5 Reasons To Use Independent Shops

With all the glossy TV adverts, catchy slogans and slick marketing, it's easy to think that the supermarkets and chains are always the best option.

However independent businesses really have a lot to offer that the chains just can't come close to. Here's 5 top reasons we think independent businesses wipe the floor with chains:

1) True Personal Service

The service you get from a good independent business just can't be matched by a large chain with thousands of staff. From recognising your voice on the phone to going that extra mile to find that product you are really after. It seems totally logically to small businesses that if we hunt out a product for you, you will probably buy it - we get the business, and you get the product easily - win win.

2) Variety of Products

This one might be a surprise, but you will often find that independent shops give you more variety to pick from. Whether you are looking for a quirky dog collar, a personalized pet Tag, or the free fitting service for a Dog Harness or Coat; independents will not disappoint. Small shops don't need to sell a hundred of a product to make it worthwhile, we can sell one of particular cat bed and then get a different pattern while still offering value for money.

3) Price

We can all do offers, and marketing these is what large chains do best. There will no doubt be times, when one of our large competitors sells a bag of dog food slightly cheaper than us - but it's by no means a given. There are countless times that small businesses beat the chain stores and the online Amazourus, especially when looking at a whole shop, including their higher margin profits on the likes of treats.

4) Flexibility

Do you need something slightly different? Possibly delivering a particular coloured item out of a pack? Could you take a picture of the exact product? Small businesses will be all over it for you - being flexible is what we do. If it can be physically done an independent business will usually get it done for you, without telling you some policy stops them.

5) When Things Go Wrong

We are all human, things do go wrong, and how it is handled can be the difference between it being a stressful experience or a pleasant one. How many times have you been frustrated by a large companies procedure that just doesn't make sense when trying to sort a problem? Independents also often have someone you can easily talk to about any issues so they can be resolved speedily. 

It's the type of thing you don't think about until it goes wrong, but with an independent business it doesn't take long before someone senior like the owner or director can get involved.

Overall shopping at an independent can be such a refreshing experience, that doesn't cost anymore & that also supports your local economy & local families, schools & facilities.  

Happy Shopping is Local Shopping :)