Businesses can draw out valuable lessons from their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from the fact that there will always be major contingencies to prepare for, this major economic disruption has shown companies the importance of adapting to whatever challenges that come along.
Indeed, the pandemic has altered the way we live and consume and it has pushed businesses to embrace new tools and modify existing practices. Sure enough, the measures that aim to limit the spread of the virus are leading businesses towards a contactless future.
With social distancing rules in place, businesses will need to double down on keeping themselves afloat in these uncertain times and do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Is your business prepared to go contactless? Check out these tips to make sure you are on the right track:
1. Set up an e-commerce platform
Brick-and-mortar businesses are, without a doubt, the most vulnerable group since much of their income relies heavily on in-store purchases. With physical stores under heavy regulation, owners will need to set up shop online in order to stay in business. For this, it’s important that you invest in a functional and secure e-commerce website using Shopify or Wordpress and give your audience an alternative means to shop for the items that your store is selling.
2. Provide contactless payment methods
Considering the fact that hard currency in circulation could spread the coronavirus, you may need to give your customers peace of mind by offering convenient payment options that provide less exposure to physical contact. Aside from credit cards and e-wallets, you can also provide customers with the option to pay via QR code. They only need to scan the code in order to transfer the amount they need to pay. There are other contactless options to consider, but it’s often best to diversify your payment methods to the benefit and safety of your customers.
3. Use a digital business account for managing your financials
If you need to pay for rent, services or raw materials to keep your business afloat, using a digital business account would be ideal in this situation. It lets you process transactions remotely and track expenses, thereby giving you better control of your financials. More importantly, it saves you time and provides you a safer alternative to bank visits and withdrawals at the ATM. You just have to choose mobile banks that provide cost-saving contactless banking solutions.
4. Invest in your own delivery fleet
Especially if you are a growing business in the local food industry, you should be able to bring your products directly to customers who wouldn’t want to expose themselves just to buy a burrito. While you can link up with services like GrubHub and UberEats, consider managing your own delivery fleet. That way, you won’t have to pay extra dues for using a food delivery system that would be valuable after COVID-19.
Business will have to find a balance between safety and opportunity. Using contactless systems such as the ones above should help you chart a better path for your business beyond the pandemic.