Up Your Sales This Holiday Season
The holiday season is fast approaching, and as the air turns chilly and the decorations go up, it’s time to ensure your payment methods are ready to support an influx of holiday shoppers. From embracing the Venmo craze to optimizing for Black Friday and offering flexible payment plans, these tips will help equip your business for a successful and stress-free holiday season.
As the holiday season approaches and Q4 comes into view, it’s the perfect time to ensure your business is geared up for success. These upcoming months hold incredible potential for both product- and service-based businesses, providing a chance to boost sales and strengthen your connection with new and existing customers.
Here are five tips to get you started with smoothly navigating the approaching holiday season:
Diversify Your Payment Methods:
- The holidays bring a diverse range of customers. Be ready to accommodate them all. Accept various payment methods, including credit, debit, cash, and mobile payment apps, to cater to the preferences of your customers.
Embrace the Rise of Venmo:
- Venmo has become increasingly popular among customers. Make sure your business is set up to accept Venmo payments and tap into this expanding customer base.
Promote Affirm Payment Plans:
- Many customers prefer flexible payment options. Consider offering Affirm payment plans to make high-ticket items more accessible. It’s a win-win, as it boosts your sales and provides customers with affordable purchasing options.
Offer Gift Cards and E-Gift Cards:
- Gift cards are a favorite holiday gift. Ensure your business sells physical gift cards and offers e-gift cards for online shoppers. This can boost your sales and attract more customers to your store.
Remember that convenient and secure payment methods can significantly impact your sales during the holiday season. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the needs of your diverse customer base and create a seamless shopping experience.
Here’s to a happy holiday season!
Remember that these tips can be adapted to suit your unique business and circumstances. Always keep an eye on evolving consumer trends to see how else you can take advantage of the holiday season!
MEET SHERLEI
We had the privilege of interviewing one of Ascendus’ dedicated loan consultants, Shirlei, allowing you to meet one of the individuals who drive our organization and make a tangible impact in the lives of small business owners.
How do you describe what you do at Ascendus?
- I describe Ascendus with two words: Inclusion and ascension. Our mission is to include clients who are currently unbanked and who do not have access to direct capital from banks. We work so that these clients can have access to funding to grow their businesses and generate more jobs in the community. It’s a circle where everyone wins, everyone learns, and everyone has the opportunity to take the next step in entrepreneurship.
Could you tell us a story about a client you helped succeed in getting a loan and how it changed their business? Or, do you have a favorite client success story?
- I love Danielle Silverman from Life Like You Green It, and Sueyla Eller Maciel from Eller Brand – a Brazilian entrepreneur who opened her storefront in September – (09/19/23).
What advice would you give yourself if you were a small business owner looking for funds to better your business?
- Shop around, research, and see what the financial market can best offer your business in relation to access to capital. Do not choose the first opportunity; study and avoid payday lenders who are very aggressive with their rates and payment methods.
Watch the Stories of Ascension video series, and learn more about the incredible businesses that successfully navigated the pandemic with Ascendus.
Mariana Foods in Miami offers delicious soul-filled foods and beverages from Spain, both online and by catalog. Their high-quality, gourmet offerings are sure to satisfy. Everyone can enjoy!
Pueblo Querido is a family-owned business from the heart of Columbia. Offering a range of delicious and unique coffee and ensuring fair trade practices, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fresh roasted coffee here.
Kazumi Garden is where nature meets art. Offering beautiful and artfully crafted plant displays, they envision a world where people are more connected with nature and their inner selves.
Need a loan, line of credit, or just some personal finance coaching to help your business grow?
Check out these products and resources designed for your needs.
Business Term Loan
For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans from $500 – $50,000. Qualified businesses will be located nationwide, except Vermont.
CT Small Business Boost Fund
Supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, this fund links Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits to financial support.
Childcare Business Development
Qualified Businesses can be found nationwide, excluding Vermont. If you have been in business for more than three years, you can access up to $25,000 in fast-track financing at the same interest rate within 48 hours. No paperwork is needed to apply.
Rideshare Business Term Loan
Loans up to $15,000 in financing for rideshare businesses are offered at 13.99%.
Business Line of Credit
Access a line of credit up to $25,000 in fast-track financing at a 13.99% interest rate.
New York Forward Loan Fund 2.0
Up to $150,000 with a fixed interest rate for the lifetime of the loan. Eligible to New York small businesses only.
Entrepreneurs of Color Fund
Loans up to $250,000 at 9.99%. Eligible to small business owners in any state, excluding Vermont. Must be 51% or more owned by an entrepreneur of color.
“Get Ready” Business Line of Credit
No FICO minimum! This line of credit product is designed to help small business owners improve their credit and invest in their business. $5,000 offered at 13.99%.
Ascendus Credit Coaching
Free tailored credit coaching for all current clients that are interested in our “Get Ready” Loan product. Training sessions will include credit building, debt management tailored to long- and short-term goals, prioritizing debt repayment, budget assessment, and assessment for current credit-building programs.
Microinsurance
$50,000 Term Life and $50,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance offered at no cost to you with your loan. Only available to new clients located in New York City.
Eastern Bank Equity Alliance
We are thrilled to be working with the Equity Alliance for Business, which is designed to advance growth opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth through specialized banking offerings and community partnerships. At a recent fireside chat, business and community leaders shared unique perspectives about solutions aimed at shaping a path forward for diverse businesses across the Commonwealth.
Tory Burch Program
The Tory Burch Foundation is looking for incredible women entrepreneurs – from any industry – for the 2024 Fellows program. Applications are open now through November 2.
Looking for more business resources? Check out our curation of resources designed to help minority-owned businesses flourish.