Almost no business is going to experience the same amount of trade every single day. Even businesses that have great access to customers, such as a cafe in a fantastic location, will still have slow periods where customers aren’t as present as they would be otherwise. Holidays for example, or the mid-morning of a workday.
However, slowness also implies the existence of busy periods, which as we all know, can come without warning. For example, the period running up to Christmas, summer holidays, or perhaps seasonal events that define your firm. As Halloween is almost here, we can expect costume stores to be preparing for a major sale period.
If your business isn’t equipped to work well at these times, then it’s easy for you to lose out on vital commercial activity. “Make hay while the sun shines” is the adage that should always be followed no matter what industry you’re in, and being poorly prepared for such demands can lead to struggles elsewhere. Let’s discuss, from a systemic perspective, how to define a better outcome:
Payment Processing Requirements
At this time, the last thing you want is a slow or failing payment system. You have to be sure your technology can handle the surge in transactions without freezing up or crashing, so consider upgrading your point of sale terminals or investing in mobile payment solutions.
Having more than one option for your customers to pay is always wise, especially if your payment processing is going to be in continual operation. Pre-invest in a seamless payment process to seriously improve the customer experience and help you capture every possible sale during this crucial trading period.
Train Staff In Advance
You could set up training sessions for your team well before a busy season begins, since preparing them for what’s coming can make a world of difference. Your employees could run through mock scenarios of a hectic day, so they know what to do if a line forms out the door or if a difficult customer appears, as they always do in the most inconvenient times
If you curate a staff that’s comfortable and confident in their roles, it means they can handle the pressure with ease. It’s also a good idea to teach your team how to troubleshoot common issues with your systems and equipment so they can resolve problems quickly.
Exacting Knowledge About Volume & Capacity
You want to account for everyone, but no business has endless volume, so it’s good to predict and prepare. You can look at sales data from past years to define how many customers might come through your doors, and how much inventory you’ll need to meet the demand. This helps you order the right amount of product so you aren’t stuck with excess stock or sold out of popular items. – you may have both, but at least the amount will be reduced. Then, you can also use this information to create a more effective staffing schedule, ensuring you have enough people on the floor to provide great service.
With this advice, you’ll no doubt prepare your business for peak periods with ease, and get better at it each year.
