Holiday season checklist for businesses

We are on the home stretch to the peak holiday season now and we’re sure you’re already well prepped, but to help you make sure you’ve covered off everything, here’s some last minute tips:

1. Say thank you

The holidays are a great time to create some really nice marketing to tie in with the theme of goodwill. After all, no business wants to be seen as a Scrooge!

So what can you do to be really... well, just nice? How about a thank you email to your customers - you can let them know how grateful you are that they have supported you this year?

Even if they’ve only bought one item from you, that doesn’t matter. They still took the time to spend their money with you. Plus, a message like this may allow one time customers the chance to remember you and consider you next time they need to buy something.

2. Shout about your opening hours

Make sure your customers are aware when you’re open over the holiday week, or make sure that they can find the information somewhere easily.

For example, your opening hours should be shared on your website, on the front of your store (if you have a physical one) and also via any social media accounts you have.

If you are closed over the holiday season, also make sure your customers know when you’ll reopen. Again, this could be on your website, in store or through social media.

You could also entice them back in with a special offer, or sale that’s too good to miss out on.

3. Be memorable

A free candy cane in a delivery parcel, or a glass of (alcohol free) mulled wine or a mince pie in your store will go down a treat and make you stand out from your competitors as having that personal touch.

4. Try and take some time for yourself

We appreciate the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for many small businesses, particularly if you’re in retail.

However, if you can, it’s a good time to try and take even just a few hours to yourself. It’ll help you relax and refocus for 2019, and you could use the time to take stock of what you’ve done over the last 12 months.

From all of us at Payzone, we’d like to wish you all a happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!