Do you prefer buying things from big companies or small businesses?

It depends on what I purchase. When I procure home appliances like a washing machine, a fridge, or an oven, I head to a big brand shop. I also prefer household names when buying expensive items such as a laptop. For grocery shopping, however, I tend to visit local private shops and because of this, I’m acquainted with a lot of the owners of local businesses at the local wet market.

• purchase 购买
• procure 购买
• home appliances 家电
• head to 去；前往
• big brand 大品牌
• household names 名牌；家喻户晓的名字
• acquainted with 熟悉

Do you know many small businesses?

As I mentioned, I know quite a few of the local meat and vegetable market stall owners at the wet market that is opposite to where I live. I know quite a few because I frequent a number of vegetable stalls, meat stands, fruit shops, dry goods shops, and a fresh chicken outlet. I know them and they all know me and my preferences.

The thing about small businesses is the human connection between the business owner and the customers, and once you find the right one, you can feel assured that their product is good. Also, downstairs from where I live, there are a number of neighborhood shops whose owners I’m familiar with.

• market stall 市场摊位
• frequent 经常光顾
• a number of 几个
• outlet 专营店
• preferences 喜好

Have you ever thought about starting your own business?

Not only have I considered it, I actually started doing a small online business a few years back. These days, if you have an idea, work hard, and get online, and don’t give up, if you do these things, then there’s a good chance you can have some success with it I think.

Have you ever worked in small businesses?

Yes, I work for my own small business and because of this, I know the ups and downs a small business can face. It demands a lot of time, attention to detail, patience, and the ability to handle pressure.

I also worked at a large company before and things there were more organized and training sessions were constantly offered and I could always seek help from my supervisors. In comparison though, a small business owner needs to deal with everything, so you’re constantly learning but without the formal training sessions.

• ups and downs 起伏
• attention to detail 注意细节
• patience 耐心
• handle pressure 处理压力
• training sessions 培训
• deal with 处理