Whichever one provides the best service and/or price.  Too often I see local vendors playing the "shop local" card and charging far too much.  Also, some of these "national" businesses are actually locally owned.

Local.  I want to be able to get "face to face" if necessary.

Support business at home even paying slightly higher price.

The one who gets the job done and done well. Quality of service is the name of the game ... satisfied customers and clients. 

what Susan Emo said...

As with much in life, it depends. Price and service are always key for me.

It's never just one factor -- it's a combination of service, cost and timing.  

Service counts - besides many national companies are franchised - locally opened and operated - works for me

I'm with Michael Setunsky on this one. Local or national, needs to have a local presence and great local reputation for service at reasonable prices.

Please better define vendor.

I like local vendors so if there is a problem I can go and talk to them face to face.

Local all the way

Best service...Local people are hired by the national stores...A

Mike Rock Reputation in the local community whether local or national.

Depends on the reputation of local and national franchise.  I will also talk to my friends and neighbors for recommendations.

All things otherwise equal? Keep the dollars local.

If we are talking rocket ship; wish they would go to the moon!

I would definitely want a local yokel even if they are a national franchise.

Local are generally easier to work with.

LOCAL, Local and local.

"My management won't let me...." are never the words that gets the vendor invited to the table again.

#1 Factor - Accountable

#2 Factor - solutions provider, not hoops creator.

If they belong to my local Board, I use them unless it is a really good deal on something.

We try to support local businesses whenever possible.

ALWAYS a local vendor

Price.

Price first, then service.

The quality of service is more important than the ownership.

Good morning Mike. As long as the client is serviced well, not sure that it makes any difference.

The one that has the product or service that I need that meets as many of my criteria as possible.

I'd always support a local smaller vendor and this is very important to me. I do not like chains in general and rarely shop there or use there service....well, my car and perfumes are  exceptions:) 

I go with local when I can.  If they're good.

Mike Rock - I'd prefer live local vendor - who I can meet in person if need be.

Local.  The huge vendors view my clients as a number.  My local vendors view them as a client for life.  

Service, price, quality of work and timliness of work.  Those are my primary factors in order of preference.

Local all the way....better yet, people I know and have worked with before and better still, people who I trust who recommend someone

I prefer to use local dependable talent first but if the national company has a good reputation I wouldn't be afraid to use them either.

Are we talking about kickbacks yet? Actually, the one with the  resources and knowledge to best get it done wins my votes...does a .5% gratuity help?