As the festive cheer blankets the town, so does the rallying cry to support small businesses. Small Business Saturday, local love campaigns—it's all part of the holiday jingle. But hold on, let's unwrap this tradition and explore the nuances beyond the glittery façade.
1. The Myth of the Happy Dance
Contrary to popular belief, not every sale triggers a spontaneous happy dance in small business realms. Order #56789 may be a cause for celebration, but behind it is meticulous planning and dedication. Let's skip the fairy tales and acknowledge the serious commitment of small business owners.
This magnificent Alice in Wonderland cake doesn't create itself amidst a dance routine.
2. Ballet Classes vs. Billionaire Yachts
Supporting small doesn't mean bankrolling ballet classes exclusively. Dreaming of a yacht? Small business owners have aspirations beyond the cliché. If billionaires can have yachts, why not a hardworking small-biz owner? It's about earned rewards, not limiting dreams.
Big businesses, with their vast employee base, also contribute significantly. So, supporting small isn't a blanket solution; it's a nuanced choice.
3. The Struggling High Street Reality
High streets are in jeopardy, true. Yet, mere individual support won't revive them. Let's delve into long-term solutions beyond Christmas campaigns. Join your local community, engage with events, and, oh, visit your local Patisserie Valerie for a delightful taste of community collaboration.
Christmas band-aids won't heal the deep wounds of high street struggles. Let's be strategic for lasting change.
4. Customer Service Realities
Virgin Media's automated responses may irk, but 24/7 personalized service isn't a small business promise. Resource constraints dictate realistic response times. Human interaction? Yes. Instant gratification? Not always.
5. Support vs. Charity
Small businesses aren't charities seeking benevolence. They thrive on genuine customer relationships. Let's redefine "support" from charity to conscious choice. No virtue signalling, just authentic connections.
Small businesses aren't surviving on charity. They're thriving through valued partnerships. Choose them for quality, value, and an unparalleled experience.
Let this Christmas be about informed choices, genuine support, and a celebration of the diverse tapestry of businesses that make our communities vibrant. Wishing you a season filled with joy, Reshmi xoxo
Josh
March 28, 2022
Truth is. Until the last few weeks I have been a die hard small business supporter. And a fool. I have had entirely too many rude small business employees talk to me in a derogatory way or provide crappy customer service. On top of jacked up prices.
The straw that broke my back one week ago was an employee ridiculing my choice of soap as I suffer from being allergic to many soaps with scents and that includes organic. He rudely mentioned. I guess you will bring that back too for a refund. I replied, Skin allergies are nothing to mock and people every day go into shock or hives from such conditions.
And I have been happy with my pure Glycerin soap for 3 months with no complaints. Then I told him would you prefer me to bring back 15 bars of soap that costs me over $2.20 each and just go to Wall Mart and buy the same thing for half that price?
He stated. I just want you to be happy and whatever works for you. I finished off with the reply what works for me is to show some respect to your long time 7 year customers instead of hurling insults in front of other customers/employees causing me embarassment without provocation on my part.I was pissed the hell off. But kept my cool.
Let’s just say. I finally grew up and decided to do Amazon and Wall Mart and quit supporting small business. I got no problem saving money for other stuff and at least Wall Mart treat me with some dignity.