Supporting Local Businesses
When it comes to combating the coronavirus pandemic, most states and cities are now banning public gatherings and even closing bars and restaurants in an effort to slow down the virus spread. Due to this, small businesses all over the country are struggling to make ends meet. Not only are small business owners concerned about the future of their companies, but also the employees are worried about how they’ll pay bills for the next few weeks. However, while there is not much we can do since the restrictions are already implemented, there’re some few measures we can take to support our favorite local businesses during these hard times.
1. Most Restaurants and Bars are still offering Carry-Out and Delivery Services
Most states are taking precautions by shutting down bars and restaurants. Your local restaurants might have been forced to shut their doors, but most of them still offer delivery or carry-out. Calling for delivery or getting a carry-out order is an excellent option if it exists where you reside. You won’t have to cook, and the restaurant will still be making some money. Not only does that help in keeping the business going, but it also provides income for delivery workers. Services such as DoorDash and Grubhub have sent information to drivers and customers to help ensure safety by suggesting contact-less deliveries. So, check to see if that is a possibility at your local restaurant.
2. Buy Gift Cards from Your Favorite Boutique or Restaurant
After everything gets back to normal, small businesses will be open again. So why not buy a gift card now, that you may use later when life returns to normal? This is a great way to ensure that your favourite store or restaurant is getting some income right now when they need it the most. Buying a gift card is the best way to inject some cash into a local business right now. If you are stuck at home, give your favourite restaurant or local shops a vote of confidence by spending even $25 on a gift card. When you use the gift card later in the future, it will feel like you are having a free dinner.
3. Shop Online
We are all mostly used to shopping online such as on Amazon. So, a great way to support a local business is buying from your smartphone or computer. In addition to their brick-and-mortar locations, many local companies have online stores. However, not all retail stores or boutiques may be offering online shopping. But if they do, it is an excellent way to support a small business while also safeguarding yourself by not moving out of your home. Whenever possible, consider purchasing products from them. The delivery also applies here, so taking caution by avoiding physical contact with the delivery driver. When you become fun of local shopping, keep in mind that buying from someone in your community help them find ways to support their family and daily lives.
4. Buy Local Produce
Most grocery markets and stores are doing an excellent job keeping up with the rising demand. To help support other workers, try grocery shopping at a local market. Farmers markets are well known for providing fresh produce to the community, but they’ll need our support more than ever during these trying times. If they are open, swing by.
5. Consider A Donation
Not everyone can afford to donate during these harsh times. But you may consider a donation to a local business that could need it if your income will not be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It does not matter if it is cooking a meal for the employees or writing a check, any kind of help could mean a world to someone who is not sure how they’re going to pay their bills the next few weeks.
6. Use Credit or Debit Cards
When you go shopping, instead of cash, use a credit or debit card. Coins and paper money pass through countless hands and carry all types of germs. You can prevent the spread of those germs by limiting the amount of cash you use, which is extremely helpful right now.
7. Stay Home if You’re Sick
If you are sick, don’t put others at risk, which is common sense. If there is something you really need, consider using a delivery service. All local businesses are working towards defeating the virus. The last thing they can wish for their customers or employees is getting sick due to someone going out when they should have stayed at home.
8. Be Patient
In most cases, businesses are working at a dramatically low speed. There is a higher chance that you will encounter out-of-stock items or experience longer waits. Trust me; all businesses are feeling that pressure. They are all looking forward to meeting your needs. When they can’t, show a little patience and grace, keeping in mind that they are working hard to serve their community and stay open.
9. Say Thank You
When you go to your local shop or grocery store, make sure to say thanks or some encouraging words to the employees working hard at the stocking shelves and the payment counter. It can be easy to forget that these employees are risking getting into contact with sick people or even working overtime to ensure the store is clean and full of food and supplies needed by the customers. Just saying thank you can go a long way to spreading goodwill and a little gratitude.
This is something we could all use to encourage each other.
Conclusion
There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the affected regions, most small businesses have been ordered to close. CDC also issued a statement abolishing all gatherings of more than 50 individuals for the next eight weeks. That can be devastating to the people who own or work in small businesses that are now being forced to close their doors. The good news is that we have shown you plenty of things you can do to support them.