Tips for Retailers to Survive and Thrive in COVID-19 Era

 The whole world has been revolving around a virus. The Coronavirus outbreak has affected the world significantly. Governing bodies are trying hard to fight the pandemic and hospitals have been in damage control mode to deal with the virus. Despite their great efforts, the rising Coronavirus cases are showing no signs to stop. Though the world has no idea how to fight the virus, you can at least find an opportunity to grow your retail business and help customers in this tough time – 

Timely, Contactless Delivery 

These days, people prefer online ordering more than physically going to stores. Why don’t you deliver your products directly to their doorsteps? It can help you improve walk-ins whenever things get back to normal. You can serve your customers with timely and contactless deliveries while following the government’s guidelines. You can also accept online payments to make it easier for customers to avoid physical contacts. 

Stock only what is needed for customers 

It’s time for retailers to get into crisis management mode. Supplies start to short and logistics will be affected. So, stock up only what is most important for your customers. Consider the recent sales trends and order your supplies. 

Operate from several service locations 

Don’t limit the supply of your products to only one location. You should plan well to serve in multiple locations, rather than just one community. A lot of stores ended up closing down just because of not fulfilling the customers’ needs due to location constraints. Along with increasing your revenue by reaching multiple spots, you can also help customers who need your products the most. It is the great opportunity for you to enhance your boundaries by operating through several service points. A lot of supermarket businesses are doing it already. You can also make it happen with a mobile POS. Wherever you go, your business follows.  

Consider These Technologies to run a Restaurant Successfully in the US

 You should consider the challenges and modern trends in the restaurant industry you serve in before investing in the restaurant technologies. Two markets cannot be the same and the challenges in a specific market will decide the right technology you will need. There are different restaurant technologies in the market considering the diversity in trends. Here are some of the most important technologies you will need to run a restaurant successfully in the US and stand out in competition – 

Cloud POS 

Cloud POS software is the next big thing in the restaurant industry. A lot of cloud-based POS systems have arrived with technological innovations. It is different from traditional POS in many ways. You can operate it on the go and at any time. You can even enjoy a lot of amazing features like third-party integrations. 

Inventory Management 

Inventory management is really a challenging task for a restaurant. It is very easy for smaller businesses but inventory management takes time as you go up. A restaurant inventory management is the key to your business. This way, inventory management software is integrated into your POS system to make it even easier. 

Tipping Management 

Tip management has always been the matter of debate in restaurants. It is always great to invest in a restaurant POS system with tip management features considering its use and needs. Your wait staff earns the tips and a system can easily segregate their tips and manage it well in terms of tips paid through cards. It can easily help determine who the best performing employee in your restaurant is. 

Table Management 

A lot of customers are tech savvy in the US. In addition, no one has the luxury of time to wait in a queue due to their fast-paced lifestyle. This way, people can easily book tables before they even arrive. It improves customer experience and makes the operations smoother for you. 

Why Startups MUST Have a Website?

Have you just started up your business? Tell us the very first thing you need.  Obviously an “official website”, isn’t?

In this digital world, if you don’t have a website, your business will be lost in the crowd. Now the question is – Do you really need a website for your startup?

Remember, one cannot even notice your business unless you have a website. This is not a rumor. Let’s talk about facts!!

According to a survey, around 2.18 billion of internet users search for something to shop online every day, out of over 2.42 billion users. Likewise, 0.96 billion users have bought something last month and over 1.78 billion users might look for a new business like you very soon. 

Now you can think how important it is to start your own website in this competitive world. Here are the reasons why your business needs a website –

1.  Showcase Your Ideas

Unlike traditional way to start up a local business without website, having a website can show you the response of potential customers on your products or service. Your website lends first impression among the customers. So, put in all your creativity and efforts to make it attractive or just hire a website design company to do this.

Well, it doesn’t really mean you have to devote all your time and finances in your website. In fact, you can trade store-front in your own way but have a website by side to drive potential customers, business partners, and staff to expand your business.

2. Market Your Business

For any business, marketing is a vital tool. But for startups, it is an inevitable weapon. It has also been publicized how important email marketing, SEO and SMO are for your marketing strategies. It won’t be overstating if someone says even big deals come just through a website.

3. Convey Your Marketing Message

Consider your website an online store which showcases your brand to potential customers and everything you have to offer. Instead of personally walking in, people just browse the web and stumble upon your online store, i.e. your website. A website is a cost-effective way to promote your business.

4. Improved SEO means Improved Sales

Along with a website, search ranks also play a vital role to drive potential customers. Along with a website development firm, a professional SEO provider is also important to improve your website ranking to drive sales and profits. Responsive, well optimized, and mobile-friendly website can double the sales within less time.

5. Increased Customers

Website is the easiest way to avail a product or service from your business. Most of the buyers just want to check out what you have to offer, instead of buying for the first time. It is better if they find what they want in your website. Once they feel delighted, they will definitely return back. It will also increase your popularity not just in your neighborhood but across the world.

6. Accessibility

Your main goal is to increase sales with hard work and dedication. But having a website is half work done as it has 24x7 Accessibility as one can easily visit your website any time. People can check out what you have in stock instead of personally walking in to your store. All you have to keep your product offerings up to date. You may even keep an eye on number of visits and how many customers approached you. 

7. Strong Relationships

A startup website can even help you build relationships with buyers. Respond to their emails and messages quickly and they will give their valuable feedback and review your products. You can keep your customers up-to-date with latest info. More visitors bring more sales. All you need to promote and update contents on your site.

8. Build Trust

Having a business website can help you build trust among the customers. It is the great opportunity to show your credibility.

9. Long Term Sales

A website is not just for onetime sales when a customer buys and never visits back. It also helps you to earn repeat sales. Repeat customers are the pillars of strength for any business and they play a vital role in smooth running of a company.

Wrapping Up…

Your startup may lack customers. It doesn’t mean your business has a loophole. In fact, it may be because they don’t know about you. This is why you need a website to show your presence.

In simple words, a website is a blank paper where you can show your offerings, your credibility and brand awareness.

Now that you may want to own a website! Be sure to have a unique website that can reflect your business goals. It should be mobile-friendly, well-optimized and branded with coloring and logo, creative, informative, engaging, and fully updated with promo offers and latest news etc.