Consumers support small business

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Good news for small business owners: the number of consumers willing to go out of their way to shop at small businesses, even if it costs more, has increased in the last year, according to survey results released today by The UPS Store.

Small businesses are not only viewed as important and valued by their owners, but also are increasingly valued by their communities for their impact on the economy. The survey indicated that 89 percent of consumers said doing business with small businesses in their communities is important and 90 percent of all respondents agree that small businesses are important to the U.S. economy. America’s small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year, and are responsible for more than 55 percent of all jobs in the U.S.* 

A noteworthy survey finding was that consumers are increasingly willing to spend more and go out of their way to shop at or use the services of a small business. Specifically:
• The number of people who paid more for a product or service in order to support a small business over a large corporation increased by 41 percent from 2013 to 2014.
• The number of people who traveled out of their way to support a small business over a large corporation increased by 36 percent from 2013 to 2014.

Consumers cited better customer service, better quality products and more interesting and unique products as their primary motivators for patronizing a small business versus a larger company.

“We know firsthand that small businesses make a big impact, providing products and services across the country,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “They provide more than half of all new jobs in the U.S., and are a vital part of our neighborhoods. We are honored to support them, and are encouraged to see that consumers agree and are willing to go out of their way to support them as well.”

For full survey results and to learn more about National Small Business Week, visit theupsstore.com.