[rmyers]

I own 2 small businesses, only one of which is visible for the most part by customers. Its a retail tropical fish store but I am hardly ever there. My primary business does not require much personal interaction with customers as most of my customers are in other states and are large corporations. I must admit that there are times when I don't want to drive Z to store and park it in front because there is always that thought in the back of my mind as to the customer's perceptions.

What you are asking about is unfortunately a sign of where we have come as a society. For years we have been subjected to class warfare, pitting one class against another class. Instead of congratulating the success of others some of us are more willing to envy them because they make more money or have acheived a higher level of success. The solution to this problems is to call it out when you see it, regardless of the outcome.

If you can afford the car, then you should buy it. You are the only one that can make that decision. To me, if you have a small country store, I would suspect, assuming there is no competition in a equal distance, your business will return to normal, since we are all creatures of habit and if a customer makes a remark, call them on it. You can do so without insulting them. Some may be jealous and thats OK, they just need to be educated.

Good Luck!