Buying a voucher or pre-paying for a haircut or beauty appointment could help small businesses survive a prolonged lockdown.
That’s the message from Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser and Dantia CEO Katherine O’Regan who are calling on residents to support local businesses by ‘paying it forward’ for goods or services that can be redeemed after lockdown.
“Unfortunately, the bills don’t stop when businesses have to close their doors or scale down their operations due to COVID-19,” Cr Fraser said.
“Buying vouchers or paying in advance for your next appointment can provide those businesses with some income to help see them through the lockdown.”
Ms O’Regan, who leads Lake Macquarie’s economic development organisation Dantia, said that any extra support that generates work for staff or income for local businesses goes a long way.
Beauty therapist Brooke Jones, owner of The Bodhi Effect at Charlestown, said pre-paying for services can help business owners with budgeting during the lockdown.
Ms Jones posted a voucher promotion on her business social media pages last week and found many regular clients were only too happy to pay it forward for their next appointment.
“This lockdown has been really hard, as it has been a week-to-week thing, so you can’t plan ahead and there hasn’t been as much support for business in the way of discounts or deferments on bills,” Ms Jones said.
TIPS FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING LOCKDOWN
Use local retailers when shopping online
Use click and collect services offered by local retailers
Buy takeaway from local restaurants, cafes and other food providers
‘Pay it forward’ for post-lockdown services by buying a voucher or asking the business if you can pre-pay for an appointment or service
