If you know me, you will know three things:
1. I am British
This means that Black Friday is the absolute worst for me. Traditionally it is the sale following Thanksgiving in America, which makes absolutely no sense if you don’t even celebrate Thanksgiving. The equivalent for the UK is the Boxing Day sales but I dislike those too. Sales are generally just an opportunity to acquire more stuff usually that you don’t even need. The majority of sales I’ve come across in last few years is just an opportunity to sell off old or hard to shift stock; so are you really getting a bargain?
2. I run a small business
Black Friday puts small/micro businesses like my own under a great deal of pressure as customers now expect deals and offers as it is the norm from the big companies. It’s important to remember that if a small business offers these deals then they are most likely cutting into their usually tight profit margin and putting themselves under extra stress from the increase in orders. Personally, I am not so keen on small businesses offering traditional (eg. percentage off) sales at all as I believe we should be making a living wage from our craft; whatever that may be. I have done them a couple of times in the past but at quiet times when sales were slow. It is worrying if shops are having a sale at the start of peak Christmas shopping season.
My suggestion for small business who want to reward shoppers but can’t afford to offer big deals. Consider a small discount for purchasing multiple items or offering to gift box/ gift wrap over a certain value to encourage higher value orders. It also adds in that human element with a personal touch which is the unique selling point of most small businesses.
3. I’m a minimalist
I like a clear, tidy house which in turn helps me have a clear, tidy mind. The best way I have found is to keep my surroundings clutter free, clearing out useless bits and bobs weekly. I’m not a huge fan of trinkets and prefer to only surround myself with useful or beautiful items. I have a favourite quote by William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” You can download a printable version of this quote to hang in your home or share on social media below.
There is likely to be a tendency to buy more ‘stuff’ if it is deemed to be going cheap or is a flash sale, it is hardwired in us to acquire and stockpile stuff for a ‘rainy day’ but in reality this doesn’t really apply to modern life anymore. I now shop more consciously; asking myself will this item be useful, will it bring me (or the recipient) joy. I respect the small businesses who cannot afford to offer big discounts but will create something with much care. I urge others to buy unique Christmas gifts from a friend’s Etsy shop or a Facebook group, supporting a neighbour in their homemade cakes venture. It is likely those gifts will be much more appreciated and it will mean the world to those small business owners too.
I sell small, affordable but most importantly useful products that make the perfect present to yourself or someone else and for that I am proud. Every item I make is designed, manufactured, quality checked, wrapped and dispatched by me and no one else. You can visit my website www.clarise-crafts.co.uk, I won’t be having a Boxing Day sale but I do have a rewards scheme for loyal customers so make sure you sign up to that.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Black Friday, whether you are a shopper or a small business owner.
If you would like to download this quote to display in your home then I have created this FREE A4 PRINTABLE, you could even print it smaller to fit your frame or feel free to pin the quote to your Pinterest board or share via Instgram, Twitter or Facebook.
FERNBANK STUDIO 