Let’s talk about the joys (read: absolute pain) of trying to run an online business in Tewkesbury — a place where the Wi-Fi signal is sometimes stronger than the local support for independent digital traders. And let me tell you, that’s not saying much.
First off, there’s this lovely little myth floating around — that online businesses are personally responsible for the death of the high street. As if Jeff Bezos is going door-to-door in small market towns like ours with a sledgehammer and a smug grin. Never mind the actual reasons brick-and-mortar shops are struggling: sky-high business rates, soaring rents, energy bills that could boil a kettle just by looking at them, and the fact that footfall has been dropping like a rock since long before we started selling online.
But no, apparently it’s all our fault — those of us trying to make a living online, often out of necessity, not luxury. And heaven forbid you try to advertise your online business locally. Stick a poster up? It gets torn down or scoffed at. Share it in a local Facebook group? Prepare for the virtual pitchforks and the classic line:
“We should be supporting local shops, not online businesses!”
Mate, I am local. I live here. I pay my Council Tax just like everyone else. And guess what? I’d love to open a shop. But unless you know of a place renting for two buttons and a prayer, I’m going to stick to e-commerce until the bank account stops whimpering.
And even if I did want to open a shop? Good luck getting funding. In a time when many businesses — especially in the same niche as us — are shutting down due to ridiculous overheads, most funders are understandably hesitant. Trying to convince anyone to invest in a physical retail space when similar ones are folding left and right is like trying to sell ice to penguins during a snowstorm. Brick-and-mortar dreams don’t come cheap — and without deep pockets or lottery winnings, they’re exactly that: dreams.
And don’t even get me started on the parking situation. Want to pop into town to support a local business? Better have change for the meter — because the councils love a good pay-to-park car park. Nothing says “welcome” quite like a fine for daring to stay five minutes too long while browsing your local options.
Now let’s talk about shipping. Yes, I charge for postage. You know why? Because our wholesaler doesn’t take compliments as payment. And yet some folks round here act like I’ve asked for a kidney and their Nan’s secret recipe just for sending them a beautifully packaged product.
Trying to get sales in Tewkesbury often feels like trying to get blood out of a stone — and then getting told you’re the reason the stone feels pressured. You’d think people had never heard of the concept of value — which is ironic, considering how quick they are to joke about how “tight” Scots are with money. (Charming.) I’ve seen more generosity from vending machines.
Look, I get it — times are tough. They’re tough for everyone. But maybe, just maybe, we could stop swinging the blame stick at small online businesses trying to get by. We’re not Amazon. We’re your neighbours. We’re the ones who might actually say hello to you in the street.
So next time you see a local online business trying to get some attention, give them a share. Maybe even place an order. Yes, even if there’s postage. Because trust me — we’re not the enemy. We’re just trying to survive, same as you, only with a bit more sarcasm and a lot more coffee.
(Which you can buy from us, by the way. Roasted in Cleckheaton. Ethically sourced. Worth every penny. Postage not included — because, again, our wholesaler doesn’t work for free.)
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