It’s “easy” to lure shoppers to a quaint section of Main Street to do their shopping at the fun boutiques, ice cream parlors selling mouth-watering fudge, and doggie dress-up shops but for organizations pushing shop local it’s important not to forget your other local businesses, the ones that are not quite as sexy.
Shop Local Campaigns Should Represent All Local Businesses
Insurance
Turn on the TV and you’re bound to see an insurance company that advertises “fifteen minutes can save you…” While the insurance companies that underwrite your policy may not be local, the person you buy it from can be. When you’re encouraging people to buy local, don’t forget your local insurance salesman. So many folks are replacing that once friendly face around town with a URL. Remind them that having a local agent means this person has a greater understanding of your needs and that of your community. S/he can provide personalized advice that an electronic Q&A can’t.
Banking
Just like your insurance salesman, a local bank understands the needs of your community. Small businesses rely heavily on funding from local lenders. The largest 20 banks in the country, which control 57% of all bank assets, only loan 18% of their funds to small businesses. If a local bank or credit union closes its doors, a lot of local opportunity goes with it.
Car Mechanics
Coupons make it easy to shop the big names when it comes to car service but building a relationship with your local mechanic is one of the best things you can do to save yourself money in the long run. Many of the big entities have technicians who rotate out of those stores on a regular basis. Your local mechanic has a history in your town. S/he relies on repeat business and will do what it takes to make you satisfied with your service.
What’s your favorite local business? Leave us a comment about it below and tell us why it’s so special to your town.
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