7 Ways to Support Small Business during the Pandemic

While the social distancing and self-isolation are vital in helping to curb the spread of the deadly disease, they also threaten to devastate local businesses. There are many ways the people can support their favourite local businesses.

Here are our seven ways to help small businesses stay afloat during the Coronavirus crisis.

1. Shop locally – both on and offline

The need to social distance has seen many retailers adapt their services to the ‘new normal’, with independent brewers supplying beers to your front door and shops offering contact-free delivery. Go to your local corner shop or farms where you are more likely to pick up the things larger supermarkets are running out of while simultaneously supporting your local community.

2. Buy gift cards

Buying a gift card from a local business and saving it to use in the future is an immediate way to put cash into your favourite shop, salon, or restaurant while also limiting interactions. It is also a meaningful way to show independent business owners how much you appreciate their work and a gesture of customer loyalty in uncertain times.

3. Order takeaway food and drink

While many local restaurants have decided to close their doors completely, a number are open for takeaway and delivery, including places that did not provide that service before the outbreak. As an extra precaution, always try to pay by card online or over the phone and if you’re unwell or elderly, ask for contact-free delivery, which reduces the need of face to face interaction.

4. If you can, be more generous

If you do make the decision to order a takeaway from a local restaurant or bar, consider being a little more generous than usual, if your income allows you to. The extra tips, no matter how small, will help not only the business but also their staff who are still required to work during these unpredictable times.

5. Leave good reviews

If you cannot support a local business, financially, there are plenty of other ways you can help such as sharing their business on social media and leaving positive reviews on sites such as; Instagram, TripAdvisor and UberEats. This not only gives the restaurant more positive exposure but also gives the owners and staff a boost of morale.

6. Try to avoid refunds and postpone instead of cancelling

Yes, you may have the consumer right to ask for a refund following the cancellation of any event, however, one way to support a local business during the coronavirus outbreak is to see what other options they can offer. In this instance to prevent being left out of pocket, many independent venues are giving customers the opportunity to put their ticket price towards a different event at a later date when the current circumstances change.

7. Take part in online classes

From health and fitness classes to cocktail and cooking classes there are many online courses you can take part in. If independent business offering this, why not give it a try, you have the chance to learn something new and show support and solidarity to the local businesses owners and community.