COVID has forced many businesses to adjust their operations and some have shut down completely. However, with the vaccine now in distribution, companies are gearing up to come back stronger than ever. Of course, there’s a lot to do, from purchasing wireless credit card readers to establishing reliable supply chains. To ensure your enterprise succeeds, here’s everything you need to do before reopening.
Create a Timeline
Because there are so many tasks you need to accomplish, you need to start getting ready weeks or even months in advance. The best way to ensure your efforts are coordinated with staff and vendors is to create a timeline.
First, determine how much time will be required to accomplish everything on your reopening-checklist. Then create realistic goals with leeway to adjust if challenges arise.
Make a Budget
One of the most important things you can do as a business owner is make a budget. This is especially important if you’ve made changes to your operations.
Tally the costs of what it will take to get your doors open. If you’ve been operating at reduced capacity, you may need to acquire working capital to fund growth. Fortunately, there are many grants and loans available to help you get back into the swing of things.
Research Local Programs
Many municipalities are offering programs to help businesses in their communities. Your enterprise may qualify for grants or other support, especially if you’re local.
Make sure to research available programs and understand the requirements before applying. You don’t want to waste time and energy on applications for programs you aren’t eligible for.
Get Your Payment System Online
When customers finally come through the door again, you don’t want them to be stuck waiting as you fiddle with the register. Before reopening day, make sure your payment system is ready to go.
Need to upgrade your system? You should look for POS software that offers the following:
- Ability to process multiple payment methods
- Ability to issue gift cards and refunds
- Data tracking for sales and inventory
A Clover card machine may be a good option, especially if you need a model that’s portable.
Keep Employees Updated
As you create your reopening plan, make sure you keep employees in the loop. People may need to adjust schedules and find childcare, which can be difficult. You’re more likely to have enthusiastic employee support if you give enough notice to make these changes.
If you’ve made any alternations to your operations, you also want to let your employees know as soon as possible. This will enable workers to hit the ground running, rather than having to learn as they go.
Build Your Supply Chain
Establishing reliable supply chains is difficult in normal situations and the pandemic made the process even more challenging. Vendors you previously worked with may have gone out of business, forcing you to form new partnerships. If you spend time finding reliable sources for inventory, you can prevent delays that may hurt your enterprise’s recovery.
Now that you have a solid plan, it’s time to put it into action. So get your Clover Flex terminal, make up the weekly schedule and get ready to open the doors.
