What does it mean to be a “small shop”, how do I know if I “qualify”?

Being a "small shop" in the context of Shop Small Gift Guides doesn't necessarily refer to the level of success or revenue your business has achieved. We understand that small shops come in various sizes and stages of growth. At Shop Small Gift Guides, our definition of a "small shop" is more about the spirit and ethos of your business:

What Does It Mean to Be a "Small Shop"?

A "small shop" in our view is characterized by qualities such as:

• Independence: Small shops are typically independently owned and operated, often by individuals, families, or a small team of dedicated entrepreneurs.

• Craftsmanship: They often prioritize craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the creation of unique, handcrafted, or specially curated products.

• Community Engagement: Small shops often have a strong connection to their local or online communities and may focus on building meaningful relationships with customers.

• Passion: Owners of small shops are deeply passionate about what they do, pouring their hearts and souls into their products or services.

• Personal Touch: Small shops often provide a personal touch to customer interactions, offering tailored recommendations and exceptional customer service.

Inclusivity Regardless of Size:

At Shop Small Gift Guides, we celebrate the diversity of small shops, and we welcome businesses of all sizes and success levels to be a part of our community. Whether you're just starting out, have been in business for a while, or have achieved significant success, if your business embodies the spirit of craftsmanship, independence, and passion, we invite you to join us.

Our goal is to provide a platform where unique and heartfelt products from a variety of small shops can shine and connect with like-minded shoppers who appreciate the stories and craftsmanship behind every offering. There is no limit on the size or scale of your business; what matters most is your dedication to your craft and your commitment to offering exceptional products or services.

We believe that every small shop has a story to tell and treasures to share, and we're here to help you share your story and connect with an audience that values what you do. Join us at Shop Small Gift Guides and let your business flourish within our supportive and passionate community.

Why is there a cost involved, can’t I just find gift guides on my own?

Absolutely, you can certainly find gift guides and promotional opportunities for your small shop on your own. However, there are several important reasons why investing in a feature with Shop Small Gift Guides may be beneficial:

1. Increased Visibility: Shop Small Gift Guides offers a dedicated platform with an engaged audience of shoppers who actively seek unique and heartfelt gift ideas. By featuring your product with us, you gain exposure to our community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of small businesses.

2. Expert Curation: Our team carefully curates and selects products to ensure that each featured item aligns with our mission and resonates with our audience. This curation process helps your product stand out in a cluttered marketplace.

3. Targeted Audience: Our readers come to Shop Small Gift Guides specifically to discover and support small businesses. This means your product is being showcased to an audience that's already interested in shopping small.

4. Time and Effort Savings: While you can certainly reach out to various media outlets and bloggers on your own, it can be time-consuming and challenging to secure features. We streamline this process for you, helping you reach potential customers more efficiently.

5. Marketing Support: When you feature your product with us, we actively promote it on our website, social media platforms, newsletters, and more, giving your product a broader reach.

6. Networking Opportunities: By joining Shop Small Gift Guides, you become part of a community of small business owners who share similar values and goals. This community can provide support, networking opportunities, and collaboration possibilities.

7. Friday Giveaways: Our unique Friday giveaways provide an additional chance for your shop to attract new customers. One lucky follower each week gets the opportunity to spend $100 at any featured shop, including yours.

While there is a cost involved in featuring your product with us, it's important to consider it an investment in your business's visibility and growth. We are committed to providing you with a platform that celebrates small businesses and helps you connect with shoppers who appreciate the dedication and passion behind your products.

Do the featured items have to be handmade?

No, the products featured on Shop Small Gift Guides do not have to be exclusively handmade. While we certainly appreciate and celebrate handmade craftsmanship, our platform is open to a variety of unique and exceptional products that embody the spirit of small businesses.

We believe that small businesses come in many forms, and they may offer a range of products, including:

• Handcrafted Items: These are products that are made by hand, showcasing the artisan's skills and creativity.

• Curated Selections: Some small businesses curate and offer carefully selected products from various sources, providing a unique and thoughtful shopping experience.

• Boutique Goods: Small boutiques may carry products from niche or independent brands, adding a touch of exclusivity to their offerings.

• Artisanal or Gourmet Food: Many small food businesses specialize in artisanal, gourmet, or locally sourced food products.

• Unique Designs: Some small businesses focus on creating unique and innovative designs, which may include fashion, home decor, and tech products.

• Vintage or Antiques: Vintage shops and antique stores often feature one-of-a-kind treasures from the past.

At Shop Small Gift Guides, our primary criteria are that the products align with our mission of celebrating small businesses and offering unique, heartfelt, and exceptional items. We are dedicated to showcasing the creativity, passion, and stories behind each product, regardless of whether it's handmade or not.

If your small shop embodies the values of craftsmanship, independence, and a commitment to providing exceptional products or services, we welcome you to be a part of our community and feature your offerings on our platform.

How do I find out what gift guides are coming up and secure my spot?

To stay informed about upcoming gift guides, giveaways, and product roundup opportunities at Shop Small Gift Guides, simply submit your email address here.

You will instantly receive an email granting you access to the latest information on our upcoming features and promotional opportunities. Don't miss out on the chance to showcase your small shop and connect with our community of enthusiastic shoppers!

Are there refunds?

We understand that circumstances may vary, but at Shop Small Gift Guides, we have a policy of not offering refunds for featured product placements. While refunds are not offered, we are committed to providing excellent service and support throughout your feature period. If you have any concerns or questions about your feature or any other aspect of our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to help you make the most out of your feature and connect with our community of passionate shoppers.

How can I make the most of my gift guide feature?