Over the years Walmart and Amazon have been the go to places for budget conscience consumers. Many people complain about these giants but day after day they still shop there. The sad truth is these super stores don't save you more in the long run than your local mom and pop general stores do. Sure the big chains have big sales and can offer lower prices on some items but what are you really getting. They boast you will save money and live a better life but we know that is hog wash.
You are buying into the hype of big corporate greed that pays their employee crap wages and no benefits. Most of the associates that work at these stores are young kids or older retired people who could care less about you. The only reason they are there is to earn a crummy pay check that won't pay the bills anyways. Their attitude is if you don't like it pull out your cell phone and call someone who cares.
Amazon associates don't deal with customers face to face but I talked with some who worked in their warehouses and they feel the same way as Walmart associates. They are just there to collect a paycheck and don't give a crap about you as a customer. These big companies do have customer service reps who smooz the customer and make them feel important but it is their job to do so. Deep down inside most of these big companies have no respect for you the customer, and you wont save money anyways, it's just a money game to them.
Now enter the small business owner from downtown USA. They are the ones who are your neighbors and friends in your local community. Their taxes help pay for the roads and all the maintenance in your beautiful town. Why in the world would you want to spend your money at a big box store and send all your money to some big corporation in another city.
You can save money at these local shops just like the big box stores and they do have something the big chains will never have, personal customer service. They are the owner and will go to great lengths to make sure everything is right for you. Many of these local stores have higher quality products that you would never find at a big box store anyways.
I did notice a lot of more made in America products popping up in stores across the country. Even the big box store are getting in on the made in America scene but it is just a front to make you think they care. The local shop owners are the ones who make these products. They also frequent your stores and buy your products. They have the items you need in return, all you have to do is visit them to save money instead of the big box stores. It may be a little harder to find them in the shuffle of online searches but they are there.
One real great benefit to frequenting your local business is it creates other local businesses and builds commerce. Your local shop starts advertising online and is now getting found .Let's say you started visiting your local cabinet shop because he has great cabinets and because he is selling more he can lower his prices and you save money. Now he gets busy and the local saw mill needs to crank out more wood to keep him supplied. Now the local hardware store needs to keep more hardware in stock to supply him. It creates a chain reaction and builds small business. See how easy it is to shop at your local business and build your community.
There are companies that specialize in online marketing for small to medium size companies who want you to get your share of the market. Social media and content management are important in building your small business today. These online marketing companies save you time and money, make you money and build your online presence. Yes now your business can run, bark and bite with the big dogs. No need to be worried about competing with these big players, they should be afraid of you once you get armed with marketing mace.
Contact an online marketing specialist today and get your business found. There are a lot of little things you can do as a small business owner to rise above the big box stores. If you know a small business owner who needs more exposure share this blog with them.
Thanks for reading
Mark Whitney
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