Shopping local and supporting small businesses are smart, sustainable choices that benefit communities, local economies, and conscientious consumers alike. As people become more intentional with their spending, there’s a growing movement to support the businesses that keep our neighborhoods strong.
Whether it’s about finding better customer service, discovering unique products, or simply choosing to invest in your own community, buying from small, independent businesses is a choice that aligns with long-term values.
In this article, we explore the benefits of shopping local and share practical ways to make it a regular part of your purchasing habits.
Supporting small businesses goes far beyond just making a purchase. While shopping with independent retailers is a major part of the equation, there are many other meaningful ways to support small businesses, including:
Choosing local retailers when shopping for everyday items or specialty goods
Leaving positive reviews to boost their visibility and credibility
Following and sharing on social media to help them reach a wider audience
Recommending them to friends, family, or professional networks
Purchasing gift cards for future use or to share with others
Buying from small, family-owned businesses like The Fastener Depot brings a host of real, tangible benefits. Whether you’re a weekend DIY-er or a pro on the job, choosing to shop small is a way to get the products you need, and the kind of service that’s getting harder to find in the age of mega-retailers.
Shopping with small businesses can mean better prices, not just for the sake of your wallet, but because it cuts out the extra steps that drive up costs elsewhere.
No Big-Box Markups: Unlike large retailers, small businesses like The Fastener Depot don’t build pricing around corporate overhead or complex logistics. That means fair pricing without inflated markups.
Streamlined Shipping: Without the red tape of bigger platforms, small businesses often offer simpler, more affordable shipping options. While we’re online-only, we pack every order ourselves, so we can keep costs transparent and reasonable.
Tailored Solutions: Need a large order? Looking for something specific? Reach out, and we’ll work with you to get you exactly what you need, often with options or bundles you won’t find from the big guys.
One of the biggest myths about shopping online is that you lose the personal touch. At The Fastener Depot, we do everything we can to make sure that’s not true.
We’re a family business, not a faceless warehouse. When you’ve got a question or need recommendations for your project, you get answers from real people who know fasteners inside and out, and actually care about getting it right.
Every dollar spent at a small business helps build something bigger. Shopping small keeps money circulating in your local economy and supports independent business owners, not shareholders.
When you order from a small business, there’s no assembly line. Every order at The Fastener Depot is hand-packaged with care and checked for accuracy. We take pride in what we ship because we know it reflects directly on us.
As buying local from small businesses requires some planning and intentionality, it can be daunting to consider starting. However, we’ve laid out a clear step-by-step guide that should help. Here’s what you need to know about ways to support small businesses.
First, you’ll need to compile a list of businesses that provide or manufacture the product or services you need. However, it may be harder for individuals to find manufacturer information, as that information typically targets third-party vendors who purchase the products, rather than individual consumers.
If you’re having a hard time creating a list to work from, we recommend you try the following steps:
Ask Around In Online Communities: Explore local subreddits or Facebook groups where you can post inquiries seeking recommendations for local manufacturers or small businesses. These communities harbor individuals with local knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Search by Product + "Small Business": A quick online search for something like “wood screws small business” or “fasteners family-owned online” can uncover businesses that don’t show up on page one of the big-name marketplaces.
Stick With What You Know: Compile a list of locally-owned brands or manufacturers whose products you already own and trust — continue to buy from them when you can.
Use Local Business Directories: Sites like Yelp, Google Maps, or even your local Chamber of Commerce often spotlight small businesses. You can filter by "locally owned" or "independent" to narrow your options.
With a list of potential options created, you can begin defining your priorities. Create a defined set of comparison criteria, such as product features, service quality, cost, delivery speed, sustainability, or other essential factors.
Here are some of the most common product or service comparison points, including what to look for to evaluate them during your research.
Pricing: Look for competitive pricing, and don’t be afraid to reach out to ask about discounts for larger orders.
Product Or Service Quality: Consider the quality and reliability of their products by delving into customer reviews and testimonials.
Customer Satisfaction: Pay attention to specific praise or concerns related to product durability and overall satisfaction, as these insights can be valuable indicators of what to expect.
Customization & Flexibility: Need something unique or not sure what to buy? Reach out. Small businesses often go the extra mile to tailor their offerings to your project.
Shipping & Delivery Policies: Assess their shipping and delivery terms, including costs and timelines, as these can significantly impact your final decision.
Local Sourcing: Filter your search to regional databases or small business networks.
Sustainability: Prioritize businesses that emphasize eco-friendly practices and inquire about their sourcing methods via email or call.
Once you've chosen the small business you'd like to buy from, placing your order is usually simple. Most independent businesses have online shops that function just like larger retailers: browse products, add to cart, check out, and confirm your shipping details.
Before finalizing your purchase, here are a few quick things to check:
Double-check product details to ensure you're ordering the right size, quantity, or type — especially for specialized items like hardware or tools.
Review shipping options and timelines, which can vary depending on the business’s location and carrier.
Look for notes about custom or made-to-order items, which might require a longer processing time or additional instructions.
If anything is unclear, reach out! Small businesses are usually responsive and happy to help you get exactly what you need.
Once you place your order, keep an eye on your email for confirmation and tracking info.
Starting your shop small journey opens up a world of opportunities for personalized service, quality assurance, and meaningful support for local businesses. As you navigate this landscape, The Fastener Depot stands out as a shining example of the benefits that supporting local businesses can offer.
The Fastener Depot ensures that every purchase you make is a step toward quality and satisfaction. We invite you to explore our products and reach out with any questions.
We’re always happy to help and want to match you to the best fasteners for your project.
Enjoy FREE 2-day shipping when you spend $100 or more. No codes, no hassle – just fast, free delivery on the things you love.
Use code SPRING to save 5% on orders under $50, 10% on orders between $50 and $250, and 15% on orders over $250—shop now and watch your spring savings grow!
