THE RURBAN FRINGE

Cash in on the Valentine’s Season

Posted on | February 14, 2009 | No Comments

1144461_love_tag_2Consumers spend billions – yup, billions – during the Valentine season.  Only Christmas and the back-to-school season bring in bigger revenues.  But despite the pressure to buy gifts for your loved ones on Valentine’s Day, most money is spent the way it has always been spent … on cards, candy, flowers and dinner out.     

But don’t let this discourage you … while Valentine’s Day is a gold-mine for florists and restaurants, small businesses can also use this season to tell customers how much they are appreciated.  The bonus to this approach is that these actions are unexpected (as opposed to other times of the year) and foster loyalty and goodwill towards your biz.

  • Show your company’s love by sending letters with special rewards – not just a blanket promotion – to your best customers or clients.
  • Send Valentine’s Cards to all your clients to tell them, “I love working with you – thanks for your business.”   
  • Offer a free gift with purchase.
  • Develop a ‘Keep Your Love Local’ buy-local campaign supported by your Chamber of Commerce, business groups, etc. with discounts and specials.
  • Florists could offer exclusive ‘Make & Take Your Own Bouquet’ sessions to select customers.
  • Complementary businesses could partner for seasonal deals - e.g. a wine tasting/chocolatier; hotel stay/movie or restaurant package; graphic design/printing service; high-end clothing store/dry-cleaner … the list is endless.  
  • Everyone still needs services.  A plumber could offer a special promotion to “Get her something she really wants … a working toilet.”  (or shower.  or whatever.)

With such a consumer-driven season upon us, small businesses can use this opportunity to be as creative as possible to thank their customer … and encourage them to keep coming back.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Related Posts:

Category: Entrepreneurship
Tags: > > > > >

Comments

Leave a Reply