My last post highlighted some of the ups and downs and struggles of owning and starting a small business. I hope I didn't come off as overly dramatic. It's really a pretty "adventurous" lifestyle. People always assume that being your own boss is some kind of a yearly vacation. Lots of, "Must be nice". I wouldn't know. My boss is a jerk.
I'd like to talk a little bit about something I eluded to in my last post. I mentioned that you get something "more" when you shop local and shop small. Now, there's the obvious, and oft discussed benefit to the local economy. And that's real. Lots of us business owners work with other local businesses so the money stays close to home and helps other people in the community out. A table I'm building may also benefit my local welding shop, if there's steel involved. It may help out a local lumber yard or saw mill operator. Who might be buying logs from a local tree service. Who may be buying fuel for their trucks and equipment locally and employing friends and neighbors. This is hypothetical in one sense, but also pretty real because I see it everyday in my circle of friends and business.
When you support small business there's also the obvious warm fuzzies you get knowing that your purchase will literally; "put shoes on my kid's feet." It'll put food on my table and may even allow me to take off on Sunday to enjoy some of that food with my kids (with their new shoes on). Really. We appreciate it. And you should know that your purchase matters to us.
Which leads me to my next thought, and really the point. When you shop local and support small business you get something more than just a product. You get me. I know, it must feel like hitting the lottery of bearded furniture makers. I tell my wife all the time how lucky she is. But really, I come with each purchase. You get my blood sweat and tears (only if I'm peeling onions in the shop, I don't cry much) for the time it takes to build your piece. I'm accessible. Just an email or phone call away. I'm building your table on my property, which, you'll likely visit during the process. I can't and won't hide from you after I get paid. If your furniture ever breaks, fails in some way or just needs a little TLC, I'm on it. Because my name's on the underside. My sons may (man I hope not) take over some day. I'm trying to set them up with a reputation for quality. I want your kids to come find my kids when they need a table because the one I built their parents was indestructible. You don't call in to some automated hold number when you contact us. Your product isn't outsourced to some underpaid kids who couldn't care less because they'll never see you and you'll never see them. You're paying more because you're getting more.
Now I know that there are times when you need a quick, cheap product to get you by. I don't hate everyone with Ikea products in their house. Heck, I barely have anything I've built in mine. But there is such a huge difference when you have access to the maker. When they're involved in the process, and their obsession with the product and their field comes in to play, it's evident in the product. Have you ever talked to the guy that roasts your coffee? And he starts going on about the flavors and "notes" and you're just like "I think I got the over ripe fruit "note"? I get excited about that. I don't know anything about roasting coffee, but I drink a lot of it and I know when it's good. I know that the guy who's spent the better part of his life obsessing over "notes" will probably get me some good coffee. I know that when I buy a handsaw from my buddy Mark up in Wisconsin he's going to put years of pouring over manuals, practicing and perfecting tooth setting and sharpening, and a commitment to not only his business, but to himself into the saw. I've bought cheaper saws. Guess what. They cut like cheaper saws.
So, last week the difference was "you". You, supporting and frequenting Mom and Pop shops, small online retailers (if there's no one in your town) and good old American businesses. This week, it's about "me". Myself and the other small business owners (at least the ones I know) would like you to know that with your purchase you get the maker's commitment, passion, knowledge, experience and attention. We don't want you unsatisfied. We want you to come back. And bring all your friends. Not because you feel bad for us but because we made you the best cup of coffee or the best table. Or the best BBQ or the best fitting dress you've ever worn. Because our product was better and so was our service and follow up. Because when your order wasn't right we made it right or probably made it better. We care. Because we are our business.
