How to Work With Small Businesses (and Why You Should)
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Have you ever been at someone’s house and noticed something you absolutely loved? Maybe it was a piece of art, a candle, a piece of furniture, a cute sweater, or even the food they served. Or maybe you found a small business on Instagram and thought 'I love their stuff!' (I do this all the time.)
Then comes the next question. How do I actually buy from them? Where do I find their website? Do they take custom orders? How do I even reach out? I think a lot of people want to support small businesses but aren't always sure how to get started.
To make it easy, here's a very simple guide to get you started.
1. Ask Where They Got It
This is probably the easiest place to start. If you see something you love at a friend’s house, ask them where they got it.
You might be surprised how often the answer is 'It’s from a small business I found on Instagram.'
2. Follow Them on Social Media
Once you find a small business you like, follow them. You don't have to buy something right away. Spend some time getting to know what they do. See what they make. Watch their process. See what they’re working on.You might find something you love a few weeks or months later.
Here's a little secret from someone who runs a small business. Your likes, comments, shares and saves really do matter. There's not a giant marketing team behind most small businesses. The person posting the content might also be the person making the product, answering your DMs, updating the website and packing your order. So that little comment or share? It helps more than you probably realize.
3. Just Send the Message
This is the biggest one. Don't be afraid to reach out. See something you like but don't see a price? Ask. Wondering if they make something in another size? Ask. Love something that's already sold? Ask if they have anything similar coming up. Interested in a custom piece? Ask about it.
You don't need to write a formal email. You can literally say: 'Hi! I saw your work at my friend’s house and loved it. I’d love to learn more about working with you.'
That's it. You've started a conversation. (And made a small business owner's day:)
4. Give Them Some Details
If you're looking for something custom, the more information you can give the business owner, the better. For example, if you're looking for artwork, send a photo of the space. Tell them approximately what size you're looking for. Share colors you love. Tell them if there are colors you absolutely don't want. Give them a general budget. Tell them if you have a deadline.
You don't have to know exactly what you want or have everything figured out. That's part of why you're reaching out in the first place. Let the small business owner help you figure it out.
5. Talk About Your Budget
This one can feel awkward, but it doesn't have to be. If you know your budget, say so.
For example: 'I am hoping to stay around $300–$400. Is there something you offer in that range?'
It's completely okay if you don't know your budget yet. Sometimes you see something you love and have absolutely no idea what something like that costs. That's normal!
You can simply ask: 'I love this! Could you give me a general idea of pricing for something similar?'
Don't feel like you need to know exactly what you want or exactly what you want to spend before reaching out. That's what the conversation is for. A good small business owner should be happy to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
You Don't Always Have to Buy Something
Supporting small businesses isn't always about spending money. Maybe you're not ready to buy today. That's okay. Maybe six months from now you'll see something you can't stop thinking about. And now you know exactly where to find it.
In the meantime, small business owners will always appreciate support by following on social media, liking their posts, leaving comments, sharing their work, save something you love, recommend them to a friend, or leave them a nice review. This support means more than you know!
The Next Time You See Something You Love…
Don't just wonder where it came from. Ask!
Find the business. Follow them. Send the message. Ask the questions. Start the conversation.You don't have to know exactly what you want. You don't have to know your budget. And you definitely don't have to buy today. You just have to be intentional enough to reach out.
Behind that painting, that piece of jewelry, that handmade candle, that beautiful photo, or that custom piece is a real person who took a chance on their idea and decided to build something of their own. And when you choose to support a small business, you're not just buying something you love. You're helping someone keep doing what they love. That's pretty powerful.