When people say, ‘buy local’ they often mean buy your gifts and produce from a small, independent company, but there are so many ways you can support your local community and still get the best service and products on the market. From gift shops to local handymen, hotels through to gyms and beyond, almost every sector has both large companies and smaller providers. Whilst many local businesses are smaller than their international rivals, some still manage to achieve incredible feats whilst retaining their local base and support the community in which the owners and their staff live.
Below are five reasons why you should consider using local businesses for a variety of services and solutions.
- You’ll Get Exceptional Customer Service
When consumers spend with large businesses the reason is often because they want to be assured that they will be getting a reliable and trusted service, but size isn’t a guarantee of quality, and a lot of customers find themselves disappointed with the service they receive from even the most renowned household names. Many large corporations have just as many issues as smaller businesses, and each case is different. Often, small companies will provide you with a far higher standard of service because they want to impress you and retain your business, and because they know the damage that a negative online review could do to them. Also, smaller firms have fewer staff, meaning that you will get personalized attention from the moment you first contact them through to the time when you end your associating with them, which will hopefully be a long time in the future.
2. Local Businesses Have Unbeatable Local Knowledge
Larger companies will be based in a central location and provide their services from there. As such, they will not have the local knowledge needed for some tasks, such as helping clients to move to a new house. In these situations, you want a trusted local service provider to help you and share their knowledge of the area. Take for instance these Toronto movers who are the longest running moving company in the area with more than 90 years of experience. Having operated in Toronto for so long, it’s safe to say they know how to provide clients with a reliable service which is exactly what you should look for. Not only this, but they are one of few companies in Toronto who also work globally. Work with a reliable local service provider so that you know you’re in safe hands.
3. You Can Buy Products You Can’t Find Elsewhere
Unique gifts and treats can only be bought from small, artisan providers who handmake everything, so if you want something truly individual you will have to explore local providers. One way to find the best products is to visit small independent shops where they will likely have a selection of gifts and art from a variety of local producers, giving you choice and a guarantee that every product is truly one of a kind.
4. Shopping Locally Means You Know Where Your Food Has Come From
Following several high-profile food scandals over recent years, many consumers are, rightly, concerned about where their food has been produced and what it contains. To truly be able to trace the providence of your food and check what ingredients it has been made with you need to shop local and buy from small producers, who do not make many batches of their products, and are therefore able to trace each ingredient and tell you exactly how, when and where it was created. For example, you can visit a local butcher to get not only meat that can be traced from farm to table, but also expert service from experienced staff who know all about the delicious meats they are selling.
5. Keeping Local Businesses Alive Helps People You Know
When you buy from local businesses you will be supporting real people and helping them to afford the necessities, rather than lining the pockets of a business tycoon who already has a lot of money. Also, the chances are that if you think hard enough about it, you will know at least one, if not more, people who own or work for a local business. By buying from them rather than a larger firm you will be supporting them and helping them to grow their business. You might not think that one sale is important, but your support will mean a lot to a local business owner, and additional assistance such as leaving a positive review online or sharing your experience on social media could really raise their profile and make a huge difference to their lives.
Do Your Research To Find The Best Local Options For You
Not everywhere will have local businesses providing the services and products you need, but it is worth exploring the options you have before you commit to spending your money. By working with a local business, you will be supporting your community and putting money back into the local economy, rather than supporting a large company with an offshore bank account and no interest in your town.
