How you can help local businesses through the pandemic
(This is a column provided by the Better Business Bureau of B.C.)
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has put a ‘spoke in the wheel’ of B.C.’s business community, with many businesses forced to close their doors, downscale their operations, cancel appointments and implement evolving strategies to work remotely.
This crisis is affecting businesses you visit and interact with every day – your local coffee shop, favourite lunch spot and even the businesses that might not readily come to mind.
The closures and cancellations hurt services like home improvement contractors, daycare providers, dry cleaners, car mechanics, dentists and chiropractors. Even business-to-business fields, such as the graphic designer who designs your office’s brochures or the accounting firm who does the books, are feeling the impact.
By closing their doors temporarily, businesses are helping to keep their customers and employees healthy. However, the loss of income makes it tough to cover on-going expenses like rent and salaries.
Our businesses need support to make it through these uncertain times. As such, Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC (BBB) is sharing the following tips on how you can support our local business community – with or without spending money.
Practical Ways to Support a Business:
Buy a gift card for later. Many small businesses that have had to close are offering gift certificates at discounted rates for when they reopen. Look on their websites and social media accounts for details.
Skip the refund and take a rain check. If you paid in advance for an event, a class or a service, consider taking a credit for the future instead of asking for a refund. These businesses will appreciate not needing to issue so many refunds right now.
Commit to future work. While right now may not be the best time to start that home renovation project, your contractor will appreciate you committing to future projects when the business reopens. The same goes for any future event or project. Visit bbb.org to find an Accredited Business in your area or use the BBB Request a Quote service.
Shop (local) online. Local shops and vendors may have closed their (physical) doors, but many still run online shops. Look for them on social media or check their website for links to their online marketplace.
Look for virtual classes. People who work in training or professional development – this can be anyone from your personal trainer to the person teaching your office’s public speaking workshop – are finding creative ways to move their instruction online. Even though your local gym is closed, your favourite yoga teacher may be hosting a live class online. Same goes for people who offer professional trainings. Now may be a good time to brush up on your skills through an online course.
Get takeout or delivery. Many restaurants and breweries are now offering takeout even as they close their dining rooms. Support these local businesses by getting your food or drinks to-go and enjoying it at home.
Some businesses may not be able to recover if this crippling impact on the economy continues into the longterm. For consumers who are able to support financially, it is wise to use a credit card when making payments, so that you have some recourse if the business shuts down permanently. Not everyone has the financial resources to pay in advance.
If your own wallet is feeling the pinch, here are some free ways to support our local businesses:
Write an online review. This is a good time to finally get around to reviewing your favourite local business. These five-star reviews do help companies rank well in search engines and on other listing services. This is an easy, free way to show your favourite businesses that you support them. Write a review on BBB.org now.
Like and share on social media. Help your favourite business reach a broader audience by liking and sharing their information on social media. This will help them reach future customers and gain more exposure.
Tell your businesses that you appreciate their work. These are tough times! Keep morale up by reaching out to the businesses in your community and letting them know that you appreciate their hard work.
For more tips and information about coronavirus, see BBB.org/coronavirus.