Shop small isn’t a cry for help, it’s sound advice

The people I work with and support during my group programme, Fully Booked Bootcamp, are founders of some incredible businesses. In the lead up to Christmas, many of these founders are relying on us all to support small and it can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle to encourage friends, family, and contacts to support their small businesses.

The fact of the matter is however, as small business owners we shouldn’t need to cajole people to shop small for our own benefit, in practice shopping small helps the buyer too and here’s why.

Photo credit: Blake Wisz

You’ll receive better service 

Ever tried to actually speak to someone at Amazon about an order? Or contact the customer services of a big business and found yourself trapped in an endless cycle talking to robots?

When you shop small you’ll have a human being on the other end of the line. A human who likely creates the product you’re buying, or certainly selected it and who will be incredibly knowledgeable about every part of the experience, from the product or service, to the delivery times, production processes and return policy. 

Small businesses have better product knowledge

When you buy from a small business, everyone is passionate about the product and involved in the creation process. This means that whenever you have a question or query, someone will be able to help you find exactly the answer you’re looking for. 

What’s more, depending on the type of business, you’re much more likely to receive personalisation, or something completely unique that fits your needs.

You’ll have a choice of unique and unusual products and gifts

Buying from a small business when you’re looking for gifts is a great way of giving something to a friend or loved one that they won’t receive from anyone else. You’re much more likely to be able to buy sustainable or handmade products, and often they’re one of a kind or limited edition.

You’ll enjoy a more interesting and positive transaction

Whether it’s a small hand-drawn postcard sent out directly from the artist or trainers from a sustainable fashion brand arriving on a bike, you’re much more likely to receive your product in a fun and personalised way. 

You’re benefiting the local economy

When you buy from a small business you are directly feeding money into the economy. When the business is local, or UK-based, it’s an economy that will benefit you where you live in some small way. When you buy from a small or medium-sized business, 63% remains in the local economy whereas when shopping with big businesses the figure is only 40%. Large multinationals often find ways to drastically reduce the contributions they are making locally or nationally. 

95% of companies in the UK have 9 employees or less, so they’re the backbone of the UK economy. Supporting small is supporting the UK’s largest employment sector. You are literally keeping the country going.

The aftercare you receive will be better

Because the people you’re buying from care so much you’ll always receive the best aftercare. They want their customers to be happy and satisfied so will be there for you if something goes wrong or if you need aftercare advice. Reputation is everything to a small business owner so they can be relied upon to go above and beyond for you.

You’ll join a community

If the business is service-based you’ll often become part of a community either online or in real life. If it’s a product you’ll find yourself resonating with fellow fans. Perhaps you see someone in the street wearing something from a shop you love and say a friendly hello or see a post on social media and do the same, you’ll often find like-minded people sharing your shopping habits.

You’ll gain a more thoughtful and personalised experience overall

The business you are buying from cares. From start to finish they want to make sure you have the best experience and get the product or service that’s right for you. They put thought into everything from the service before you buy, the product you buy, its delivery and packaging, and the support you receive after you buy. 

Shopping small will make you feel great

There’s nothing better than knowing that your purchase is making someone’s day. Let’s face it, no one at Amazon is doing a happy dance when you place an order, but when you shop small you can be assured that you’re lighting someone up on the inside. 

So if you’re running a small business don’t see shop small as your annual cry for help, rather educate your customers that this is a benefit for us all. 

As a customer, remember that the experience you’ll receive will be so much better when you shop small. Next time you’re making a purchase for yourself or a gift, shop small, shop independent, enjoy and feel proud!

If you’re ready to grow your small business, then my FREE 3-Day Challenge Grow Your Business In 3 Days might be the perfect opportunity for you.

It runs from Monday 4th October and you can sign up here.