The Transylvania Times -

I am a strong believer in shopping local. However, consumers need to be informed, and merchants need to be cognizant, of the cost of shopping local.

Early in the recent Christmas season, I made a purchase at a local Brevard merchant. I’d been on Amazon, and found the item for $17.41 plus $1.18 tax, with free two-day shipping to my home; the total order would have cost $18.59.

Instead, I decided to shop locally. The Brevard merchant charged me full price of $21.99 for the item, with tax of $1.48. In addition, there was a “miscellaneous charge” of $2.99 for using a credit card for p...