The back to school period is upon us, and as always, it’s an exciting time. This year though, it has an even more special ring to it than ever before as students and adults alike are more than eager to get back into the groove and start anew. This is the time for many to turn the page, to head into the new year, routines refreshed, hopes high, slate clean. With the season’s promise of good things to come, the change can also fuel consumer spending on many levels.
As a small business owner, this is your time to shine. The back-to-school craze affects every industry, and if you don’t already have an online platform, this is your perfect opportunity as ecommerce continues to lead the way in sales. Drive engagement in a targeted way to students, parents, caregivers, teachers and so much more.
We’ve narrowed some tips and pointers so you can bring in more revenue as people gear up for the 2021-2022 season of spending ahead.
If you’re a retailer…
Whether they’re junior kindergarteners, high schoolers, or university kids living away and abroad, this can be a hectic and costly time. From school supplies to books, from the latest tech to the trendiest of apparel, from edible goods to sporting goods, to new furniture and kitchenware, students need a lot. Expanding your business onto the digital landscape will help you adapt to the quicker flow of things and shift revenue into high gear.
Take your products online so shoppers can browse and buy easily at the click of a button, all from the comfort of their homes – even long after business hours.
And really, it’s the little conveniences that count: with Moneris Online, you can give your customers even more flexibility by accepting all forms of payments including eGift cards, and a secure checkout system. Take advantage of preferred shipping rates from UPS® too, or let buyers schedule their own pickup time so they can have their items as soon as they want.
If you’re a restauranteur…
Busy is an understatement these days. And with the back to school rush to top it off – think exhausted caregivers too tired to cook, students back in town, teacher appreciation gifts – get ready for the extra traffic coming your way.
Friends and family will be visiting kids living away from home, and students will be craving nights out on the town for some much-needed time away from the books. Incorporate the right tools now, and add online reservations to your website so patrons can easily and conveniently book their tables in advance.
When it comes to exams time though, flexibility is key. While more tables will be available for in-house diners, open up even more revenue possibilities and offer take-out as an option. Allow customers to order, pay, and schedule a curbside pickup right from your website.
Gift and eGift cards are always a stress-free option for anyone looking to treat their kids or show appreciation for teachers from afar. Reward loyalty and offer promo cards for returning clientele; they’re a great way to keep people coming back, time and time again.
Remember, when in a crunch, people are always looking for the quickest and easiest options, so be sure to meet their needs by offering them just that: convenience and ease to make their lives that much better.
If you offer a professional service…
Whether you have a seasonal business or operate year-round, the fact of the matter is, you’re needed. Stay open 24/7 with a website, and keep up with demand by being everywhere at once for your clients.
Since students will be away from home, parents may be looking for gift cards as pre-emptive options.
Adding reservation capabilities means you can accept bookings at all hours of the day (or night), for whenever your services are needed most. Let people book themselves in whether it’s a new ‘do, a fresh coat of paint, a healthy therapy session, a mowed lawn, or even a broken water pipe. No matter what you provide, never miss a single appointment.
Use your social channels to promote special offers and bring in that extra traffic. Blogs are a fantastic way to promote your products and services to spark new ideas on how to utilize them to their full potential.
That’s A+ service.
At the end of the day, no matter what type of industry you’re in, back to school matters for everyone. So take the opportunity to dot your t’s, cross your i’s and take your store online so you’re always open and ready for business. Period.
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