Buying products from online websites definitely has its place. In fact, at Branru Farm we ship to customers in many different U.S. states. Online shopping is a great way to find exactly what you need and have it delivered straight to your door. That said, there are also a lot of advantages when you buy local products. Today, we want to share some of those advantages with you.

Buying Local Products May Help You Protect the Environment

One of the benefits of buying local products for the environment is you eliminate shipping needs entirely.

Therefore, fuel resources are not wasted. Also, shipped products need specific types of packaging that are not necessary when you buy those same products from local businesses or at local venues, such as a farmer’s markets. Saving on that packaging helps to save the environment.

Buying Locally Ensures You Get What You Pay for Instantly

Instant gratification is a great reason to buy goods like lotions, soaps, and candles

locally. It's nice when you can inspect the goods in person to see how they look, feel, or smell. Also, you can make sure they make it to your home in good condition when you buy them in person. Sometimes, goods purchased online from certain companies can get lost or damaged during the shipping process. That can lead to time wasted waiting for replacements.

You Can Use Buying Local Products to Get to Know Your Neighbors

Many of our local customers are also our neighbors. When they buy soaps or lotions from us, they know they are getting products from trusted people in their community. They know we love our goats and love what we do, too! When you get to know and support your neighbors and their businesses, you can often:

• Get to Know Their Moralities and Value Systems
• Be the First to Learn About Sales or Events
• Get Local Discounts
• Form Long-Lasting Friendships or Mutually-Beneficial Relationships
• Make Businesses Connections and/or Trade Goods and Services

You Can Buy Local Products to Help the Economy and Maintain Local Culture

One of the best reasons to buy local is to maintain the economies and the cultures of small town America.

Throughout the United States, not to mention the rest of the world, there are many small communities. Each one has its own personality, much like each of the people residing in it. Often, those communities have locally famous events and annual festivals. Here in Tucumcari, New Mexico we have many different events that take place each year. Those events and the people who live here make the area unique and fun.

You Know Where and How Products Are Made When You Buy Locally

When you know the regions in which they are produced, how they are made, or even the people who produce them, you can feel more secure about your purchases. You can actually verify that products don't contain harsh chemicals or additives. Locally grown or raised ingredients are also nice and fresh. You can often enjoy better quality of goods when you buy those goods locally.

 

You Can Support Those Who Support the Community by Buying Local Products

Often, local business owners contribute to their communities in many unseen or unacknowledged ways. That support is invaluable and needs to be nurtured whenever possible. For example, it is common for small town business owners to:

• Organize or Participate in Community Events
• Support Local Charities
• Employ Local Residents
• Provide a Sense of Community and Creativity
• Uplift the Local Economy
• Participate in Town Improvement Projects

You May Save Money When You Buy Locally

A final reason many people opt to buy local products is to save money. Some business owners provide incentives or perks for local customers. Even when those perks don't exist, local products are often cheaper than similar products made outside the area. That is partially because economic standards and pricing vary throughout the U.S. and abroad. It is also because shipped items often come with high shipping and handling costs. Another reason buying locally may save you money is it is often easier to stock up on local products. Bulk buying is far simpler when you can just load goods in your car and drive down the street to your house.

Should I Buy Local?

You may still wonder “Should I buy local?” The answer often depends on the products and your situation. If you want a wide array of choices, buying online is often a good idea. It is also great if you want to shop without leaving your home. However, if you are the type of person who wants to see, smell, or hold everything you buy, local small businesses are great sources of goods and services. Here at Branru Farm, we strive to be both a great local business/neighbor and an excellent source of products for our online customers.