If your business has the ability to provide curbside pickup it may just be the key to keeping your employees and your customers protected while still generating revenue.

You want the service you’re offering to be an added benefit to your customer’s shopping experience with your brand. Not an annoyance or hindrance. A curbside pickup experience that is confusing, without transparency, and inventory that isn’t updated will put off your customers.

If you’re new to offering delivery services it’s important that you take the necessary steps to do it right.

1. Designate a specific area of your store for orders

If you’re still operating your brick-and-mortar store and taking orders for curbside pickup, things can quickly get confusing. To avoid this, find an area of your store that will be dedicated solely to orders. This way, once an order is filled and ready for pickup, it has a specific place to go.

Then, once the customer lets you know they have arrived it’s a simple matter of grabbing their prepared order. Having a separate place for orders is the key to organized internal logistics, efficient delivery, and the best curbside pickup experience.

2. Have a Plan and Make Things Simple

While the previous point will help you stay organized inside the store it’s equally as important to have a plan for the outside as well. Make the pickup experience as simple and clear as possible for your customers. Have clear signs showing what customers need to do when they arrive, whether that’s to text or call a number. Also, make sure to label any parking spaces that are designed for curbside pickup.

If you have multiple parking spaces, have them clearly numbered or outlined so that you know exactly where your customer is. You should have the instructions readily available on your website or explain them by phone. But having clear signage and instructions once the curbside pickup customer arrives will make the experience as smooth as possible.

3. Train Your Employees

If this is the first time your business is doing curbside pickup, it’s your duty to make sure all of your employees are trained and fully prepared to implement the new system.

Once you have your plan and logistics figured out, you need to clearly establish the guidelines your employees need to follow for both safety reasons and the ability to provide your customers with the best curbside pickup experience.

Have clear written instructions for:

• the procedure that needs to be followed
• which employees are responsible for the curbside delivery
• the time in which an order needs to be completed

Make sure your employees get full training before you implement the new system.

The post The 3 Main Steps for Creating the Best Curbside Pickup Experience appeared first on AFLUENCER.

Protecting your business and your health as well as the health of your workforce can seem nearly impossible. Leaving many people worried about what the future of their business will look like, especially if a temporary closure is necessary. There are 4 steps you can take to help protect your small business during the pandemic.

4 Ways to Protect Your Small Business

1. Be Upfront With Your Customers

Being open and honest is the best way to approach communication with your customers during these times. Everyone is facing uncertainty regardless of whether they are business owners, self-employed, or full-time workers. Eliminate some of that uncertainty by being proactive and letting your customers and your community know about the steps your business is taking and the changes you’re making.

If you’re limiting your open hours, closing temporarily, or switching your in-store options for online and delivery, let your customers know. The easiest way to do this is to add a section to your website outlining all changes and use social media to let your followers know where they can find all relevant information.

2. Protect Your Employees

If it’s possible, working from home is the best way to protect your employees while still keeping your business operational. For those who have never worked from home before it may feel strange at first but you will quickly adjust.

If it’s not possible to make a full switch to WFH, look into different ways you can limit social contact. Switching to online platforms and offering delivery services is the best way to keep person-to-person contact to a minimum. While at the same time still providing your customers with service and products. If you’re not sure which changes are the right ones for your business use social media to ask your customers for their input. This is a quick way to find out what they want.

3. Start an Online Shop for your Small Business

Move your sales online. This is one of the best steps you can take to protect and keep your small business operational during these times. It is now easier than ever to sell online if you haven’t already set up an online shop. It creates a means of generating an extra stream of revenue to keep your business afloat.

In many countries, postal services are still running. However, many companies are also offering the option of doorstep deliveries that involve no contact.

You can also offer an alternative to your refund policy. Where customers have the option to choose a voucher or gift card instead of a cash return. Thus, offering even the smallest of support to your business. This should not replace your standard refund policy. Instead, it should be available as an option for the customers who want to support you.

4. Protect your Small Business by Staying Active on Social Media

Even if you have to shut down your business for a time, don’t stop posting on social media. Social media platforms are a great way to keep interacting with your customers. Safeguard the future of your small business by keeping them updated on what is happening and staying engaged with your community.

Staying in touch and showing solidarity with your audience is a great way to strengthen your relationship and get your business bouncing back when things return to normal.

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