stretch each and every dollar. This can be especially true during the holiday season where many of us have to dig deep in our pockets to buy gifts for friends and loved ones. Consumers are eager for Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving where retailers, from an accounting stand point, go from losing money, red, to profitability, black). Deal hunters wake up early in the morning armed with sleeping bags, snacks, coffee, and their favorite form of entertainment, whether it be a deck of cards or a Nintendo Game Boy, in order to be one of the lucky few who are able to get deeply discounted products. However, stores often have the most discounted items in limited quantity. No, the limited availability is not because retailers dropped the ball and did not order enough inventories. This is a clever marketing trick to get shoppers in the store to purchase other items. For shoppers who are not willing to brave the weather, early morning, and crowds, there is Cyber Monday, where many online bargains are offered. However, online deals are often offered for limited quantities as well.

True bargain hunters often find unique ways to find great deals. For example, great deals can be found not only during the holidays, but year round at business-to-business retailers. One example of this is restaurant supply companies who, unknown to many people, are open to the public. Why go to a high end department store to buy cookware or utensils at inflated prices? Restaurant suppliers offer commercial quality products at prices geared towards cost-conscious business owners. Commercial grade fry pans, stockpots, blenders, cutlery, and more can be purchased from a restaurant supplier at a fraction of the cost.

Not only are products from restaurant supply dealers less expensive, they are more durable and made from better materials. For example, commercial fry pans and stock pots are made with thicker gauge aluminum or stainless steel. Commercial blenders have larger electrical motors leading to less wear and tear. Further, many commercial restaurant supplies have readily available spare parts on hand that are easy to replace. Have your blender blades worn out? Not a problem, this is a common part that goes out when blenders are repeatedly used in a commercial application. Rather scouring the internet trying to find the right part and then waiting for days to receive it, you can stop in at your local restaurant supplier and get a replacement immediately. Restaurant suppliers even carry furniture. Restaurant furniture is designed to be durable and withstand years of abuse.

So why lose sleep and your sanity on black Friday? Why fight crowds at the mall and big box retailers? Skip the stress of fighting traffic only to find out the great gift you were looking for has sold out. Bargain hunters can find many great gift ideas at business-to-business retailers such as restaurant suppliers where prices are low year round.