Want to shop up a storm without buyer’s remorse? Mates Rates has your back. The newly launched online platform allows members to discover and support local creators and small businesses, all while enjoying an exclusive discount. It works like this – you sign up to Mates Rates for $5 a month, and each month you receive a personal discount code, which unlocks a 10-percent discount on more than 80 online stores. On top of the 10-percent discount, Mates Rates members receive access to further brand discounts and exclusive offers each month. You can shop ethical designs from Unreal Fur, grounded goods from Gentle Habits or certified organic drops from Minimum Wines, to name just a few. 

Mates Rates is an initiative of Melbourne-based marketing agency From Little Things, which has worked to grow more than 100 local businesses since 2017. Director of From Little Things and Mates Rates founder Tyler Mathes says he created the website to help small businesses cut through the noise of big businesses and get their product into the hands of consumers who want to support authentic brands.“We created Mates Rates with a simple yet powerful mission – to amplify the voices of local makers,” Tyler says. “Mates Rates is the link that connects impactful, meaningful brands to conscious people.” The online platform particularly spotlights small businesses that are Aboriginal-led, regionally based, social impact-focused and female-led, with the site highlighting businesses in these categories.

To become a member, head to the Mates Rates website. 

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