During these difficult times, most of us are trying to find a sense of normalcy and, for many business owners, that means readapting your entire business model to align with the current needs of society. Some businesses have been forced to close because they are considered non-essential while others are finding ways to implement social distancing and eliminating the transfer of germs while running their business. Below are a few of the ways that businesses have adapted to our current norm -  

 

Online Ordering

Almost all businesses are currently relying on sales generated by online orders to stay afloat. Many nonessential businesses have found a way to implement online sales into their current daily operations.  

Customers can go directly to the business website or they use a third-party company to place an order. Currently, the need to have an ecommerce solution for your business is so essential.

 

Takeout and Delivery  

Most restaurant owners used to focus on the dine in experience pre-COVID 19. During this time, restaurants have had to entirely shift their focus from a dine in experience to recreating a similar experience in their customer’s home with takeout and delivery options.  

Almost all restaurants are offering takeout options for their customers and some are even offering personal delivery services. Third party delivery services have also played a pivotal role during this time by eliminating delivery fees and by offering more restaurant options. 

 

Retail Curbside Pickup

Many businesses such as Home Depot, Target, and Michaels are providing COVID-19 friendly solutions that help protect their employees while fulfilling their customers’ needs. Several big chain stores are now implementing curbside pickup.   

How does it work? The customer places an online order, selects curbside pickup at check out and then drives to the store during their appropriate time slot.  

As a business owner, you may want to consider offering this option to your customers. They will feel safe and their intention to purchase will not be curbed. Make sure you clearly explain what your curbside offering entails. Do you offer curbside pickup time slots for seniors, first responders and those most vulnerable to COVID-19? If not, you should consider adding this feature as it will make those customers feel more comfortable and incentivize repeat visits.

 

No cash, card only

If you are going to offer curb side pick-ups or delivery, make sure that you follow necessary sanitation rules and think about different ways to make both yourself and the customer feel safe.  Consider not taking cash during this time in order to avoid the transfer of germs from cash. Card payment has now become the main payment option because it reduces the amount of human contact during a transaction.  

Also, highly consider sanitizing used pens for your employees and for your customers to sign the receipt with. We also suggest having two pen holders – one that is for clean pens, and one where the customer can put their used pen in.  

 

 

Now, more than ever, businesses need to be able to accept credit cards as a form of payment. Not only that, but do you need a wireless terminal to process payments at curb side? If you are a small business or a restaurant that wants to offer credit card payment solutions to your customers, please contact us at support@tcbpay.com or 866-444-8585, and we will find the best fit to your needs. We look forward to speaking with you!