Small businesses are one of the hardest hit segments with the recent self-quarantine and shutdown procedures. As many provide products or have brick and mortar spaces to pay for and maintain, they could certainly use our help. See below for some ways that you can support them with and without dollars.
1. BUY GIFT CARDS
Can't go in but know you'll be back? Buy a gift card to your favorite store or restaurant to use when they're back to operating at full capacity. They'll appreciate the cash inflow, and you just bought yourself a save for later gift.
2. LEAVE AN ONLINE REVIEW
Often requested but less often completed, reviews can be a lifeline for small businesses, since we as consumers rely heavily on them in making our decisions. Take a few minutes out today to go on Google or Yelp to tell the world about your faves; they'll appreciate it and we might find a new place to support!
3. RESCHEDULE INSTEAD OF CANCELING
So many in person services have had to be postponed due to our quarantine, which means that income is significantly impacted when clients choose to cancel outright. If you expect to actually have the service performed, consider rescheduling to a later date v. requesting a refund. This could be the difference between income they earn now v. later.
4. GIVE THEM (AND YOURSELF) GRACE
We're all doing the best we can, but these times are unlike anything we've seen before. Allow for some additional time and space for items to be completed, read carefully over communications provided, and give room for the ever-changing events that may disrupt the way we work.