north meridian's goal is to keep its pricing competitive. >> we're not trying to be the cheapest. and i'm not trying to be the most expensive. but we haven't to have fair pricing that's relative to the industry. >> what keith has learned is that pricing is more fluid than people may think. >> things are erratic. because pricing fluctuates daily, weekly. >> and that's why keith knows where his supply is coming from and why. >> we've fortunately been tied in with some very good distributors that have been helpful. before we started, which has helped set the foundation for us to be able to be competitive on the pricing. >> he even does some comparison shopping of his own. >> if you're buying at a higher threshold, you can't compete. if there's a fluctuation we may actually call the distributor, wait a minute, we see such and such is selling this here so that's how we kind of are able to keep things in check. >> unlike big box locations, or hardware stores with larger brands keith can exercise some independence in his buying. that freedom also means there's room for negotiation. >> we

. >> the key for north meridian is to know who locally is charging what for certain items.ong before opening its doors, the store's competitors were under the microscope. >> we studying within a three to five mile geographic area. some other small retail stores other big boxes. >> and that trend continues today. staffers will even walk through their competitors' doors to check out the you remember in. he's just happy customers are taking notice and spreading the word. >> when i have my shirt on people ask i have seen that store, that's a very cool store. you guys have good pricing. >> and keith knows the only way to keep those clients coming in is to keep doing what he's doing. stay competitive. >> i think people on average will look at that price difference and then judge for themselves time value, and then convenience. that's where they make an internal decision. these are all quiet things people don't really talk about. >>> tracking inventory can be a daunting task. and if you're looking for an join line tool to help you and your team do just that check out the website o