We all now live in the single market, and we're even encouraged from on high to shop around in all 15 states of the EU to find bargains and source products more cheaply. The theory is all well and good, but still, going to far flung corners chasing the lowest price doesn't always make economic sense. Stalker has heard of a grower in Ireland who is now sourcing his compost on the continent. The price differentials at first look enticing no doubt, but Stalker would wonder at the hidden costs. Ignoring the obvious transport add-on, there is also the question of after-sales backup. What if, when the product arrives the quality isn't quite what was expected, or even definitely substandard – will the producer on the continent be as quick to provide backup and/or a replacement load, if something is wrong? Stalker is well aware that the relationship between grower and composter can at times be fraught; but as we all know, sometimes it's better to deal with the devil you know. Of course using this figure of speech Stalker by no means intends to imply that composters are in any way demonic or diabolical....
