Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean “Buy Local”?
When we say “Buy Local” we’re referring to buying from any business that’s in Lincoln County. Every community needs both big retailers and independent retailers in order to thrive. If you absolutely have to shop at a big-box retailer, try shopping at one of ours before making a trip outside the county, or shopping online.
What is the “Multiplier Effect”?
The more times a dollar circulates within our county, and the faster it circulates without leaving, the more income, wealth, and jobs it creates. Where and how you spend your money makes all the difference on how it is leveraged to help our economy.
Why should I Buy Local?
When you “Buy Local” your money stays in the local economy longer, increasing its value through the Multiplier Effect. When money circulates throughout a community, it creates jobs, increases income, and creates wealth. A healthy community has a strong local economy. For more information on why you should “Buy Local”, click here.
Does this mean I have to spend more money?
Not necessarily. Our primary focus is to make people aware of the impact their spending habits have on the local economy. We are simply asking people to think locally first. If every household in Lincoln County were to shift 10% of their discretionary spending to local businesses ( an average of $44.57 per month), the economic impact would result in more than $10 million added to our economy.
What is classified as discretionary spending?
According to the Gallup Poll, discretionary spending falls into four categories:
- Clothing
- Groceries
- Dining Out
- Entertainment/Recreation
Where did you get your data?
Our data came from a number of highly reputable sources such as The Gallup Poll, The US Census Bureau, and Civic Economics, a national research firm.
What if I can’t find what I want locally?
We don’t expect people to find everything they want or need locally. If something you need is not available in the county, shop elsewhere to find it. Our primary goal is to get people to think locally first, then buy local whenever you can.
How can I get involved?
The easiest way to show your support for the Buy Local Lincoln County Association is to become a member. You can join as a Business, Organization, Individual, or as a Family. Every membership category has specific benefits. If you would like to become more involved with publicity or membership recruitment, contact us.
Could I join if I live outside Lincoln County?
Only residents that live or own property in Lincoln County can join the Buy Local Lincoln County Association. We do encourage all of our visitors to shop Lincoln County businesses and become part of our local economic recovery program while you are here.
Why can’t I find a specific business?
Either the business you are looking for is not a member of the Buy Local Lincoln County Association, or they are located outside of the county. If the business you are looking for is not a member, we encourage you to ask them to join! The more people we have spreading the word, the more powerful our voice is!
What is the difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 membership?
Tier 1 is our basic Business and Organizational Membership type. It includes one picture in your profile. Tier 2 is a premium membership type that includes 10 additional photos, in your profile, and up to 50 words to describe each photo.
What does it mean, “Map me with Google Maps”?
As a benefit to our Business and Organizational Members, we're providing a map to your location so customers can easily find you. If you would like this FREE map to be put on your profile page, simply click the check box that says “Map me with Google Maps”. If you do not want people to come to your physical address (i.e. you work out of your home, you are in a temporary location, etc.), you do not have to do anything at all, by default, the map is not included.
Can you explain the profile information fields for a Business or Organizational Member?
Brief Description
Think of this as a headline, or the “elevator speech” of your profile. (Each business needs to have its own Unique Value Proposition - UVP- that tells customers why you are unique or different from your competitors. If your business has a UVP, use it here; if your business needs to develop one, contact the OCCC-SBDC at 541-994-4166 for assistance). The text you enter here will appear in the directory’s list view. This is the first bit of text that your potential customers will see when they search on our site. Please limit your response to 70 words or less.
Long Description
This field is where you want to describe your business or organization in detail, and you are allowed 250 words to do so. Let everyone know what you do, what you sell, and what makes your business unique. Choose your words carefully because when a potential customer does a Google search, you want your page to be one of their top choices. Using the business above, an example of a Long Description might be the following: “Located in the historic Nye Beach District of Newport, our eco-friendly specialty store has been supplying quality products to our loyal customers since 1999. We are your one-stop for recycled products that include, but are not limited to; tote bags, hemp clothing, non electric tools, and options for almost any product you require. Our commitment to the environment spills over into the products we use for marketing, the flowers and compost we decorate our store with, and the eco friendly non-electric cash machine we use in our stores. Because of their carbon footprint to produce and process, we do not accept credit cards, but will gladly accept your Lincoln County checks. We also host a monthly sustainable products meeting where we share ideas with customers and our peers on ways to maintain and improve the quality of life in Lincoln County.”
Incentives
Local buyers appreciate local businesses that recognize the importance of year-round local support. Often tourist towns prices are geared toward tourist business, even though it is the “locals” that are the foundation and support of local business. Here is where you could offer an incentive for local buyers to patronize your business! This is an optional field, but one you should strongly consider! If you do offer an incentive, there will be a specific “incentive icon” next to your listing to alert buyers.
Here are some examples that restaurants might consider offering as an incentive for “Buy Local” members:
- For dinner purchases over $20 we offer a free dessert or coffee.
- Every time you make a purchase your name is entered into our weekly drawing for a dinner for two.
- Wednesday night is "local night" and you will receive your choice of a free hors d oeuvres or dessert with your meal.
Key Phrase
Your Key Phrase will appear on your “Title Bar.” It is the one key phrase that sums up your business. This should be something that is very specific and unique. Using the business above, a good Key Phrase may be “Eco-Friendly Products” or “Environmentally Friendly”.
short description. Think of this as a headline, or the “elevator speech” of your profile. (Each business needs to have its own Unique Value Proposition - UVP- that tells customers why they are unique/different from their competitors. If your business has a UVP, use it here; if your businesses needs to develop one, contact the OCCC-SBDC at 994-4166 for assistance). The text you enter here will appear in the directory’s list view. This is the first bit of text that your potential customers will see when they search on our site. Please limit your response to 70 words or less.
Key Words
Search engines look for “key words”, and with your Business or Organizational Membership, you receive 10 Key Words! Using the business example above, your 10 key words could be products or brands you carry: eco-friendly, recycle, reuse, reduce, green, environment, conservation. When potential customers search for one of your words, they will automatically be directed to your site.
