In a recent business encounter with Southern Illinois Network Consultants, I was given an estimate of about 2 hours and $75 to remove a virus. On the second day the estimate was revised to $150 and another day or two before I could pick it up. The virus was found to be rare and monumentally difficult but after two weeks I had become frustrated.

When I went to pick it up, I was prepared for a confrontation because I planned on refusing to pay more than the second quoted price of $150. The consultant explained the difficultly of the process and apologized for the lengthy repair time as though he was warming me up for the big bill I was about to get slapped with.

Much to my surprise he said, “We are not going to charge you for the service because our estimated time was so far off.” He continued, “I understand your frustration and hope we can do better next time.”

I was floored by this, and felt guilty for assuming that they would charge me for the time above the estimate or force me to make a scene over it.

This is just one example of why we should all support locally owned businesses.

Justin Baggott

SIU alumn from Carbondale