14/08/2026
Possibly a controversial one… 👀
Over the years I’ve gifted products, collaborated with creators and supplied sweets for different opportunities and I’m genuinely not against doing that.
Some have been fantastic for Issie’s Sweeties. Others haven’t resulted in anything, and that’s part of taking the chance.
But lately I’ve been thinking about the expectation that small businesses should provide products for free in exchange for potential exposure.
Because although that product might be free to the person receiving it, it isn’t free for the business providing it.
I’ve paid for the stock, packaging, labels and everything else that goes into making it. Then there’s my time and the profit I’ve given up.
And in the current climate, small businesses are feeling those costs more than ever.
What I’d LOVE to see more of is businesses with the means to do so putting a little budget aside and saying:
“We love what this small business does. Let’s actually buy from them for our event.”
It might only be a relatively small order to you.
To that business, it could mean far more.
And yes, exposure can be incredibly valuable. One person sharing your product could introduce your business to thousands of potential customers.
But exposure isn’t guaranteed and unfortunately it doesn’t pay today’s bills.
So if a small business politely says they can’t gift their products but would still love to work with you on a paid basis, please don’t automatically write them off.
Their product didn’t suddenly become less valuable because it wasn’t free. 🤍
I’m interested to hear both sides of this one…
Small business owners AND creators/event organisers what do you think? 👇
