Why You Should Shop/Use Small, Local Businesses
Shopping at or using the services of small, local businesses has many benefits. There are many reasons to support local businesses not only on Small Business Saturday, but every day of the year. Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 to support small businesses and communities across the country. It is observed the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the day after Black Friday; which big retailers typically boast their lowest prices and biggest sales to close out the year and put them in the "black" or the positive side of earnings. Why not support small businesses and help them reach their goals and positive side of earnings everyday! Here are some more compelling reasons to shop small, local businesses
Small businesses tend to give better customer service. Small business owners are often present and very hands on in their business. Employees are typically held to a higher standard and owners work hard to earn your business and have you be a repeat customer.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates there are over 28 million small businesses in the United States and they historically account for two-thirds of jobs. When you support small businesses, you are helping your neighbor have a place of employment.
Small Businesses tend to use the services of other local companies. From electricians to artists, small businesses typically will support other small business owners. When you support a local business you may indirectly be supporting multiple local businesses.
Small businesses tend to give back. Living in Ellicott City, I have seen the amazing support businesses provide to each other in times of need. When the floods happened in Ellicott City, the roads were closed but you saw restaurants not affected donating food and local businesses dropping cases of water to construction workers at the end of the road. Many businesses also held fundraisers and advertised their support of all the businesses directly impacted.
Small businesses have quality services and products. From our experience, small businesses want to provide a superior product to win your business today and have you return tomorrow as well. Repeat customers and word of mouth referrals are what keep local companies thriving.
When you support local businesses you are investing in your community. You are keeping the money you spend local and supporting your neighbors. You are providing a resource to yourself locally and keeping tax dollars spent within your community.
When you make a purchase form a small business owner, you are supporting the family of that small business owner. When you make a purchase from a big box store, you a supporting a billionaire.
You will have a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing you are supporting your community when you support a local, small business.
It may not always be feasible to shop at a local, small business, but check your options before your spend your money. If you have a great experience at a local establishment, let the world know. Get vocal and share your experience on social media. Try your best to support local, small businesses not only on Small Business Saturday, but everyday.