Whenever I’m on the lookout for a product or service, I always try to use a small business. Why? Well, here are five really good reasons why you should choose a small business over the grand marketing of national companies.
If you run a small business, then you should give some thought to these reasons and ensure you emphasise them when you market your business.
1. You Can Haggle on Price
Ever tried to go into your local Tesco and try to haggle over the price of something? Trust me, you’ll get short shrift and probably be asked to leave. However, if you go to your local independent retailer and want to buy a TV or some other such item, the chances are you’ll be able to haggle a deal. They want your business and know that it’s better to have a happy customer, and make probably 35% margin on a product as opposed to no sale at all, plus they know you’ll probably come back.
2. Deal With the Organ Grinder
How many times have you dealt with a big company and when trying to resolve an issue, been told, “It’s against company policy”? That’s just a get-out clause for businesses who don’t want to listen to you. With a small business, there generally is no “company policy”. You are usually dealing with the business owner so if a decision needs to be made, it can be made without referring back through a tedious line of managers.
3. It’s Reciprocal
If you own a small business yourself, you’re far more likely to get some business back if you use another local trader. If I use a company locally, I always let them know what business I’m in and give them a card. It may be that they appreciate my business and will feel slightly obligated to use my services or possibly recommend it to others.
4. Genuine Service
When you go to a national retailer, the chances are that the person serving you is not particularly well-paid and probably doesn’t care too much about your custom. You’re just one of hundreds of customers they see every day. Local businesses will almost certainly have more time to deal with you and because they genuinely value your custom, they tend to go the extra mile to impress. Most of them are in the business because they have a real passion for it and consequently, their professional pride matters.
5. Keeping Small Business Alive
Probably the most important reason for using local, independent businesses is that if you don’t, they won’t be around much longer. With the national companies squeezing prices in almost every sector, we’ll soon end up in a situation where there will be no other choice other than to use their services. Remember, the cheapest isn’t always the best value.
If you’d like more advice on running a small business and harnessing the power of internet marketing, give us a call on 01252 416 222 or contact us.