We aim to answer the most common questions about Little Blue Cart here in our FAQs. Still have a question or two? Reach out via our Contact Us page or email directly. Thanks for being here!
Little Blue Cart Questions
How does Little Blue Cart work?
Little Blue Cart is all about connecting you with small businesses that share your values. In a time when it’s more important than ever to shop with purpose, we believe your dollars can be a powerful vote for progress. By supporting businesses that stand for democracy, equality, justice, and ethical leadership, you’re helping create the world we want to see.
We carefully vet and review each business to make sure their values align with ours, and once they our review, we add them to our directory. It’s your one-stop shop for progressive businesses that are as passionate about change as you are!
How do you use Little Blue Cart to shop?
Little Blue Cart is a directory, not a store. That means you don’t shop inside Little Blue Cart, and you can’t search for a specific product like “Valentine’s Day card.” Instead, you use it to discover values-aligned small businesses, then shop directly from their websites.
Here’s how it works in practice:
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day card, head to Little Blue Cart and browse the category under Stickers & Stationery. You’ll see a list of small businesses that make cards and paper goods. When something catches your eye, you click through to that business’s website and shop directly with them.
Think of Little Blue Cart as your curated shortcut to the right businesses so you don’t have to do the homework.
If you want to search by specific products (like “Valentine’s card,” “jade earrings,” or “ceramic mug”), that’s where Little Blue Market comes in. Little Blue Market is our marketplace, where you can browse and shop by product across multiple vendors in one place.
In short:
- Use Little Blue Cart to find who to shop from
- Use Little Blue Market to shop what you’re looking for
How do you vet businesses?
To verify alignment, we use a multi-step review process for every business listed on Little Blue Cart. This includes reviewing publicly available information such as a business’s website and social media presence, as well as consulting resources like OpenSecrets.org when applicable. In addition, all businesses are required to review and formally agree to our Community Ethics & Guidelines as part of the approval process.
This approach allows us to make informed decisions based on transparency, stated values, and public-facing actions, while maintaining a consistent standard across the directory.
While no system is perfect, this process is applied consistently and reflects the values-driven approach our community expects.
Can I recommend a small business?
Absolutely! We love when our community gets involved. If you know a small business that aligns with our values, you can nominate a small business or share Little Blue Cart with them. Thanks for helping us grow the movement and support more businesses that are making a positive impact!
How can I support Little Blue Cart?
Little Blue Cart isn’t just a directory—it’s a movement for ethical shopping, small business empowerment, and progressive values. And we’ve got BIG dreams ahead. You can chip in today and help us build a brighter future—one intentional purchase at a time!
We depend on the power of word-of-mouth. Every share, comment, and referral helps us grow. Your donation fuels our efforts to expand and improve the Little Blue Cart platform, making it easier for consumers to shop with purpose and for businesses to thrive. Here’s what your support will help us achieve: 💙🚀
Isn't there already an app that does this?
We love that there are apps out there helping consumers make informed decisions. But Little Blue Cart is focused on the power of shopping small—because we know that when you support small businesses, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in a community and values you believe in.
As small business owners ourselves, we understand how every purchase and recommendation can make a huge impact. That’s why we’re committed to amplifying businesses that align with your values and empowering the small business movement.
What makes Little Blue Cart different from other directories?
We connect conscious consumers with small businesses that share progressive values. Every listing is vetted, so shoppers can feel confident their dollars support businesses that care about democracy, equality, and inclusion.
Who’s behind Little Blue Cart?
We’re a women-owned business started by two military spouses who believe shopping small can make a big difference
Adding Your Small Business Listing
How do I get my business listed on Little Blue Cart?
To Add Your Listing, simply register on our platform and create your small business Directory listing. We will review your submission to make sure it aligns with our progressive values before being added to the directory.
Is there a fee to be listed?
Standard listings are free. We also offer Spotlight and Express Lane listings as well as promotional options that help fund ongoing improvements and provide your business extra visibility.
I submitted my business. What happens next?
First off all, yay! We’re so glad you’re here. Once you’ve submitted your business, our small-but-mighty team will carefully review your listing to make sure it aligns with our values. We want to feature your business in the best possible light with strong photos, thoughtful copy, SEO love, and links that help shoppers find you. Once it’s approved, you will find it on your Directory Dashboard and from there you can edit and manage your listing.
I submitted a while ago and haven’t been added yet. What’s going on?
We hear you—and we’re so grateful for your patience. Right now, the waitlist is a few weeks. Little Blue Cart is currently run by just two people, and each listing takes time to review, build, and polish. We’re committed to making sure your business is presented with the care it deserves, so thank you for hanging in there with us!
Is there any way to get listed faster?
Yes! We have new option for folks who are ready to jump the line and help support Little Blue Cart’s growth: Express Lane Listing. One-time donation. Live on the site in 3 business days.
We’ll always keep Little Blue Cart free to join—but this fast-track option helps us move quicker and fund big things ahead. Your donation supports:
- The upcoming Little Blue Cart mobile app
- Outreach to bring more shoppers into the movement
- Tools that help our small businesses grow
Can I have more than one business listed?
Absolutely, yes! We’d love to feature as many businesses as you want to share. And now with our new Directory Dashboard access, it will be easier than ever for you to manage them. The more, the merrier—let’s help even more like-minded businesses get the support they deserve!
How can I go to the next level and advertise my business or product?
We’d love to connect you directly with our rapidly growing community of conscious consumers. Reach out to us directly to learn more about website advertising options, content creation packages, and other ways we work together to amplify your business.
Community Standards
Does Little Blue Cart have Community Guidelines?
Yes, we have Community Ethics & Guidelines to ensure our community of sellers, service providers and shoppers are values-aligned.
What happens if I notice a listing that doesn’t seem to fit Little Blue Cart’s mission?
We take that seriously. Please email us at hi@littlebluecart.com and we’ll review it right away.
I found a business selling MAGA or hate-related merchandise. What should I do?
Report it immediately. Our platform does not allow items that promote discrimination, racism, or extremist ideologies. We’ll review the listing, remove it if necessary, and take steps to prevent similar content in the future.
Are political or advocacy items allowed?
Absolutely, as long as they align with values of equality, democracy, and freedom for all.
Shopping & Contracting Services
How do I place an order with a particular small business?
Easy! Just click the hypelink at the bottom of every listing. That’ll take you straight to their website, where you can shop directly and support them in just a few clicks. Every purchase is a vote for progress—so go ahead, add to cart and make a difference! 💙🛍️
Am I buying through Little Blue Cart or directly from the small business?
On the Directory, you’re buying directly from the small business. Little Blue Cart is here to connect you with amazing progressive businesses, but all purchases, payments, and orders go straight through them. That means 100% of your support goes where it matters most—helping small businesses thrive! 💙✨ Unless you are in our Little Blue Shop, of course. There we have products for sale that are directly from us and help fund our small business.
Do you guarantee product or service satisfaction?
We’re here to connect you with amazing like-minded businesses, but we don’t guarantee the products or services they offer. Each business runs independently, so we always recommend checking their policies and reviews before purchasing. Think of us as your go-to matchmaker for progressive shopping—we make the introduction, but the rest is up to you! 💙✨
Am I able to return an item I purchased?
That depends on the small business you purchased from! Since all orders go directly through each business, their return and refund policies will apply. We recommend checking their website or reaching out to them directly for details. Little Blue Cart is all about making the connection—we help you find great businesses, but returns are up to them!