Buying Local. Thoughts.
Now, now, you have probably seen an “influencer” utter on their account “I only buy local”, or “I support local small businesses”. Well, I have definitely seen these types of statements, and they are not bad per se, “your money, your choice”, after all, but here is how I reason on this subject matter.
First up, just because you buy “local” does not make you a better person than anyone else, so if you are doing that just to appear good in the eyes of others, well – well done you. But some of you actually have sustainability issues at the forefront of your decision, and not just narcissism, so that gives me hope. It is like giving money to charity and announcing it to the whole world “oh look, I am such a great person!”. PS: you probably are not.
Anyway, basically, my argument is made from the perspective of business. There are two main strategies in business that companies can adopt: a) low cost; and b) differentiation (i.e. offering a unique product or service). And depending on where the company falls in their strategy (or presumed strategy), so will my answer differ to whether I buy local or not. You see, some people open businesses without actually having a slightest idea of what a business actually is or what rules apply. Should we support such people? Well, ultimately, like everything, that is up to you, but should we really have pity on them if their business fails in such circumstances? Probably not. You see, it was THEIR decision to open a business. THEY thought they can make money, and THEY failed. Nothing really to do with you. Some businesses are simply not meant to survive because… well, competition.
There are local small businesses I will never support. In particular, those that buy someone else´s product (that is readily available) and just put their mark up on it and call it a “business”. Sorry if customers don´t support you if you are just basically overcharging. And yes, I will, in such a case, opt for the lower cost option (total cost, I must say, so I will take into account shipping, convenience etc). You have to stay competitive, and if you do not, your loss. Customers are generally not dumb.
However, if you are selling a unique or superior product – that is a different story. Then you are really the boss on how much to charge, taking into account the uniqueness of the product and whether other similar products exist. Then, after some thought, I will probably buy from you if I actually need/want that product.
But have you actually thought what “local” actually means? Like, local as in the same city, or the same county, or the same country? Or can I buy an EU made product and say I buy “local”? Well, it really depends on YOUR definition and perception of what “local” is – so kind of makes the whole statement ambiguous really.
Oh well, I just wanted to write my thoughts on this matter, as I have seen some people being almost shamed for not buying local. Yes, we have to consider the environment, absolutely, but don´t you dare someone shame you for not buying local.