uma_webb28•3d agoProlific Poster

Stopped by a farm supply store in rural Ohio last weekend and noticed something odd

They had a whole section of heated chicken waterers that looked just like the ones at Tractor Supply but for half the price. The owner said they source directly from a small Amish metalworker nearby. Has anyone else found better deals buying local instead of the big chain stores?

2 comments

2 Comments

shane_wilson3d ago

half the price" is basically my love language at this point lol. I'm the type of person who will drive 45 minutes to save $3 on something because the principle matters more than my time apparently. That Amish connection sounds legit though - those guys know metalwork way better than any mass production factory. I'd be worried about my own handyman skills after buying from a real craftsperson though, like "thanks for this beautiful waterer, hope I don't ruin it in the first week by doing something stupid.

noah_webb3d ago

the principle matters more than my time" is exactly me. I once drove an hour each way to save $4 on a used drill. My wife still brings it up. But yeah, the Amish waterer thing feels different. You're not just buying something, you're buying something that'll outlive your chickens and probably you too. I think the beauty of buying from a real craftsperson is that it forces you to slow down a little. You can't just bang it together like a plastic kit. You actually have to pay attention to the fit and finish. And honestly, if you mess it up that first week, that's just how you learn. The thing will still be better than anything from a box store.