After "Black Friday" ended, the next big thing in "Cyber Monday" that started at midnight and some are now promoting "Cyber Week" to keep this hype going as long as they can. Now is when you should be able to find extra discounts for your online shopping. My wife has already tried to get a discount on a watch that my daughter had her eye on for Christmas but it was not reduced at midnight after all...
I hope for the sake of our country, that many will shop locally to help support the small business owners in their community trying to keep their heads above water.
Some other ideas that are being promoted include the following:
1. Gift certificates for auto servicing or new tires.
2. Gift certificates for a local restaurant.
3. Gift certificate for a local movie theatre, upcoming play or game.
4. Gift certificate for a massage or hair appointment.
5. Gift certificate for a local retail store. (These are great because you can take advantage of the after Christmas sales too.)
If you know a small business owner, ask them if they have gift certificates that you can promote for them in your blogs and in your travels. This might give them an idea that can really help their business. You can offer to print up some certificates for them that they can sign and sell.
Then, before their customers leave their business empty handed, they can offer them the chance to buy a gift certificate as a Christmas gift idea.
One more thing about gift certificates. Many never get used, lost or expire and most people that use them will spend more than the face value amount on the certificate. That is why many businesses are offering these and gift cards.
For these business owners that appreciate your help, ask if you can promote your services at their business too by setting up a business card holder on their counter! I am sure that they will be happy to return the favor. This can help YOUR small business too!
Very nice idea...thank you for sharing.
Sam, Good list of ideas to consider for Cyber Monday. You are absolutley correct, we small businesses need to support and look out for one another. It is how it all works best for us all. Best to you!
We eat at Local (Non-Franchise / Non-Corporate) Restaurants.
We get our Car serviced at Non-Union Non-Dealer Repair Shops
My wife gets her hair, nails, etc. done by a local sole proprietor. I get my hair cut from a sole proprietor.
But big ticket items, books, technology? I buy Online. (1) Better Prices (2) No Sale Tax for the Government
Great post Sam, I've already started shopping a bit online, there's some great deals available from the comfort of home.