BBB Offers Tips for Businesses to Prepare for Height of Holiday Shopping, 2020 Style

Given the guarantee that the 2020 holiday season will be unlike any before, with holiday spending behavior a major unknown, the Better Business Bureau (BBB, bbb.org/Nebraska) is offering tips to help businesses make adjustments to their holiday plans. Following are some crucial things for business owners to get in order in preparation for the unknown:

  • Create a plan of action early. The forecast for consumer behavior may not be crystal clear, but you can still make sure shelves are stocked and you are promoting products that fi t with shoppers’ current reality. Keep in mind your supply chain could be affected by the pandemic, and plan accordingly.
  • Hiring for the holidays? Stay flexible. It’s predicted that shoppers are planning on being practical with their purchases and have transitioned to the order-online-with-curbside-pickup model, or are shopping online exclusively. Carefully consider your staffing levels and offer curbside pickup.
  • Improve your online presence. Because of increased online sales, make sure your website is up-to-date and running smoothly. Consider investing in social-media marketing.
  • Consider flexible payment options. Embrace digital payments, flexible payment options, and contactless payments like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes.
  • Keep customers and employees safe. Set up hand-sanitizer stations and clear signage to direct your customers quickly to what they are looking for. Bring seasonal employees up to speed and trained on social-distancing requirements.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more at bbb.org/Nebraska or by calling (800) 649-6814.