15+ Great ways small businesses can maximize downtime

Slower seasons of the year offer big opportunities to streamline operations, improve staff scheduling, and think critically about the competitive advantages that could be available. Maximize downtime and make the most of these slow periods to help set up your small business for success during the rest of the year. 

When you’ve got some time on your hands, here are a few ideas for investing it in your business and yourself. 

5 Ideas for retailers

Retailers, in particular, often view downtime negatively. However, shifting your mindset to view downtime as an opportunity to revamp your store, amp up your online store, and revisit your sales strategy can help you make the most of sales lulls. 

Do an inventory count. Inventory counting should be part of your business-as-usual routine, but downtime is a great opportunity to do a full physical inventory count. Do a deep dive and clear out any deadstock, update your bookkeeping, and organize your storeroom. Implement a tool like Thrive Inventory by Shopventory to help keep inventory management running smoothly after your inventory count.

Update your eCommerce site. Perform an SEO check and review your analytics to look for areas of improvement on your website. Look for ways to reduce your bounce rate, optimize your website design, and create content from customer feedback. Consider updating your product pictures to refresh your online shopping experience.   

Remix your playlist. Revamp your in-store experience by updating (or adding) your background shopping music. The right playlist can influence consumer behavior, create an inviting environment, and drive sales in your retail store.

Declutter your space. Turn a critical eye to your floor plan to view it from the customer’s perspective. Is it easy to navigate around your store? Can customers find what they need quickly? What is the counter check-out experience like? Look for opportunities to declutter and update your space to make it more appealing. 

Change your window display. Use this time to come up with a striking window display that entices shoppers to visit your store. Unleash your creativity to come up with something out-of-the-box–and leverage high-quality photos of your display across social media and on your website to make the effort worthwhile. 

READ: How to maximize visual merchandising efforts

5 Ideas for service businesses

There are different busy periods for different service professionals–gyms are going to be jammed in January, while salons may see seasonal spikes starting in September. There are plenty of things to do in the down periods, depending on the type of service your business provides.

Update your skill set. For service professionals, investing in training is a direct investment in business growth. Spend your spare time enhancing your skills or developing new ones to keep your company competitive. 

Boost client reviews. Service businesses often rely on customer reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to bring in new business. An easy way to solicit and manage customer reviews is through Clover Feedback, a private channel for one-to-one conversations directly through your services POS system. Feedback lets you ask for input, respond to complaints, and manage reviews online.

Do an equipment audit. Down periods are good times for auditing and updating your equipment. Home service providers and even gyms should check their inventory to see what needs repair, maintenance, or replacement. Check your accounting to see if you can claim depreciation on your tax return.

Implement recurring payments. If you don’t already offer them, consider offering a way for your clients to set up recurring payments. Recurring card payments offer benefits for both your business and your customers. Clover can help you offer electronic billing that simplifies the payment process, increases cash flow, and reduces costs. 

Update your cybersecurity. Small businesses are often the target of cybercriminals. You should update your software regularly, but it’s also wise to perform some basic security best practices. Change your passwords, back up your data, and upgrade to Clover Security Plus to keep your customer data safe. 

5 Ideas for restaurants

Restaurants rarely experience seasonal downtimes, but there are still pockets of time during the week when your foot traffic will be lower. Use those quieter moments to implement these bigger tasks in small chunks and maximize downtime. 

Do a deep clean. More than 92% of Americans say it’s very important to see a visibly clean restaurant when dining indoors or outdoors and ordering takeout. Every eatery should make time during the year to do a deep clean that meets (and exceeds) food safety standards. 

Start a marketing campaign. Most restaurant owners focus on offering high-quality food, drink, and service. When you have the time, spread the word about your business to bring in more diners. Check out some of these restaurant marketing strategies to grow your business.  

Optimize your menu. Take a moment to see if your restaurant or bar menu is netting the best possible profit margin. Analyze your costs, best-selling items, and seasonal ingredients to see if there are opportunities to streamline your menu, introduce new dishes, or sunset low-performing items. 

Build out a new revenue stream. Look for additional revenue-generating opportunities that can help your business earn even during low periods. For instance, meal kits or wholesale items are good options for making the most of the ingredients, staff, and equipment you already have.  

Streamline your bar service. The right tools can help your bartenders serve thirsty customers faster. Make sure your restaurant POS system is set up to reduce manual tasks and errors, manage bar inventory, and handle happy hour promotions without frustrating your bartenders. 

Make the most of your downtime 

While working hard to improve your business, be sure to take some time for yourself to breathe and relax. Celebrate your staff (especially after the holiday rush), thank your customers, try out a new healthy habit, and recharge for the next peak season. 

A Clover POS can also help maximize downtime and busy times by simplifying and automating many daily tasks–like managing reporting, inventory, employees, customers, and more. Reach out to a Clover Consultant to learn how Clover can help you make the most of your time.

Image designed by freepik.com

Editorial Team

Insights, Run your business, Strategy

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