How to Support Local Businesses During the Holidays-or Anytime
It’s no surprise to anyone that activities such as shopping, eating out and getting your haircut are a little bit different than they were a year ago.
Ok—VERY different.
That being said, businesses are starting to open up again. Many small businesses are facing unique challenges and are turning to financial resources to help stay afloat.
So, whether you're going out regularly, laying low inside or doing a combination of both, there are still plenty of ways to support your favorite small businesses! (Hint: You don't always have to spend money.)
Do some research
Before you buy something or order takeout, do a little digging and find out if the business is actually local. Some businesses are still being supported by large, financially stable parent corporations while others are being left to fend for themselves.
We’re not here to tell you to never buy from big box stores or chain restaurants, it’s just that the little guys are having a harder time surviving. If you're unsure about the business you want to support, check with your local chamber of commerce or an online database like Thumbtack.
Set a budget
Is supporting small businesses a priority for you? It’s a priority for us, too. Sit down and review your budget to discover ways to allocate your money differently. That way, you’re able to show a little love without breaking the bank!
“Now is the perfect time to set up a budget for yourself if you haven’t already. Start by identifying your major financial commitments. Make those your priority every month. Then determine how much you want to save each month,” advises Tony Rasmussen, vice president of public relations and financial education for Mountain America Credit Union. “After that, you can decide if any of your monthly expenses can be used to support local businesses. For example, do your grocery shopping at a small family-owned market. If you have budgeted money for eating out, choose local restaurants. Instead of going over-budget to support small businesses, find ways to spend differently—reallocating the money already in your budget.”
Shop online
If you're concerned about you and your family’s health, and aren't ready to shop in person yet, there are still plenty of ways to show support! Your favorite retailers likely have online shops with most, if not all, of their in-store goods. Add what you need to your digital cart and let the postal service handle the rest. Many of these shops may also offer a drive-up option so you can get your new treasure a little sooner.
BONUS: You won't even have to get out of your sweet pajamas—you know, the ones with the reindeer on them!
If you’re doing a lot of online shopping, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect yourself online. Always be careful when entering your credit card information to a website and make sure your passwords are complex and unique. Identity theft can be avoided when you take the right measures. Take a look at some additional tips to protect yourself against identity theft.
Order delivery or pickup
Skip the meal prep every once in a while and order dinner from your favorite nearby restaurant. Just be sure you know where any delivery fees are going. Ask the restaurant if they have an in-house delivery driver or if you need to order from a food delivery service such as Postmates or Grubhub.
Curbside pickup is another great alternative that saves you money and puts more cash in the restaurant owner's pocket.
Tip a little extra
People working in the service industry are experiencing more stress than normal. Whether you're ordering pickup or eating in a restaurant, keep the business going by adding on a bigger tip than usual. A bigger tip will also keep the servers happy!
This applies to hairdressers, nail technicians, mechanics, hotel valets and anyone else you would normally tip.
Buy a gift card
Many businesses have experienced a significant decline in sales these past several months. Next time you order from your favorite restaurant or shop, buy a gift card, too, if you can. It will help the business pay this month’s bills and will make paying for your next visit quick and easy.
Keep subscriptions going
If you've been paying for a local subscription and service was interrupted by the coronavirus, earthquakes or any other frightening occurrences (murder hornets!), consider keeping your payments going, as long as there’s room in your budget.
Your payments can help sustain the business—even if it has temporarily suspended operations—and get them back on their feet.
Leave a positive review
Even before 2020 hit, most local businesses relied on word-of-mouth to boost their sales. One positive review on Yelp or Google can make a huge difference for a mom-and-pop shop.
When you can, leave a note or a 5-star review for a local business. It takes a little extra effort on your part, but it goes a long way.
Mention them on social media
Speaking of word of mouth, we all know that most communication actually happens online. Sharing on social media is a low-effort way to boost awareness for local businesses.
Take a picture of your delicious lunch and tag the restaurant on Instagram. Tweet your local bookstore for a quarantine read recommendation. Or share that cute Facebook memory and tag the boutique that sold you that pair of shoes.
Report them as open
You know that excitement you felt when your favorite cafe recently reopened? Other patrons deserve that same joyous feeling!
With everything going on, business owners may not have time to update their online listings. Help them out by reporting them as open on Google. All you have to do is search the business on Google, click the link that says, “Temporarily Closed,” select “Suggest an edit” and mark the business as open. This lets other people in the area know that they can start shopping again, as well.
Start a community campaign
If you have a tight-knit community who are also looking to support local businesses, join forces and organize a campaign. Take a look at your budget and see where you might have some wiggle room to support some of your favorite local entrepreneurs.
You can all commit together to shop local for a week or challenge each other to post about your favorite places. Anything that raises awareness could result in increased business.
Shop safely
Finally, one of the best ways you can support local businesses is by keeping you and your community safe. Wear a mask if you can, social distance when possible, practice good personal hygiene and stay home if you're not feeling well. Remember, we're all in this together!
Are you a small business owner?
We know that you’re facing some unusual challenges, and we want you to know that Mountain America is here to help. We offer a variety of small business loans. Learn more about our different small business loan options to determine what would work best for you and set an appointment with an expert today for personalized guidance and support.
