Look Beyond Bids in Picking Swap-Meet Firm

Re “Fair Board Ponders Switching Swap Meet Operators,” July 7:

I hope the Orange County Fair Board exhibits good business sense when it makes its decision awarding the next swap meet contract. Though Tel Phil Enterprise’s bid for the contract might not be the lowest price, there are important reasons it should be seriously considered against American Park ‘N Swap’s bid. Rarely in the business world are long-term decisions based solely on price.

Tel Phil has a long track record of running the swap meet that demands consideration. It created the swap meet and made it the gem it is today. Moreover, Tel Phil is a locally owned company employing local people; its profits stay in the community.

On the other hand, American’s bid offers a better price. It looks like a case where the big player is underbidding the local company to get its foot in the door and drive the little guy out of business. Then when the competition is gone, inevitably prices are driven higher.

The Fair Board should examine the big picture.

Bruce Gary

Irvine