A recent study shows that U.S. consumers deeply value small businesses – more than half visit or use the services of a small business and more than double cite local commitment over price as their top motivation. Following are further findings with positive trends and tips:
Local businesses are important to consumers:
“Small business drives the American economy. Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economic growth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive and… numbers prove it.”
– Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy
- Over three quarters feel that it is important to visit or use the services of a small business.
- More than half feel commitment to local community drives their decision to visit or work at a small business.
Consumers value personal service:
- Nearly seven out of ten visit a small business more often if they are on a first name basis with the owner.
- Personal service rates as a top incentive for working with a small business.
In-person interaction is preferred:
- Three out of five prefer to interact in-person when visiting a small business.
- Almost one-third like to interact both in-person and online when visiting a small business.
Online presence is key:
- Over two-thirds feel that it is important for a small business to have a website.
- Almost forty percent feel that it is important that a small business is active on social media.
Visits to small businesses continue to grow:
- Nearly seven out of ten will continue to visit a small business the same amount next year.
- More than twenty-five percent will visit a small business a lot/a little more next year.
“Small business drives the American economy. Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economic growth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive and… numbers prove it.”
— Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy
Source: Vistaprint’s Small Business Consumer Shopping Report, reported by Jack Loechner, Media Post-Research Brief; ThoughtCo.