04/07/2026
It's crazy to me how people can openly bash a business online whether it's from their own profile or an anonymous one yet never take the time to privately message that business with feedback that could actually help them improve and grow.
I've seen small businesses such as cafés, artists, crafters, product makers, and so many others being openly bullied and criticised on social media. It's heartbreaking to watch. Times are already incredibly tough. Businesses are fighting to stay afloat while we're seeing well established companies closing their doors. To be trying to hold onto your dream while also being publicly fired at online is something no small business owner should have to deal with.
Looking back at where Flippin Burger started compared to where we are now, I know we've developed, grown, and improved so much over the last two years and I can not thank those who supprted us from day one and those who continue to support us enough . But I also know there's always room for improvement. That's the reality of running a business you never stop learning.
Constructive feedback is one of the biggest gifts you can give a small business. If something wasn't right, send them a private message. Tell them what happened, what could have been better, and give them the opportunity to make it right. Most business owners genuinely want to improve and appreciate respectful feedback.
Supporting a small business isn't just about buying from them. It's also about helping them grow. Publicly tearing someone down without ever giving them the chance to fix the issue doesn't help anyone.
Personally, I actually encourage feedback. Whether it's face to face or in a private message, I take every bit of it seriously. It makes me stop and think about what I can do better, how I can improve our products, make things run smoother, or create a better experience for our customers. That's how businesses grow.
Social media is both a small business's biggest asset and its biggest downfall. We use it to promote our products and connect with our community, but it's also where people can be quick to judge. You don't have to like every business, and that's okay—we're never going to be everyone's cup of tea. But if your goal is genuinely to help, a private message will always do more good than a public post trying to tear someone down.
Behind every small business is a real person who cares more than most people realise. Most of us are doing the best we can, constantly learning, adapting, and trying to be better.
What's crazy to me is how comfortable people seem to be attacking small businesses, yet they wouldn't dream of doing the same to a multi-million dollar company that isn't even New Zealand owned or local. Small businesses are the ones employing locals, supporting other local businesses, sponsoring community events, and putting everything on the line to keep their dream alive. They deserve constructive feedback not public ridicule.
If your feedback is genuine, send it privately. You might be the reason that business grows into something even better.
Thats all from me Flippin Fam!! Support those little guys they do amazing mahi!!
