How to support your customers during flu season.
From December through February, flu cases rise across the United States and other parts of the world. As a result, that means we have to prepare for the inevitable: that germs will spread all over. That includes your business. When thinking of these conditions, you probably want to consider all of the ways you can prevent yourself from getting the flu. While that is important, your customers are equally someone to take care of. The reason being is they are your bread and butter, you want them to be healthy because they are a part of your community. Taking actions to show you care about their well-being means that they will have gratitude for your actions, and recognize that they are in good hands. Here are five different ways you can support your customers during the time of flu season.
Offer complimentary masks
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that masks became mandatory in places where it usually was not before. While the disease is not entirely behind us, businesses slowly started to allow customers to go maskless. Unfortunately, some customers do not enjoy mandatory mask mandates, but they can be very helpful for any kind of viral sickness. In order to help stop the spread of germs, offer complimentary masks at the register or at the front door. Customers who are sick, or simply might need a mask to go will find it to be a kind gesture.
Offer Hand Sanitizer, Soap, or Bathroom Access
Accessibility during this time is important. Much like masks, hand sanitizer is a great thing to offer customers for free because it lasts a long time. It keeps customer’s hands clean before and after touching products. It also allows for human contact should your business involve a firm handshake, or a helping hand. Offering soap dispensers also works well in place of hand sanitizer. Or, if you don’t feel like the funds are worth it, allow access to your bathroom if possible. Bathroom access is important to customers because an emergency can come out at any time. Allowing accessibility to this hygiene will let customers know that bringing their business here is safe, so they will want to keep coming back.
Offer to deliver or hold items for customers
Sometimes efforts from all parties are just not enough to avoid catching the flu. This means that some of your customers who may have been wanting to swing by may not have the ability to do so. They could miss out on limited offers, or simply need something urgently with no one else to come pick it up for them. If your store doesn’t offer delivery, you might want to consider this as a possibility. Opening up your store to local delivery options allows you to market your service from anywhere, and you can still leave customers with in-store promotions to keep them coming back. You can also offer to hold the items for customers. In order to advertise this, make sure to use your social media or make it clear on your company website that these are options for customers.
Re-train your employees to be aware, and hygienic
We always expect our employees to be model and mindful. Some may have specific hygiene policies already in place, but it never hurts to go back over protocols and introduce new measures of safety. Whether it’s wearing masks, specific times you must wash your hand, or wiping down countertops, your employees need to know their stuff. You should also train employees to be mindful of those who may be more at risk of the flu, or unfortunately wandered in with flu symptoms. Every customer should be treated equally and receive accommodations, so ensure that your employees feel like they are just as safe from their daily actions. Happy employees will create happy customers that want to return for that service.
Inform your customers of what you’re doing, and what they can do
Staying in touch with your community during this time is important because it sends a clear message. Inform your customers about the health risks of the flu. Also remind them about vaccinations, masks, and staying hygienic in order to prevent the spread. Use social media in order to reach out, and create posts that align with your brand. Use things like your mascot, or common items you might find in your store to promote the awareness of flu season. This will not only get customers to order from your business, but they will also see how much your business cares about their health and well-being.
Make sure to stay safe this flu season, and if you think of any ways that you might be able to help your customers during this time, do so! It will be to your advantage, but more importantly, keep your community safer from illness.