Yes, even you can. How to support favorite SMEs as a consumer!

In recent years, Maldives has seen more local investments in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owing to the increase of opportunities to engage in such businesses. SMEs bring a great deal of innovation to any field. They are usually in more direct contact with consumers and the general population. Consequently, they are more attuned to provide personalized customer experiences and have a clear understanding of which products and services would best serve the common good. 

Photo: Cranberry handmade luxury

Because of this direct connection to the community, customer loyalty tends to be much stronger. This was clearly proven this year and is still being continued to do so amidst this pandemic. At the time of an economic downturn all over the world, most consumers are making continuous efforts to support their small and medium favorites more than larger companies.

This article, however, is for people who have absolutely no idea where to start putting an effort to support their local favorite SMEs. It is actually much easier than you would have thought, so let us get right into it! Here are six simple ways you can help SMEs as a consumer.

Photo: Mysa mv

1. Social media shoutouts are free, give them generously
Help bolster a business’s social media presence by ‘liking’ their pages or accounts on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Write positive reviews, post photos generously of purchases, and don’t forget to tag the businesses. Also, share, share, share and keep sharing their posts.

2. Put on your mask & go to the source
There are times you need delivery, yes. But when it is not so crucial, pick-up your orders, especially, food. Rather than using a delivery app, as for pick-ups as they charge the merchants who uses the applications.

3.  Accept the rack price
Pampering yourself with a discount is lovely, but perhaps in midst of a global pandemic is not the time. If you can afford it, pay full price.

Photo: Naya Taste mv

4. Offer your skills, for free
Business owners needs legal, accounting, marketing and insurance etc help. Often they do not have the budget to hire professionals, thus do the necessary work themselves. If any of their needs are within your expertise, why not do some charity work?

5. Buy, buy, buy and keep buying gift cards
Purchasing gift cards is a great idea for businesses that you are going to use anyway, it gives businesses some cash to support employees and reassures them that they will still have customers.

6. The ultimate gift of kindness
Business owners are under enormous, sometimes existential, pressure right now, so share emotional support when you can. Ask them how they are holding up and inquire about family, employees and how business is going. Make a joke. Give them a reason to laugh. 

Cover: Zeina Shareef