"When you support a small business, you're supporting someone's dream"
All of you small businesses and small biz owners out there, I got a lot of love for you!
But with mainstream media and huge corporate companies dominating our markets, it can be easy to forget the importance of supporting small businesses, both local and far away.
Spending our cash with local or independent brands can make a real difference to small business owners. And by buying locally made or sustainable goods, we can reduce the need for shipping and avoid packaging waste.
We also live in a time of throwaway culture, where we buy more than we actually need which impacts the rise in landfill waste, as well as the waste of the energy and resources that go into making the products in the first place.
Take time to think about what you want, consider if you really do need it, think about where your money will make the most difference before you make a purchase... and shop small!
Here are some of my super simple top tips for you to support small businesses:
Shop local and sustainable. By buying locally, you can help to cut carbon emissions and air pollution, you are also investing in your community both socially and economically. Always check the sustainability of the product you are buying and the company you are buying it from - every little purchase makes an impact somehow, so make sure it is a positive one.
Buy from them!
When you buy from a small business, your purchase matters. Small business owners are not corporate money makers, they are doing what they do because they care about their product and their customer. You are also more likely to find original and unique products by shopping small!
Share their posts on social media.
Spread the word! Share their social media posts and recommend them to anyone you can. By telling everyone you know, you are building their brand awareness and sharing their business with new potential customers.
Write a positive review.
Sharing your positive comments on the small business with the world helps to boost the company's credibility and reliability, it also provides a source of genuine feedback to their future customers.
Feedback to the small biz owner.
Small business owners are usually much more responsive to customer feedback than big corporations might be, so you can suggest improvements (such as using less plastic packaging) to make sure your purchase personally aligns with your values and the company has a chance to better themselves from your feedback.
Your small shop purchases have an impact on your life, the lives of others, and the livelihood of small businesses - so embrace the power you have as a purchaser!
L x Laura Mackenzie
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