Let’s be thankful we’ve
made it this far through the year, although some people believe the world will end on 23rd September. Assuming we get through the latest apocalyptic prophesy, businesses should be looking at how to best communicate with their customers, now ... before it's too late!
Here are some tips
to ensure as stress-free a time as possible for you in the run-up to the festive season:
- Publish your opening hours on your website, social media and wherever else is appropriate, well in advance
- Ensure you give an emergency contact name and number if appropriate
- Remind customers about special offers or seasonal services
- Give special offers to existing customers as a thank you for their loyalty
- Do seasonal competitions to increase your database for New Year promotions
- Offer free delivery before Christmas if appropriate
- If you have a small business and giving anything free is difficult, give something extra by way of great service or a very small free gift to make people feel good (like a coffee and mince pie if they’re coming into your shop) – or team up with another company and do something together to share the cost
- If you have a food, clothing or other appropriate business, give some left-over products to a local charity
- Take on seasonal staff – you might need extra help to cope with the extra business
- Product returns usually increase after Christmas; make sure your customers and your staff know your policy so everything runs seamlessly (especially if you've taken on seasonal staff or part-timers)
- Make sure you train new staff as well as refreshing the skills of existing ones who might be under pressure if you get really busy, and explain your seasonal offers to your team so everyone is up to speed
- Reward your team with a bonus to say thanks for working hard – if times are tough financially, you’ll be amazed how much a kind word, a smile and a few extra hours off can help!
I'm off to buy some Easter eggs now. I believe they're already on sale in M&S!
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