DURING the holiday season, we are on the constant lookout for a nice gift for our loved ones, friends, and even officemates. We would check retail shops and see what we can find there.
We can also find unique and wonderful gifts from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in our town or city.
"For those who are going to buy Christmas presents, here is my appeal: Buy gifts from small businesses. The neighbor who sells from the catalogue, women or mother entrepreneurs, artisans, shops in the neighborhood, the baker who makes handmade sweets," Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ameenah Fajardo said.
A post of her quotation have been going viral online lately.
Personally, I love to source my gifts to my family and friends from different MSMEs. I feel happy when I buy gifts from them knowing that I am also helping them somehow with their small business.
Here are five reasons to buy from our MSMEs.
1. Unique products
One thing I love about buying gifts from MSMEs is the uniqueness of their products. I just love the creativity that runs in the minds of many entrepreneurs. The food in particular can be exciting as they combine different flavors that you would not normally think of. Home decors and even clothes each has a unique design to it.
2. Helping small entrepreneurs
Some of these entrepreneurs have established their small business as a sideline to have an additional source of income. Buying an item or two will greatly help them, especially their families. This can also help them improve and expand their product line.
3. Quality products
Many of the items our MSMEs sell are handcrafted to the best of their abilities. They have meticulously chosen the ingredients and materials that they use in their products. Being someone who regularly purchases items from MSMEs, these products are surely made with love thus they are of the best quality.
4. Something new
Giving a hamper of products from MSMEs is a breath of fresh air in a field of many gifts during Christmas. It is always a new experience to the receiver who is about to get a taste and feel of items made by the community they are in. Going through bazaars will have you finding something new to give to someone.
5. Helping the local economy
As a whole, you are actually helping the local economy. Buying items from MSMEs allows them to provide salary for their team who then uses this to purchase items. You are, in a way, helping circulate the money. You are also helping them grow and in turn allowing them to provide more employment opportunities.