Here are a few tips to prepare for Small Business Saturday

In 2016, an estimated 112 million consumers reported shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday. What started in 2010 by American Express as a way to help small businesses during the recession, has grown in popularity and participation, and is now entering into its 7th year. At Concur, we hold small businesses near and dear to our heart, supporting them with products and services that save them both time and money.

With Small Business Saturday right around the corner on November 25, we want you to perform your best on this busy shopping holiday. Here are a few tips to get you and your business prepared.

Start preparing early

Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to prepare for Small Business Saturday. Create a game plan for how you are going to take on the holiday. It should include everything from the products or services you are going to promote to how you’re going to advertise. Get your employees excited by including them in your planning. Don’t forget to incorporate the Shop Small logo on your storefront display, your website and social media posts.

Include a special offer

This holiday is only one day each year, which means you will want to take a few extra steps to get people through the door. And, nothing is more enticing to shoppers than a special offer. Whether it is a free gift with purchase, a percentage discount or a free appetizer with a drink, an added bonus makes shoppers feel special and more enticed to spend a little extra.

Automate as many back-end processes as possible

You need to put your focus on customer service and making Small Business Saturday a success. The last thing you need is to be mired down by paperwork before the big day, such as sifting through employee expense reports and vendor invoices. Using products like Concur Expense and Concur Invoice turn your manual processes into automated ones, allowing you and your employees to spend more time focused on your customers.

With automated spend management, you’ll have better insight into spending, which gives you tighter control over your cash flow. Say goodbye to out-of-policy spending and high fees, and hello to putting more cash back into your business.

Pay vendors on time to save money (and your relationships)

Late payments and additional fees tax not only your checkbook, but also your vendor relationships. Moving to an automated invoice system, such as Concur Invoice, helps you manage accounts payable and cash flow, ensuring invoices get paid on time. With Small Business Saturday fast approaching, you need your vendors on your side, to ensure your shelves are fully stocked and ready to celebrate the shopping holiday.

Get involved and partner with other small businesses

Why not work with other small businesses in your area to create a complete Small Business Saturday experience? Not only can you combine deals, but you can work together on getting the word out and promoting your businesses. Why not get shoppers in the holiday spirit by having carolers go from store to store, or host a fun run or photo with Santa. The sky’s the limit when working together, right?

Above all, have fun

Small Business Saturday only happens once a year. Make sure that you take a step back and allow yourself to enjoy the holiday. From all of us here at Concur, cheers to you and to a profitable Small Business Saturday.

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