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.

Click to watch, and learn more about the incredible businesses that successfully navigated the pandemic with Ascendus.

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