Shop Local, But Buy Corporate? Let’s Talk About the Local Double Standard

By Chris Austin, President of Ardiah

We’ve all heard it — and probably said it ourselves: “Support local!”
As small business owners, we ask our communities to shop small, eat local, hire local, choose us over the big guys… because we know what that support means. We know the impact.

But let me ask a question that might sting a little…
Are we practicing what we preach?

Because more and more, I walk into local shops, restaurants, and service businesses — and see Square terminals, corporate POS systems, and payroll software packages with support teams halfway across the country. Systems that cost more than they should… with processing rates that benefit the banks… and not a single local business relationship in sight.

I’m not calling anyone out personally. I know why it happens.
You opened a business, time wasn’t your friend, and the easiest thing to do was Google “credit card processing” or “payroll services”… and Square, Toast, QuickBooks Payroll, or your bank popped up. Maybe a rep pitched you in the middle of opening your account. Maybe it was just what everyone else was using. Maybe it was bundled with some “cash back” program that sounded good at the time.

But here’s the reality:
When you choose those corporate systems, you’re not choosing local.
You’re choosing 1-800 numbers, outsourced tech support, and higher costs hidden in convenience.

And while you’re asking the community to choose your business over Amazon or chain restaurants… you didn’t call your neighbor, your fellow entrepreneur, your former classmate, the local person who sponsored your kid’s soccer team… the guy who’s showing up at every business event trying to help people make better decisions — and yeah, that guy might be me.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I’m incredibly grateful. My business is blessed, and we’ve been fortunate to work with amazing clients who do believe in local support. This blog isn’t about frustration… it’s about reflection. I’m not writing this for sympathy or sales. I’m writing it as a reminder that “support local” needs to include everyone — even those of us without a storefront.

Because there’s a whole community of local service providers — consultants, bookkeepers, IT professionals, designers, payroll teams, marketing experts — who show up at the same community events, who shop in your store, who eat in your restaurant, who volunteer at local fundraisers. We’re not always visible from the street, but we’re right here in the neighborhood, just like you. And we rely on relationships too.

Let’s take the POS system example. Square may seem simple. But the hardware? Expensive. The processing fees? Sneaky. The support? Good luck. And none of that investment stays in the community. None of it helps build a stronger local economy. None of it builds relationships.

Or look at payroll. QuickBooks might have a shiny integration, but who’s answering the call when you need help with Maine’s new Paid Family Medical Leave law? Who’s breaking down your quarterly reports? Who’s making sure you don’t miss a compliance deadline? Google can’t do that. Your CPA can’t even call them. But a local payroll provider like Ardiah? We do that every day.

This doesn’t just happen with POS and payroll. It happens with insurance. With merchant services. With bookkeeping. Because we’re all running hard. It’s easier to click a link than to have a conversation. We tell ourselves we’ll circle back and research it later. But we rarely do. And in the meantime, we’ve signed away a piece of our business to a company that doesn’t know us… and doesn’t care about our community.

Here’s what I’m asking — not just as a local business owner, but as someone who genuinely cares about helping others grow:
Take the extra few minutes.
Ask yourself…
“Who in my community offers this?”
“Who shops at my store, eats at my restaurant, hires my services — and would love the opportunity to earn my business too?”

Supporting local isn’t just about buying from your friends — it’s about building an ecosystem of trust, collaboration, and mutual success. It’s about knowing the people behind the services, calling them when you need help, and giving them a seat at your table — just like you ask for one at theirs.

You don’t need to know everything about payments or payroll. That’s our job. You just need to be willing to ask the question… “Can I do this with someone local?” More often than not, the answer is yes. And it might just save you money, time, and stress along the way.

Let’s support each other.
Let’s connect — at business after hours, coffee meetups, networking events.
Let’s stop giving our business away to companies who will never walk through our doors.
And let’s practice what we preach.

Support local. For real.

Chris Austin
President & Owner, Ardiah, and Host of Entrepreneur’s Hour
📞 207-230-4576
🌐 www.ardiah.com

About the Author: Chris Austin is passionate about supporting small businesses and is the President and Owner of Ardiah, a trusted provider of payroll, payment, and point of sale solutions. Chris and his team are dedicated to helping small businesses thrive by delivering tailored solutions and personalized support. If you have a small business support or service need, they would love to help! 207-230-4576 or email: Info@ardiah.com