Fremont has been very fortunate in the make-up of our diverse and dynamic business community. Most companies here are small, locally owned, with many of them owner-operated, and a single location. Today, more than ever, it is dependent upon all of us to support our favorite shops – or see them shut down forever.
The sweet service providers at The Sweet Spot have given us a list of ways we can take an extra step in showing ‘the love’ to our small businesses:
- Pay Full Price/Don’t Ask For Discounts – For those who can pay full price (and we know who we are,) or at least when you can, please do. Our small businesses have had to spend a lot of money on cleaning and protection equipment, in addition to covering the closures, over the last year. Maybe you pay what a product, service or meal costs – and consider it a contribution to the survival of your preferred places.
- Pre-Pay/Pre-Book for Services/Visits – If you know you are going to be purchasing classes, cleanings, cuts, etc., maybe talk to your service providers about pre-paying for future sessions now. Financial insecurity and reduced capacity are taking a toll on the ability of independent businesses to stay in business – and it will help to know they have you to count on as a client.
- Purchase Gift Cards (But Don’t Use Them Now…) – It is a great time to invest in a full house of gift cards to your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and bars. Like pre-paying, this promises our fabulous and funky Fremont small businesses that we plan to come back in for more. However, when possible, please consider setting aside your poker hand of gift cards, and think of them as an investment in a shopping or dining bonanza in the COVID-free months or year to come!
- Pay The Industry Standard of 20% Tip – Tipping is more important than ever, especially for workers with no kind of employment security. With many of our service businesses, especially restaurants and bars, having to shut down due to COVID-precautions, sometimes with no warning, the employees on the lowest rungs of these industries need tips, especially those who provide positive, professional service!
- No-shows & Cancellations Hit Hard – For businesses like Sweet Spot, a ‘no-show’ still requires staff to come in and prepare. Please cancel, by voice mail or e-mail, for the sake of the staff person – and another client who might be waiting for an opening on the schedule! During this time of limited capacity, extra cleaning and shorter hours, please respect cancellation policies whenever possible.
- Engage On-Line With Reviews & Recommendations – Please consider going on-line to voice your encouragement and enthusiasm for businesses you love! Positive Instagram and Yelp reviews can be money for small businesses, especially as it helps others find our unique, creative and lower profile shops and eateries. Even if you aren’t able to stop by in-person, engaging on-line with your favorite Fremont companies may give them the emotional boost they need to keep their doors open and struggle through the otherwise bleak days of a Seattle winter.
The fine folk at Sweet Spot sent out a special thanks to everyone who has been following these steps all along! This best-in-class skincare studio offers sugaring services, eyelash & brow treatments, spray tanning, and facial treatments by a team of master estheticians. Long before COVID-19, Sweet Spot founder and owner, Lara Olsha, put the health and safety of clients and team members at the heart of her studio. At this time, they are taking their already stringent safety and sanitation protocols to the next level. Find out more on The Sweet Spot website (click here,) and consider giving your skin a treat this winter at this comfortable, all-inclusive Fremont studio!