Categories: Experiences and daily life; Human nature; Commerce and business
Word count/read time: 404 words; 1-1/2 minutes
...is gonna be interesting. When the weather outside turns frightful,
activities will inevitably go indoors where covid waits patiently. Or maybe the social distancing
and indoor gathering restrictions will remain. The holidays will endure nevertheless.
People will be more inclined than ever to shop on-line for free (next-day) shipping,
returns, and other beguiling perks.
Mega-corporations will get the bulk of those orders. What hasn't already
crippled the small mom-and-pop businesses will surely deliver another death blow.
Is it too much time and effort to search for something unique - get this irony -
especially when everything's a mouse click away, like that order you just placed?
Choice, good prices, and quality eventually will go away because they have no place
in a monopoly. Consumers have ignored the crux
of consumerism - competition - by supporting the big boys. To put it bluntly: What is pittance
for some fortune 500 company would be the biggest order a small manufacturer may ever see.
Specialty and luxury markets are the first to go
in times of uncertainty. Still, my handmade, eco-friendly precious metal jewelry
starts at under $10! If jewelry doesn't suit your fancy then find another local treasure.
There are other ways to support small businesses.
Leverage the homemade advantage when it matters most. If a machine makes something similar,
it is frequently going to be better. When machines can't make something in a timely or
efficient manner then look to humans. Crafts, jewelry, handiwork, art,
textiles, pottery, knitting, that kind of stuff.
Every person who reads this blog
probably has a friend who is or knows an artist. Go buy something from them.
Plug their name or product in a conversation or posting; that's
free advertising any company would appreciate.
While learning about your gift, you could stumble into a new world
that could shape your hobbies forever. I liken it to TV cable. There
are thousands of channels yet "nothing" is on. Likewise, there are millions of gadgets
but nothing to buy. Consumerism is exhausting.
Typically, craft fairs and shows would be fast and furious right now. Some outdoor venues may
pop up but unless it's an Indian Summer again, those places are shrinking fast. This lockdown is
stressing the whole planet, raging at whatever response the city, state, or country
is taking. Counteract it with the beauty of a local craft that was made with care
and consideration. Reward yourself this holiday season!
Posted by M: November 24, 2020
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