(BPT) - Sponsored by Office Depot
For many small business owners, the holidays mean crunch time, whether they sell consumer gifts or not. The pressure is on: as Small Business Saturday approaches, the fourth quarter is winding down. Businesses are scrambling to hit their numbers by year end and employees are taking PTO to celebrate with their families, leaving many small business owners with more work at just the wrong time.
But between the madness, the holiday season also provides small business owners with plenty of exciting opportunities to focus on their business goals and prepare for a fresh new year with everything they need. So, if you're feeling the crunch, take a breath and check out these tips to help you have a rocking holiday season, starting with Small Business Saturday, and set your business and yourself up for success next year.
1. Stop leaving money on the table
Loyalty rewards and other programs geared toward businesses can add up to big savings not just during the holiday season, but beyond too. Start by looking at the businesses you already frequent and see if you can sign up for a rewards program. The free Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards program offers 2% back in rewards on almost everything, members-only savings, $2 back in recycling rewards when you switch out your ink and toner, and $2 back in rewards for product reviews. After spending $500 in a 12-month period, customers will earn VIP status and will earn 5% back in rewards on ink, toner, paper and print services in addition to receiving free delivery on qualifying orders and exclusive perks. It's a rewards stocking stuffer!
2. Refresh and reset your brand look
'New year, new you' isn't just an idea for personal development in the new year. Small Business Saturday brings exciting opportunities to show off fresh signage and marketing materials including flyers, business cards, brochures and more that are essential in driving traffic to your store or site and drawing in new customers. From standard flyers and colorful banners to outdoor signs and custom flags, take advantage of fourth quarter deals on custom printing. Office Depot OfficeMax is running a great holiday special for small business owners with a coupon for 40% off a qualifying $75 purchase of Print Services through Nov. 23.
Why just stop at signage? Small Business Saturday is a great time to give out branded gifts. Everyone loves receiving a freebie and it's a good way to turn people into ambassadors for your brand.
3. Save time and let Power.Up handle your marketing
Take at least one thing off your plate this holiday season by tapping into help from the Power.Up team, presented by Dun & Bradstreet and Office Depot. Think of us as your marketing team - we're here to run your campaigns and target the right audience, so you don't waste money on the wrong people seeing your ads. Tell us who you want to reach, and we'll get to work. The Power.Up team can launch your email campaigns, your social media and display advertising, send direct mail on behalf of your business, and even help with your website and design. Plus, Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Members get up to 30% off Power.Up services.
4. Take advantage of convenient shopping options
Between prepping your business for the season and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. Shopping online is a fast and convenient option that lets you get what you need without taking you away from the action. Best of all, you can cross something off both of your lists when shopping at stores like Office Depot and OfficeMax. While you're placing a restock order of paper or a refill order of ink and toner, fill up on stocking stuffers during your in-store pickup. You can even ship your packages with FedEx in any Office Depot OfficeMax store. Take advantage of 20% off FedEx shipping services through Dec. 21 to help small business owners save time and money.
Office Depot OfficeMax offers the choice of purchasing supplies online for pickup in store in 20 minutes, or you can opt for free delivery on qualifying $35 orders. Order before 5 p.m. and qualifying orders can be delivered the same day during the holidays, with the exception of Dec. 24, when that time window ends at 2 p.m.
5. Consider a business membership program
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider a business membership program that can yield extra savings for your business in the future. Plenty of retailers offer these programs and signing up is a great way to further invest in yourself and your business.
The Office Depot OfficeMax Business Select program takes savings to the next level, offering exclusive discounts, free shipping options, and $50 off business services such as print services, pack and ship services, and computer setup and repair services. The annual membership fee is $49 per year. Visit officedepot.com/select for full details.
Small Business Saturday, leading into the holidays, can be a hectic time for small business owners, but these tips will help you quiet that chaos, tackle your goals and give you more time for holiday cheer. Get ready to roar into 2025.
