There are quite a few people who’d say that the only good thing about 2020 is that it’s ending at some point. Fires, drought, pandemics, lockdowns, restrictions, even curfews, it’s safe to say everyone deserves a break – including small businesses.
As we speed towards Christmas (that thing that felt like it was a few weeks ago but also decades ago at the same time), it’s never been more important to shop local and support small businesses. You won’t just save on international postage, you could help save a business (and find your new fave local in the process). Here are five other reasons to go small this Christmas.
Stimulate the local economy and employment.
This one may be obvious, but when you when you shop at a small business, the money stays in the local community. So that glass of wine you’re sipping at a stunning vineyard? It’s inspiring local tourism. That heavenly scented candle in the bedroom? Making someone do a happy dance every time one is sold. That parma that you thought you couldn’t justify post-lockdown? Potentially keeping someone employed.
Might be time to update your LinkedIn to say humanitarian?
Unique and exclusive
Would you rather buy something that’s McMass-produced™ (and potentially cost-cut for that process) …or hand-crafted using specialised techniques? Something in every house, or just yours?
As the world comes closer to becoming one big company, the desire to find unique and specialised products and experiences increases. By giving something that’s a little bit exclusive, you might even give their followers a bit of FOMO in the process. And that’s what it’s all about right?!
Better customer service
The smaller a business is, the bigger the happy dance is when you shop there. They need your money, your good reviews, your word-of-mouth and especially your return. So, you better believe they’re willing to work for them. Plus, local businesses tend to hire more specialised service and know more about specific products, or you could even meet the passionate business owner themselves (instead an offshore call centre worker counting down the seconds until their next break).
Try-before-you-buy
Have you ever waited four weeks for jeans to arrive that didn’t fit (they were definitely advertised wrong and not at all related to lockdown diet)? Or bought a second-hand iPad that didn’t support the latest edition of Facebook, so you couldn’t even whinge about it online? Or thought you’d found a heavenly sounding bath bomb…that ended up smelling more like a chemical weapon?
Try-before-you-buy has been saving consumers unnecessary energy since the invention of commerce. Any why not? Waiting for weeks in anticipation, only to send back for weeks more, and wait again for even more weeks – everyone lost enough weeks in 2020.
If you’re not always going to get it right the first time, get it right (fast) the next one.
A better story.
Some gifts are just that – gifts. Other gifts tell stories, pass on experiences and create a moment between you and someone you care about.
Whether it’s a politically-charged wine label that promotes equality (it exists) or a tour bus that visits every fried chicken restaurant with a rating of over 4.5 stars (it doesn’t exist, unfortunately), a gift is a chance to do something that gets talked about. It could also be an experience or product that means something to you or your relationship.
We recently put the feelers out to ME customers about their favourite local business tips – just to give you a bit of a hand in choosing your Christmas gifts.
Here are five recommendations that mean something to ME (customers)
- Haus of Dizzy make jewellery and accessories that start conversations. Featuring bold and inclusive designs that are a nod to founder Kristy Dickinson’s Indigenous heritage, you’ll be sure to find a gift for everyone – whether it’s earrings, necklaces or personalised items.
- Sunshine worshippers Picnic Season are bringing snazzy picnic gear to the people. A family-run small biz based out of Geelong, picnics will never be the same once you’ve experienced their eye-catching 3m x 3m picnic rugs and matching picnic baskets.
- Australian artist Brooke Goldie creates stunning resin artwork, platters and boards that will take your festive spread – and gifting - to the next level.
- Okay Pretty Swim is a small swimwear label based in Melbourne. Made from recycled fabrics, if you’re looking to treat yo’self to this summer, these cozzies will brighten your day.
- Herbs & Heart will be your new go-to skincare brand. Founded by couple Jumana and Rish, the range is comprised of cruelty-free, vegan friendly products designed for sensitive skin.
With five reasons and five pointers to support local business, there really couldn’t be any more incentive, but even the local governments are feeling festive. The Victorian government just announced they will give away up to 120,000 $200 travel vouchers to incentivise domestic tourism. Keep an eye out to see what your local government could be throwing your way.
For more locally-made gifting inspo, check out Click for Vic, Buy from the Bush or Colab Pantry.
This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.