Shop Small has been a cry for supporting small businesses for a long time, and the need has never been greater for us to help our local businesses leading up to and through the holiday season. As we feel the impact of “supply chain” issues, shopping closer to home, especially with those who have local products, can help us all bypass the changes created by delayed delivery. We can all do our part to further support local businesses and we’ll be sharing tips that may seem small, but add up when we all work together.

This month consider using cash when shopping local, especially when your purchase is under $20. Every credit card transaction carries fees that are paid by the merchant. In many cases, there is both a flat per transaction fee and a percentage of the purchase. On a very small purchase (think coffee), these fees can almost offset any profit of what you’ve spent. Simply carrying a small amount of cash can be an appreciated gift to your favorite store owner. And it’s a bonus if you have small change! Instead of a $20 bill, carry a few ones and fives.

If you are making a larger purchase (think furniture), inquire if you can pay by check. This can significantly help a merchant who is sacrificing a percentage of a large sale. These simple acts can make a big impact on our local economy when multiplied.

Check back next month for more small ways to help small businesses, and remember to shop local!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s November 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.