Walking in a winter wonderland sounds great in a song, but in real life winter brings its own set of challenges, especially for your small business. Many businesses experience a post-holiday slump, the freezing temps can keep your customers away, and the potential for bad weather and cold and flu season can wreak havoc. Here are some tips to help you not just survive but actually thrive this winter. We'll also share ways that Stockpile can help make this your best season yet.
The Weather Outside Is Frightful
When the temperature takes a nosedive your customers' motivation to come out and run errands may plummet as well. You need to give them reasons to come visit your business anyway. There are a variety of techniques that can help. You can offer special deals or pricing to get them to come in. It also never hurts to make your establishment as warm and inviting as possible. Creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere will encourage customers to stay a little longer which can result in higher sales. Consider providing some refreshments as well. Warm cookies and coffee or hot cocoa are perennial favorites. Anything that makes your customers glad they braved the weather will be a win for you.
Beware the Germs
Anyone who works with the public knows the challenges of cold and flu season. You have to try to keep your employees healthy so they don't end up missing work. You also want your customers to feel confident and comfortable when they visit your business. Providing boxes of tissues and anti-bac soap or wipes can really improve your customers' experience this time of year.
Be Prepared
Winter weather often includes the potential for snow and ice. Have a weather plan that you have communicated to your employees well in advance. They should know whether or not you'll expect them to come to work if the roads are icy. They will also appreciate knowing your policy on closing up early if there's a threat of winter weather. If you have an established plan you can also share this with customers. They will appreciate knowing in advance that you're likely to be closed so that they can plan their visit accordingly. You should also have a plan to make your business safer this time of year. Investing in high quality weather mats and keeping the floor and entryway dry and free from debris will keep everyone safer. Slip and fall accidents are more common than you may think and they can cost your business a fortune.
Use Down Time to Your Advantage
If business is a little slow this time of year, don't let your employees sit around bored. Now is a great time to implement some new procedures and try out some new technology. Think about the biggest issues your business faced last year. Spend a little time brainstorming and researching possible solutions. Once you've narrowed down your most pressing problems and come up with a few possible solutions you can start weighing your options.
If inventory issues are on top of that list, look no further. Stockpile is the solution you need to handle all of your inventory needs. Adding items is quick and easy. Because Stockpile is fully customizable you choose which fields to include in item records. Are you more of a visual person? No problem. Stockpile even lets you include a photo in your item records. Our robust inventory system is ready to handle whatever you need. Thanks to areas and locations you can be very specific about where items are kept. Why waste time searching for the things the that you need? You should always be able to find your inventory with a minimum of fuss. Stockpile is also mobile compatible which means you can access your data even when you're not in the office. Stockpile eliminates the headaches of inventory management. Try Stockpile today!
