The Discount Ain’t the Support: Let’s Talk About It.
There’s something about small businesses that makes people forget we pay rent, too.
Because somehow, when a big chain drops a $60 tee, it’s "limited edition" and worth every penny, but when a small biz does it, folks wanna haggle, bargain, and ask for a cousin discount they never earned.
Let’s unpack that.
If You Wouldn’t Do It at Target…
You wouldn't roll up to Target asking the cashier,
“Can I get this for half off if I tag you on Instagram?”
You wouldn't hit up Amazon and say,
“I only have $10, but can I get the $80 version anyway?”
So why do people think it’s okay to undervalue the work of creators who are pouring their time, talent, trauma healing, AND supplies into something from scratch?
Spoiler: It’s not okay. And we’re tired.
Exposure Doesn’t Pay Shopify Fees
“I’ll shout you out!”
“I’m an influencer!”
That’s cute. But are you influencing people to respect small businesses or just sliding into inboxes asking for free with no shame?
If you aren’t supporting the biz financially, that’s fine—but then you shouldn’t be asking for free product. ESPECIALLY if you’ve never commented, shared, saved, or posted us before.
An empty follower isn't support.
What Real Support Looks Like (Without Spending a Dime)
You can still be down for a small biz even if you can’t shop today:
- Share their post on your story
- Comment and boost their engagement
- Send their link to a friend
- Leave a review if you’ve purchased before
THAT is support. That’s currency. That’s community.
Creators Deserve to Eat, Too
Behind every listing is a person who’s stayed up late learning to price, make, ship, and market their own sh*t.
Behind every item is a setup fee, a material cost, a creative block, and a YouTube rabbit hole on how to fix a machine that stopped mid-cut or mid-print.
We’re not greedy; we’re grinding.
We don’t need fans. We need fairness. (code word Croc- message me for details)
Final Word, From One Creator to the World:
Don’t ask me for a discount if you’ve never supported.
Don’t ask for free if you’ve never even shared a post.
And definitely don’t call it “support” if it costs me more than it costs you.
Support creators how you would want to be supported.
Seery-Usly.