Small Business Saturday: Shopping Small and Your Direct Sales Business

Have you heard of Small Business Saturday? You’ve probably already got a plan in place.

Just in case you haven’t here are some last minute tips to make this local shopping movement work for you. Follow the three D’s.

Dial, Discount and Deliver

1)Dial You have got to reach the people. At this late hour (figuratively speaking) you are going to need to actually get in touch with your customers. This is an informative call. A personal, not group, text could also work. You are just calling them to let them know about what you are offering. You can ask a leading question but don’t corner them. You want them to answer next time you call.

2)Discount It’s the holiday shopping season and millions of dollars will be spent on gifts for loved ones. (And even some people we don’t love so much.) Some of that money should be yours. Shoppers are looking for sales and discounts. You don’t have to give away the store but your customers want to save some money. Decide what you can afford and be consistent.

3)Deliver Save your customers a trip and bring them their purchases. If you can avoid having them pick them up they will love this service and don’t forget to make it pretty. My husband recently came home after finding a birthday present for his mom. He said “I can now add (enter local shop’s name) to the list of stores I can shop at, they offer free gift wrapping!” You have no idea how excited he was about a paper bag and matching tissue. It was a big deal to him. When you deliver it should be the most beautiful (and cost effective for you) gift you can provide. Wrap those gifts and make their holidays easy. They will keep coming back, year after year and holiday after holiday. Let them know you’ll do the same for the birthdays they shop for as well.

Here’s a quick script you could use.

“Hi Jenn, This is (enter your name) with (enter your company.) I just wanted to let you know about my Small Business Saturday Sale. You know I’m not like (enter big box store name popular in your area.) I can’t advertise during the evening news. I am offering 25% off your entire order now through Saturday only. Who are you most nervous about shopping for this year? I have just the perfect gift for them (have a few ideas ahead of time for mothers in law, fathers in law, sisters and brothers in law and great grandmas.) I’ll send you an email with some pictures. There will be a link to my website there as well. I might follow up with you on Saturday if I don’t hear from you just to make sure you’re getting it all figured out! Thanks so much Jenn. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes black Friday shopping and be safe! Talk to you soon, Bye!”

You can do this!