At The ERC, we know first-hand how much of an impact each and every customer makes. As a small business ourselves, we are huge supporters of "shopping small", whether it's while sourcing parts for manufacturing or buying Christmas gifts. Here are some ways you can show your support to small businesses this holiday season.
- Buy From Makers
December is the busiest shopping time of the year and many small businesses rely on it for a bulk of their sales. Instead of ordering everything on Amazon or heading to the mall or department stores, stop into local shops or Christmas markets in your area. You might be surprised at the unique gifts you can find. If you prefer shopping online, you can find an incredible variety of handmade items on Etsy.
- Follow Them On Social Media
Small business don't have the million-dollar marketing budgets that corporations have. In fact, many have no marketing budget at all and therefore rely on social media for exposure. By following them on social media, you're not just doing them a favor; it's also where you will be able to see any promotions, giveaways or sales they have going on throughout the holiday season. You might just end up finding that perfect gift while scrolling through your feed!
- Spread The Word
At The ERC, we rely a lot on word-of-mouth referrals from our customers. If there's a small brand you are personally a fan of, tell people about it! A little bit of praise goes a long way in helping small businesses get the word out.
- Leave A Review
Online reviews also make a big difference in convincing other people to make a purchase. So if you love a product, do the company a favor by leaving a review.
- Don't Just Limit It To The Holidays
You don't have to limit your small business shopping to Christmas, either. You can make an impact year-round in little ways like buying groceries from a local butcher or farmers market, choosing local restaurants & hotels instead of chains, or even getting your hair cut at a local salon. And if you work in any aspect of manufacturing, you can choose to source locally as well.
Are you buying gifts from small businesses this year? Share your favorite small companies in the comments!
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