9 ways to support traditional commerce

Small businesses, local shops, family businesses, represent many things. They represent something fundamental to the functioning of the economy, certainly, as well as the honest work of ordinary people. They represent a sense of community and relationships between people. They make it possible to acquire unique items and even eat better. As we navigate the complexities of globalization, in short, it is important not to forget our neighbors. Meanwhile, these small traditional businesses are today extremely vulnerable, and many people are looking for ways to support them.

As we will also see, supporting traditional commerce does not have to mean giving up the advantages of buying online. Digital commerce and parcel shipping are, on the contrary, part of the routine of many small shops and can be as important for them as for any large multinational.

These are nine simple ways to help traditional commerce.

1. Get to know local businesses

A very logical first step is simply to get to know the shops in your area. Remember that not all of them will be well signposted, visible, or located in places with frequent foot traffic. A simple Google search can introduce you to points of interest previously unsuspected in your neighborhood.

2. Discover local shops you like

As irresistible as the prices of an online shop like Vinted may be, or as much as you prefer the hypermarket you already know for your weekly shopping, it is worth remembering that traditional commerce does not have to be adopted as a whole. You only need to discover a small family business near you that you like. A good example is to explore local crafts and art, which represent unknown artists and distinctive, unique pieces.

3. Gift cards for local shops

Gift cards, for example as birthday or Christmas presents, benefit a shop not only directly, through the purchase itself, but also by introducing it to someone else.

4. Environmental responsibility

A more sustainability-conscious behavior is closely associated with more traditional forms of production and trade. The simple fact that transport takes place over a shorter distance ensures that this is so.sustainability is closely associated with more traditional forms of production and trade. The simple fact that transport is carried out over a shorter distance ensures that this is the case.

Choosing greener products and developing more sustainable habits is benefiting local commerce.

5. Social media

Many people are a little fed up with the constant requests, found just about everywhere, to “follow” or “share” on social media, but the reality is that this is an inescapable facet of the modern world. Social media are one of the main references for consumers, and a “like” is a gesture that can cost very little and help a business in an important way. The same applies to using a “tag” to mention the shop in a photo or subscribing to a newsletter.

And all this reminds us: don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on social media!

6. Leave a comment or review online

Customer ratings and online reviews are absolutely crucial for businesses today, and there is little you can do that is more meaningful to show your appreciation for a shop than, for example, leaving a generous comment on a reviews site.

7. Recommend to family and friends

Of course, the previous point does not rule out good old-fashioned word of mouth: a personal recommendation has special weight. And being part of a broader group of relationships that shop at the same store can even have several advantages, both for the customer and for the shop.

8. Get to know local producers

Shopping from small farmers is not only a way to support your local community but also gives you access to fresher, tastier products, is better for the environment, and better for your nutrition.

9. Use the InPost shipping service

The InPost service represents a way to send and receive parcels designed for the demands of the modern world, allowing you to combine the comfort and flexibility of shopping from home with the attractions of traditional markets.

Shipping to a non-home address means that you will not be neglecting the environment, since this delivery method corresponds to a significantly lower level of carbon emissions than conventional deliveries, in addition to the advantages in terms of price, speed and efficiency. Additionally, our pickup point network works through collaboration with street shops and local commerce establishments, where the points are located, so these shops also benefit.

Visit our page to find out more about us and experience for yourself the advantages of the InPost service the next time you need to send or receive a packa