HOW TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES

With the outbreak of the Corona Virus, many small businesses including restaurants, shops and other service providers are suffering to make ends meet with lower foot traffic and sales. As the situation evolves, businesses are forced to work from home, reduce their staff, only serve takeaway food or close their store. We need your support now more than ever!

What can you do to support small businesses during this period?

Purchase Gift Cards

You can support small businesses, from your favourite food places, retail stores, movie theatres or day spa, by purchasing a gift card to use at a later date. These vouchers are a great way to put cash into the businesses you love and want to support. We’ve seen many food outlets like Roho Bure Vegan Ice cream innovate by providing gift cards to accomodate for consumers and allow their business to continue running.

Shop Online and Local

It’s important to limit your social contact, however, this means less visits to small retailers and food outlets. With many non-essential businesses are expected to close business, particularly over the East Coast Australia, small businesses need your support to come out on the other side of this situation.

Whenever possible, consider giving your business to local stores. Many local businesses operate both a brick-and-mortar as well as an online store. You can order clothing from your favourite stores all from the convenience of your own home. And remember, when you purchase from someone in your community, you are helping to keep people employed.

Write A review for local businesses

Have you been to a cafe or boutique and had an amazing customer experience? We often walk out from an experience saying, “the food was amazing,” or “they were so helpful,” but we don’t always tell the business or spread the word when we this receive excellent service.

Now is the perfect opportunity to say thank you and return the favour by writing up a Google or Facebook review on the business’s page. It doesn’t have to be long or take up too much of your time. Keep is short and sweet. Tell others what made it so great.

These reviews help businesses build rapport, reputation and attract new customers, creating more business for them. Go do a simple gesture to show your support.

Utilise delivery services

In the light of the situation, many of us are to self-isolate. One thing that will make your life better is delivery services. Many businesses are reducing their delivery fees or wavering it to make it easier for you to get the food you want without leaving your house. We’ve seen rapid changes in small businesses who are quickly adopting delivery services including Menulog, UberEats and Deliveroo to encourage social distancing and keep their business alive. This is a great service not only for your convenience, but to also show your support to local businesses who need it most.

Use Card Payment Methods

Paper money and coins are passed through many hands and carry all sorts of germs. Where possible, limit the spread of those germs by paying with card.

Stay Home if you’re sick

If you aren’t feeling well, stay home to prevent the risk of spreading anything to the employees or other customers. Yes, it sounds like common sense. But it is important to be extra cautious during the time.

Be Patient and Kind

Businesses are under pressure to meet financial and consumer demands. Remember, they are working hard to ensure the shelves are stocked up with produce and goods. Be kind and exercise patience. A little bit of appreciation goes a long way. They are doing their best to help the community.

From a small business to another, we wish you the best during the time.