And I think that is the answer right there.
If more local business supported their customers, provide a customer service (great customer service costs a company nothing), a lot more Aussie companies would still be alive now.
Unfortunately, a lot of companies gone tits up only have themselves to blame.
A big problem with service is the staff, I have usually found when dealing with the owner it's a different story.
Trying to teach staff the importance of 'customer service' is a huge problem that I am sure any business owner on this forum would agree.
Although, if a person buys something online then expects to walk into the local shop when you have a problem with it, then I guess customer service might be a bit hard to expect.
There is very few benefits to being a small business owner now days, too much risk for little reward. Many think it's just a better option to close the doors and go work for the 'big guy'. I have friends who have done this, and are so much better for it. Less stress, 9-5, similar money and a better life.
Unfortunately the more that go this way, the less jobs there will be for the next generation.
Now day's there is little in the way of tax breaks and support from the government for the 'little guy'. And then the multinationals seem to get away with blue murder, and the government turns a blind eye.
Just imagine if they cracked down on the 'Ikea's' and 'Apple's' that shift profits offshore, and then gave small business a leg up, how much better would the whole country be in another few years!