Buying Black - What's Your Success Rate?

[qwlauren35]

In the spirit of Kwanzaa, I wanted to see if we could dialogue about purchasing goods and services in the black community.

Do you make it a priority?
Are you having success with it?
Have you had bad experiences? Did it discourage you?
Do you think it matters?

I am one-foot-in and one-foot-out. I am an Amazon addict. I love the ease, the prices, the shipping, the speed. But I have been thinking that it's quite possible that I could go to Etsy and find black businesses.

I belong to two Facebook groups, one of black businesses in Baltimore, and one of black businesses in Maryland. And whenever I need something, I go there first. I've been amazed at how quickly I have been able to find: cleaners, yard work, exterminators, electricians, painters, gutter cleaners. And yet, I still have a home warranty, and I can't guarantee a black business. I wish there were black home warranty companies.

At any rate, I make an effort. I'm not at 100%, but I'm at least 25%.

I don't know if my area has black grocery stores and I'm not sure that I'm willing to drive to one. I'm very lazy about grocery shopping. Instacart.com. But who knows, maybe they have a delivery service.

[IbogaProject]

1. I've tried

I've tried to get themed christmas decorations for a neighbor of my Mom. I looked around when I was up in Harlem, and I had a hard time. I had to go online to find anything. I missed this place somehow it has both books and toys themed for the local kids. https://www.grandmasplaceinharlem.com/ This was a limited target an older couple who collects African American Christmas decorations who have an adult child. I got christmas angels and a Langston Hughes Christmas book for them.

Edit, I didn't notice you were talking about all year not just the holidays. We try to seek referrals as much as we can for services. That is a good tip with the facebook groups, I will pass that idea around.

[qwlauren35]

2. Ah the holidays.

Funny. I did the opposite for the holidays. I wanted black santa wrapping paper. I was not picky about who made it. If I look harder, I might be able to have my cake and eat it too.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. Pretty easy for me

I belong to a women's facebook group in my county - specifically for women of color. We have very long lists in there of where to buy services and goods at. The majority black owned businesses - but the women come from a variety of race/ethnic backgrounds. As our community is majority white - we also include black friendly business owners, liberals, progressives, etc. etc.

We also have a list of DO NOT SHOP AT.

[qwlauren35]

4. Were you able to find a grocery store?

That would be pretty major for me.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. We don't have that

But I do shop at a local store which is a direct competitor to whole foods and trader joes.

The owner has two locations - and buy heavily from them - as he is a strong supporter of Civil and Human Rights.