The health crisis currently happening all around us has made a huge impact on the lives of everyone. Due to worldwide community quarantines and lockdowns which are essential in slowing the spread of global pandemic, flights are stopped and people are ordered to stay at home and practice social distancing. But this calamity does not only challenge the resiliency and hard work of service industry and healthcare workers which are the frontliners of today but also independent businesses.
Most of them have been forced to close their doors with some possibly not opening again. This is the case especially of local small businesses which are in need of immediate assistance to survive.
So, for those who now have extra funds after not being able to spend them for shopping or to go see movies, why not use them for small business? Check out these simple ways steps to help:
Avail Gift Cards
Many of these local businesses that were forced to close their physical stores are still capable of operating through their online platforms and app. Their deliveries are either limited or suspended though. But still, you can transact with them by purchasing gift cards and buying in advance. This way you help ensure a smooth flow of their revenue while practicing social distancing. This becomes a sign of your commitment to buying to them in the future.
Do Order Takeout Once in A While
Lockdowns may last for months and groceries may not have enough supply to cater to the needs of your entire community. Going there just might put you at risk while waiting on long lines at the counter. So why not practice ordering out from time to time so you can support local eateries and rideshare programs that are still open for deliveries.
Reschedule Instead of Cancelling
It’s clear that no one wanted this pandemic to happen. So, you may have all the grounds to cancel your appointments and ask for a refund. But, instead of doing so, you also have the choice or rescheduling so the transaction won’t go to waste. This way you can still make something out of the time you and the local service provider spent. We might not know how long this will last, but postponing an appointment gives small businesses hope that they still have customers who are willing to continue their regular routines once this crisis ends. This is a win win situation because it will give you some sort of convenience because you don’t have to start a new transaction from scratch while helping them regain the revenue they have lost.
Help Spread the Word About Them
You may not be capable of going outside to meet your friends and tell them about your experiences with a local business but in the social media world, you are limitless. You can post, share, and message other people a business that you know is still open and offers takeout or deliveries. Invite people you know to buy gift cards or ask them to visit the business after the outbreak. In a way you are helping these businesses with their publicity which is very important nowadays regardless if there is a health crisis or none.
In surviving COVID-19, all we have to do is sit, stay at home and make sure we are always healthy. But it delivers an even bigger blow for businesses because it gives them a financial burden. Only we can help them stay afloat. So, finding ways to help and continue or transactions with them will mean a lot.