Support Small Businesses – GO LOCAL!

Although Malaysia has entered the endemic phase, it is still hard for businesses especially small businesses to operate as usual after hitting the bottom-line during the 2 years of lockdown. Some even had to close down permanently due to major losses such as G Tower Hotel Kuala Lumpur, most bubble tea shops in SS15 and also Little Rimba, a famous café at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. COVID-19 does not only affect the business but has caused many to lose their job.

 

On a brighter note, we can see a lot of people have started their own business whether it’s online or physical, to earn money. They received good responses from consumers and caused these businesses to go viral on the Internet.

 

Do you want to know why and how we can show our support to these small and local businesses? Read further to find out!

 

 

Strengthen Local Economy

Are you aware that when small and local businesses succeed, it will also benefit the community and local economy? This is because these businesses would eventually give back to the community in so many ways such as donating, financially supporting other independent groups or purchasing from other local suppliers to ensure that they can help each other out.

 

 

A good local brand example is The Hive, which is a zero-waste store that sells organic food in bulk. The Hive does not only save the environment but they also buy their food products from local farms such as rice, nuts, beans, dried fruits and tea. Not only that, they also work closely with local businesses to sell natural soaps, metal drink inhalers and other lifestyle items.

 

 

Another local brand that gives back to the community is Fugeelah. They aim to financially support a Fugee School by committing a percentage of profits which can help to run the non-profit education hub. It is a jewelry brand that educates, employs and empowers refugee children and youth. Hence, purchasing from this brand shows that we are supporting their objective.

 

If you are not able to buy from these brands, the best you can do is by promoting them on your social media! By doing so, you can raise brand awareness and they receive free marketing since social media plays a vital role in business now.

 

 

Create More Jobs Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, many lost their jobs due to the pandemic but the local and small businesses have created more job opportunities. It will significantly benefit the country’s economy in increasing the Gross Domestic Product as well. These available positions could be filled by your friends, family or even yourself!

 

 

An easy situation to picture this is when we see people lining up at local cafes which is good. But to maintain a good reputation, the café will need to hire more staff such as a barista, service crew and kitchen crew. This can help to avoid busyness and reduce the waiting time. Not to mention, these businesses have given opportunities for the riders too like Grab, Foodpanda and Lalamove as they receive more orders. 

 

Good Quality Product

Some big corporations are all about the money and making profits but provide lower quality products. Unlike local and small businesses, they place great emphasis on the quality of their product making sure they only deliver the best to consumers. Local products are normally made by hand or in small quantities which results in a good quality compared to mass-produced products. What is more interesting and special about supporting local products is that you know what you’re buying, where it came from and even who made it. How? From the transparency provided by the brand.

 

 

Let’s take a look at Sambal Nyet Berapi by Khairul Aming. If you still don’t know who is Khairul Aming, you can check out his Instagram! He is famous for his cooking video content. He launched his own Sambal Nyet early last year and it always sold out within 5 minutes! How crazy is that? But that is all because of the good quality of the Sambal Nyet.

 

He also mentioned to the consumers the process of producing the Sambal Nyet and his journey as a new entrepreneur on his social media account. He produced a limited quantity every time he restocked to ensure the quality was maintained and the taste was the same.

 

Besides, since everyone knows that Khairul Aming is popular with his cooking recipes, consumers automatically know that his Sambal Nyet is going to be delicious and worth the money. From here, he already has the branding. 

 

 

Reduce Impact on Environment

One thing for sure when you shop from local and small businesses is their tendency to use local suppliers and collaborate with other local businesses, requiring less transportation and outsourcing. They typically use less area for their shops, are located closer to residents, and produce less traffic and air pollution. All of this results in less congestion, less habitat loss, and a lower environmental impact.

 

Apart from that, shopping locally has helped the environment too. Let’s take a look at a scenario when you want to go to a grocery store. It is better if you purchase goods produced by your local community as it does not involve large carbon footprints through overseas plan travel or long truck trips.

 

Where can you shop for local groceries? Visit Qra! They sell locally grown fruits and vegetables. Not only that, Qra also practices zero waste as they encourage consumers to bring their own shopping bags, go paperless billing and more. You can check out their Instagram account.

 

Do Your Part to Support Them!

Now that you know why supporting local and small businesses are important, you should start making a move. If not you, then who else?

 

Here’s how:

1. Engage with their social media

•   Share their post on your Instagram Story
•  Tag them when you buy/use their products

2. Refer to your friends and family

• Let them try the products so they can see how good it is and make a purchase

3. Leave good reviews

• Make sure to visit their social media or website and give your reviews so others could refer to it too

4. Support them at least once a week

• We understand that you might face some financial difficulties as well so we would suggest for you to show your support at least one brand for one week

5. Order online

• Check to see if they offer delivery too as this could help the riders earn more money

 

However, as much as the community is doing their best to support, these local and small businesses also should make an effort in order to grow. Brand recognition is important because consumers are able to remember about the brand just by thinking of the product category that they offer. Wonder how to raise awareness and recognition? Pay attention to your brand logo, slogan, packaging and other visual features. If you can create a strong brand recognition, it will be easier for you to do your business.

 

Additionally, you can make the most of influencer marketing. Like it or not, influencer marketing is a must in order to operate a business in today’s world. This also means that you need to use social media for your brand. Talk to us to find out how!

 

 

Conclusion

When it comes to supporting small and local businesses, remember that by helping the community also means helping yourself. These businesses are here to help, whether it’s to help the economy now or to build a better world for future generations. Now, you already know why you should shop and how to support these businesses, let’s begin by doing your part to help each other out and the economy as well.

Follow us on Instagram (@tinkersociety) for knowing any local small businesses that you can support too!