The study from new web-to-print service Avery WePrint has revealed the products and services the British public prefers to purchase from small and independent businesses. Food and drink are high on the list with restaurant meals, fresh produce, takeaway coffee and food-to-go all featuring in the top ten.
Happier purchasing from a small business
Over 80% of Brits reported feelings of happiness or contentment when they purchased from a small business. This figure dropped to just 53% feeling this way after purchasing from a large company or chain. A quarter of Brits said choosing to buy from a small business actually made them feel good about themselves.
Fiona Mills, of Avery WePrint who commissioned the research, commented on what the findings mean for the UK’s small and independent food and drink sector:
“The research shows businesses of all sizes and sectors can learn from one another, what’s important as a business grows is not to lose sight of the values and service levels that were there in the beginning. Customers say they feel valued by small companies and that’s something every business should be trying to emulate.”
Personalised service
The personalised service offered by small and independent businesses was cited as the number one benefit of buying from them, with over 60% of Brits agreeing with this. This was closely followed by good customer service, feeling valued and being able to deal with the same staff. Avery WePrint’s Fiona Mills continued:
“Independent cafes, restaurants and food retailers are often well placed to offer the flexible, friendly service customers are calling out for and that’s something these organisations should be proud of. We want to encourage independent outlets to celebrate their status as a small business, it’s something very special. So if you’re proudly local, independent and passionate about it, make sure you communicate this in everything you do – from window signage and wall displays to takeaway packaging, menus and labelling.”
Top ten products and services Brits prefer to purchase from a small business:
- Haircut
- Restaurant Meal
- Fresh produce e.g. fruit and vegetables
- Takeaway tea and coffee
- Greetings cards, gifts and presents
- Car repairs and services
- Books, newspapers and magazines
- Snacks and food to go
- Jewellery
- Artwork
About Avery WePrint
Avery WePrint is an online service designed to make it easier to use existing brand assets, imagery and logos to create high quality printed business materials.
For more information click here