Want to put your money where your heart is? Locally made products come with a whole lot of benefits – typically higher quality and greater attention to detail being in the top two.
The face behind the product had a dream of starting up on their own, knew in their heart of hearts it was a great product (or service) and believed it could help others. So, they took some risks, took over the dining table, made lots of mistakes, thought about the business day and night – but always kept going. Here are some decent reasons to shop local…
Boosting the local economy: Seventy per cent of all NZ Enterprises are sole traders. That’s a big number. But purchasing locally doesn’t just build an economic future for small businesses, it’s an economic confidence that spills out into other areas in life and the community.
Customer service: Buy locally and you are sure to receive a customer service above the ordinary. Plus, it’s always reassuring to know you can call a local number if somethings amiss or not quite right.
Feel good factor: Knowing that your money lands in the lap of a local business with integrity and passion creates that lovely feel-good factor. You can see the love in the product, the packaging, the personal notes.
Customised goods = meeting consumer needs: More often than not you are talking to the maker directly so selecting a specific colour or changing out something is more likely to happen.
It’s just plain easy: Any serious business has a website and/or Facebook page these days. Buying and communicating is easier than ever before.
Handmade = quality + uniqueness: If you’re in the market for gifts, whether it be birthdays, housewarming, new bubba or Christmas, handmade products offer a uniqueness like no other.
You can see and feel the care that’s been taken in a local product.
Chances are the quality is so so SO much better too. Like your coffee for example – it’s just better made by a barista as opposed to a vending machine.
You get the picture.
Thanks to MakeIt.co.nz for putting this together!