With the holiday buzz upon us, shopping seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Discounts and deals are announced sooner every year and as a result, we tend to spend less time with our loved ones. Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to be the biggest shopping events in our country and worldwide.
Although the satisfaction of getting a great deal on gifts can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember your local businesses. Small Business Saturday is our favorite shopping event — and not just because we’re a local business! Here’s five reasons to shop local.
Better Prices
You may think you’re getting a super deal on something when you order it online or wait in line for hours at your local department store. However, small businesses don’t have the overhead of larger retailers. Even with a discount, their items tend to be more expensive than if you purchased from a local shop. Plus, you don’t have to pay shipping or wait outside in the cold!
Customer Service
Most consumers have had their run-ins with shoddy companies or just plain rude customer service agents. Placing a return or getting someone on the phone to answer a simple question can turn into a nightmare. Local companies thrive on word-of-mouth business which means they have a greater incentive to do what’s right and to offer excellent customer service.
Better Quality
Manufacturers spend millions on manpower and overhead but don’t always focus on the quality of their items. Even if you spend less initially, are you getting a product that has quality workmanship? A local shop won’t use an assembly line to recreate the same thing over and over. Instead, you get a better quality item made from someone with years of experience and knowledge. They’re also certified tradespeople who know the ins and outs of their industry.
Supporting Local Families
Have you ever ran into someone at the supermarket who works for your local florist or bakery? Chances are, you and other customers helped pay for their living expenses. Supporting other families in your community is one of the most rewarding reasons to shop local — and it’s our favorite reason!
Convenience
Okay, we understand it’s also convenient to shop online from the comfort of your pajamas. Revisiting our blurb about customer service goes hand-in-hand with how we view convenience. Even if you can get the same product delivered to your door within two days, what if it isn’t exactly what you wanted? That means setting up a return, waiting for your refund, and time spent looking for a similar item.
Walking into a local shop and making a connection with the business owner means a lifelong relationship with someone in your community who understands your personal goals for whatever product or service you want. It may not seem as convenient initially, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Still Not Convinced?
Whether you decide to go Black Friday-ing or Cyber Monday-ing is totally up to you. If there’s a specific product you want and you know you can get it at half the price, we support your choice. With the money you save, don’t forget to take part in Small Business Saturday on November 30th. You’ll feel great about supporting local families and the deals available may even surprise you!