If you are looking for ways to support your local business community here is a quick list:
Buy local
If you are making a choice as to where your dollar will count, it counts most in your local community. Many small, local businesses have an option where customers can purchase their products through a virtual shop; whether the shop is hosted internally or through a local marketplace platform like
Fidacity
,
Etsy
or
Shopify
. Many businesses, in response to COVID-19, have begun delivery service in their local area so they can personally deliver purchases to you. This makes buying local even better – no postage fees.
Order in advance
Order in advance is an extension of the buy local. In this context it is more than that though, it is about giving serious consideration to your needs and providing advanced notice to the business of your intention to purchase. That way the business can make strategic and intelligent choices in staffing, operational hours and selecting delivery options.
Purchase Online
This concept also supports the buy local theme. Source products from your favourite local businesses and don’t be afraid to ask for them to source specific items for you. They want to ensure that they can provide you with what you are seeking. Buying online allows for less interaction and simplifies the transaction process of a sale, as money is dealt through a third party.
Online ordering is a great way to get the food you love from your local restaurant whose dining room is closed. You can opt to pick the food up to go or request delivery. A local business,
Valley Eats
,
is a great resource facilitating the online ordering and delivery through a single app and they have the contracts to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of produce.
Use Discount and Incentive programs
Many businesses offer discounts and incentive programs to drive traffic to their location or purchasing platforms. Utilizing these opportunities provides businesses with valuable data about new consumer trends and needs and will help businesses to continue to evolve in these difficult times. A regional company,
FanSaves
has created a couponing app which benefits associated community athletic association programs. Win/win scenario.
Buy gift cards or maintain membership fees
Gift card purchases and monthly fee memberships programs really provide businesses with upfront capital that is redeemed from a customer at some future date. Treat yourself to a future shopping excursion, day of pampering or a date night by planning it in advance and buying gift certificates from local businesses. Many are available online or by communicating directly with the business.
With respect to maintaining membership fees, typically this is for service yet to be used, predominately affecting gyms and other active lifestyle service providers. In this current climate, many of these facilities have been mandated to close and so members cannot access the facility to use the services. If you are in a position to maintain membership payments for a month or two, even without access, it will greatly assist the business to sustain itself and provide them time to seek solutions. Many service providers are introducing creative ways to still honor memberships. Some are broadcasting online workout sessions, hosting virtual private training or gathering in small groups in public spaces to exercise in and with nature (just maintain social distancing).
Review the business
Online review forums such as Google review or Facebook seek public input. Peer recommendations have great meaning and can help promote a business ranking and visibility on various platforms.
Nominate businesses for awards
Many award recognition programming is out there and while some big conferences where the awards are typically handed out may be cancelled or postponed, they are still accepting nominations and recognizing the winners. Our very own Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards of Excellence is currently taking nominations in twelve business categories. These awards bring visibility and promotion to a business and are a way that the community can recognize them and the services they provide.
