11 Ways You Can Help Local Businesses From Home

The COVID-19 crisis has already had a devastating impact on the U.S. economy, and small businesses have really had to bear the brunt of it. Though a large number of local businesses have been forced to close their doors, those that are still open are relying on customers like you to stay afloat. Here are a few things you can do to help local businesses in your area -- without putting your own safety at risk.

It's not just supermarkets and restaurants that are offering the option to place an order, pre-pay with a credit card, drive up, and collect it. A wide array of establishments are offering this service, from craft shops to hardware stores. It pays to see if curbside pickup is an option for the businesses you used to frequent. It's a safer way to shop, and it generates revenue for the establishments that need it.

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Many small businesses have shifted their models to make their inventory available online during the ongoing crisis. If you have a favorite bookstore, toy store, or apparel shop, placing an order is a good way to treat yourself and your family while supplying that business with revenue -- even if it means paying a modest shipping fee.

Restaurants in particular have ramped up their delivery offerings to bring tasty meals to your door, and small, local supermarkets and specialty stores may be doing the same where you live. Place an order so you can support these businesses without having to leave your home.

Buying gift cards is a great way to pump some money into local businesses, all the while giving yourself a treat to look forward to later. You can also buy gift cards for family members and friends, whether to let them know you're thinking of them or to take the place of a physical birthday gift you're currently not in a position to hand them.

The people who bag your groceries for curbside pickup and deliver your food orders may be hurting financially right now. They're also, to some degree, risking their health to make shopping safer for you. It pays to reward these people by tipping generously. If you're not comfortable handing over cash, put some in an envelope and tape it to your door for your delivery person to collect. Or, see if you can leave a tip on your credit card.

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Local businesses that are appointment-based, like massage parlors and salons, have taken a beating during the COVID-19 crisis. A good way to support them is to move near-term appointments to future dates rather than cancel them outright. Knowing there are customers to eventually look forward to is good for morale.

Right now, a lot of people are hurting financially, but if your income hasn't taken a hit due to COVID-19, consider continuing to pay for monthly services you may not be using right now. If you have a membership to a private gym that's closed, offer to pay your monthly fee anyway. The same holds true for your kids' martial arts or gymnastics school. Remember, you want these businesses to be in a position to reopen once things get better, so paying for a few months where you're not getting anything in return could help ensure that they don't permanently close their doors.

There's nothing like good feedback to help businesses thrive in the best of times, but positive reviews can help local businesses now more so than ever, so take the time to write them. But also, try to keep negative feedback to yourself. During normal times, you're free to share your opinion, but right now, a single bad review could make an otherwise dire situation even worse for a local business that deserves better.

Local businesses often rely on word-of-mouth advertising to draw in customers, so to that end, you can help by posting information about the places you frequent on your social media page. Sharing a snapshot of a delicious meal you ordered in, for example, could draw a bunch of new customers to your favorite restaurant, thereby giving it some of the new business it's probably desperate for.

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Many small businesses are adjusting their models to ensure customer safety and maintain best social distancing practices. As such, things may not always run so smoothly. Your delivery order may be delayed, or your curbside grocery order may be missing a few things when you drive up to get it. Exercise patience during this time, and remember that these businesses are truly doing their best.

Many people take the fact that they can get food delivery or curbside household supplies for granted. Don't be one of them. Instead, thank your local businesses for staying open at a time like this. Post a sign on your front lawn in appreciation of delivery drivers, or put a note up on local businesses' social media pages so they know you're appreciative. At a time when everything is so dark, a little gratitude could really go a long way.

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