5 Ways to Compete with Online Retailers

In This Week's Eblast: Member To Member Deals "Like It Up" Campaign Job Postings Member Advertisements Chamber Events: Chamber 102 at the Gadsden Public Library Thursday Aug 28, 2014 Take membership to the next step by exploring how to get even more out of your online benefits! Prerequisite: Chamber 101. ... read more Register Now Chamber 101 at the Gadsden Public Library Friday Aug 29, 2014 chamber master online training  ... read more Register Now   Disclaimer: The above events are benefits of Chamber membership. Prospective members should contact the office to determine eligibility for attendance.   ____________ Ribbon Cuttings:    NO RIBBON CUTTINGS THIS WEEK                          Click Here to Check Out News Releases                          Member Events: One-to-One Small Business Counseling Wednesday Aug 27, 2014 small business counseling ... read more Social Networking Wednesday Aug 27, 2014 ... read more United Way Kickoff Celebration at Convention Hall Thursday Aug 28, 2014 ... read more  Click Here To Read On For Future Events!!

5 Ways to Compete with Online Retailers   It is no secret that online shopping has become exponentially more common in recent years. Benefits like same-day shipping and readily available customer reviews have caused many consumers to ditch the stores and stay home to order online. In the wake of this mass exodus from physical stores, brick-and-mortar businesses - especially small businesses - have to adapt. In order to stay viable as both profitable businesses and engines of local reinvestment and job creation, these stores have to challenge the online model and draw customers back in. Here is a look at how they can compete.   1. Be Proud of the Brick-and-Mortar Benefits. Online shopping often seems more convenient for consumers with a busy lifestyle and an affinity for technology, but there are some things that brick-and-mortar businesses will always do better. No one likes to return or exchange products online, for example. To stay successful, small brick-and-mortar businesses can capitalize on what they have always been known for: their stellar customer service, inviting atmospheres and customer-friendly return policies. When customers know that they can ask questions, get expert advice and return their purchase with no hassle, they will be more likely to turn to brick-and-mortar stores than online retailers.   2. Turn First-Time Visitors Into Loyal Customers. First-time visitors are perhaps the biggest opportunity that small businesses face on a daily basis. When they have an enjoyable shopping experience, they are not only more likely to return, but they are also apt to tell their friends to visit your store. Make sure these customers become loyal advocates of your store by rewarding them for their loyalty. Offer customer rewards cards with exclusive deals and bonuses or a deal-of-the-month club to bring them back in time after time.   3. Give Shoppers a Unique Reason to Visit. Online retailers offer shoppers a direct, straightforward path to a specific product, but brick-and-mortar stores have the opportunity to offer shoppers a total experience. If you own a trendy apparel boutique, host a fashion show to let shoppers preview your store's picks for next season. If you own a hardware store, invite shoppers to a free DIY class, where they can learn how to use your products around the house. These types of experiences will set your Main Street store apart from the impersonal avenue of online retailers.   4. Be Visible in the Community. Online retailers offer little in the way of personal interaction. As a brick-and-mortar business in the community, your store has the opportunity to welcome customers in and become a destination for members of the community. To make relationships with shoppers in your community, give them a chance to meet you and your employees at community-wide festivals, parades and other events. Set up a table where members of the community can learn about your store, pick up a free sample or get to know your employees.   5. Reach out to customers online. You already know that more and more shoppers are heading online to research and shop for products that you offer in-store. Why not put your business where they are looking? You can start selling products online by creating your own platform or setting up an account on an existing one, like eBay or Etsy. Even if you do not want to sell products online, you can use the increased web traffic as an opportunity to advertise your business and its benefits in a new way. The competition from online retailers is affecting brick-and-mortar businesses big and small, but it does not have to knock your business out of the game completely. Take advantage of your strengths and be open to some new ideas so you can adapt to today's market and serve today's shoppers.  How Has The Chamber Helped  You Out Lately? Please Don't Hesitate To Let Us Know! Send an Email to Will Mackey, Membership Liaison to tell us and YOUR comments or story may be featured in an upcoming Eblast!                                                          NEW DEALS!  (Click for complete listing) 50% Discount on patient fees for first new patient visit. McClellan Chiropractic Clinic, P.C. - Rainbow City  McClellan Family Chiropractic is happy to offer a Chamber Member exclusive discount of 50% off your first new patient visit. Category: Chiropractors $100.00 OFF Servpro of Etowah County - Gadsden  Servpro would like to offer this exclusive deal to all fellow Chamber Members! Receive a $100 discount at time of scheduled work for any residential or commercial duct cleaning after estimate of job. Category: Cleaning & Restoration 10% OFF Total Purchase Baker Piano and Music Co. - Gadsden  10% OFF total purchase! Category: Musical Instruments-Dealers 10% OFF Total The Fish Market Restaurant - Gadsden  10% OFF Check Total Category: Restaurants 20% Off Regularly Priced Merchandise With Corporate Discount Card Joseph A. Bank #879 - Gadsden  20 % Off With Corporate Discount Card Category: Retail 15% OFF Professional Service Fees! Lyons HR, Inc. - Gadsden  Lyons HR offers 15% OFF Profesional Service Fees for the 1st year for all new PEO Pro and PEO Prime agreements! This is a Chamber Member exclusive deal. Be sure to inform the representative at Lyons HR and recieve your discount! Category: Staffing and Employment Services   Would you like to see your Member to Member Deal here in our E-blast? Check out the program details and guidelines here and let us know by contacting info@gadsdenchamber.com or calling 256-543-3472                                                              We would like to invite you to click the bold business name links below to be transported to the Facebook page of your fellow Chamber members. Please take a moment to "LIKE" these member pages and look for your Facebook page to be featured in the future! THIS WEEK'S "LIKE IT UP" MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:  (click the member business name below to be transported to Facebook page) United Way of Etowah County The National Auction Group Inc. Able Portable Toilets & Septic Alpine Advertising Anderson's Shoes & Boots, LLC  DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND FOLLOW THE CHAMBER BY CLICKING BELOW! I LOVE THE CHAMBER    Job Postings Click Here!   Member Advertisements

7 Tips to Avoid Credit Card Fraud

In This Week's Eblast: Member To Member Deals "Like It Up" Campaign Job Postings Member Advertisements Chamber Events: Business & Gravy Sponsored by The Exchange Bank of Alabama Thursday Aug 21, 2014 ... read more Register Now   Disclaimer: The above events are benefits of Chamber membership. Prospective members should contact the office to determine eligibility for attendance.   ____________ Ribbon Cuttings:    Ribbon Cutting for Internists Associates, Rainbow City Thursday Aug 21, 2014 ... read more Register Now                           Click Here to Check Out News Releases                          Member Events: Free Tax Workshop Offered to Gadsden Area New Business Owners Tuesday Aug 19, 2014 ... read more OLLI Open House Tuesday Aug 19, 2014 ... read more Microsoft PowerPoint Wednesday Aug 20, 2014 ... read more Alabama Teachers Credit Union presents The James M. Barrie Center for Children Kickoff Classic for the Kids Saturday Aug 23, 2014 ... read more One-to-One Small Business Counseling Wednesday Aug 27, 2014 small business counseling  ... read more Social Networking Wednesday Aug 27, 2014 ... read more   Click Here To Read On For Future Events!!

7 Tips to Avoid Credit Card Fraud Credit card fraud is most certainly on the rise, especially when it comes to shopping online. Although it is becoming safer to enter your credit card on a secure server online, there are still some precautions you should take when giving your credit card number to anyone - whether in person or on a trusted site. 1. Use Common Sense Keep an eye on your credit card every time you hand it out. Write down exactly what was purchased and where so that you have a record of exactly how much you are spending. This helps you to know if you were charged in excess of what you actually spent or if someone made unauthorized charges to your card. 2. Be Careful Whom You Give Your Card To Do not give out your credit card number to anyone who called you unless you are sure who the company is. Legitimate companies do not call you and ask you for a credit card over the phone, especially if they are just calling to "verify" your identity. 3. Do Not Respond to Emails Asking for Information A scam called "phishing" is on the rise, in which what looks like a legitimate email message comes in asking you to verify your credit card details via email. If it was a trusted company, they would refer you to their website and never ask for specific details. 4. Do Not Write Your PIN Number on Your Card This includes not having it nearby in your wallet, in your car, or on your person. This will give the thieves plenty of opportunity to wipe out your credit card completely. 5. Use Your Shredder If you no longer use a specific credit card, then do not leave it hanging around. There are many shredders now that are strong enough to shred plastic credit cards. Shredding also includes getting rid of any credit card applications that come in the mail, especially those with your personal details such as social security number, address, or employment information. 6. When Using Credit Cards in Public Places, Shield Numbers from Potential Cameras or People Behind You Cell phone cameras are being used more and more to capture a picture of your credit card details, which is then later used for a personal shopping spree. 7. Always Sign Your Card and Include Instruction to "See Drivers License" Although it may be a hassle to whip out your driver's license every time you use your credit card, it will save you a lot of trouble if someone else tries to use it. Aside from these few tips to avoid credit card fraud, there is more that you can do to stay safe. Mostly it involves treating your credit cards like you would your cash. Only carry as many as you need, and hide the others in a lock box. Write down all your account numbers and expiration dates in a place others won't be able to find, and lastly, do not give out your credit card numbers to anyone that you do not fully trust. How Has The Chamber Helped  You Out Lately? Please Don't Hesitate To Let Us Know! Send an Email to Will Mackey, Membership Liaison to tell us and YOUR comments or story may be featured in an upcoming Eblast!                                                          NEW DEALS!  (Click for complete listing) 15% Off Total Online Purchase Mud & Honey - Rainbow City Shop our online store and save! Category: Boutiques 50% Discount on patient fees for first new patient visit. McClellan Chiropractic Clinic, P.C. - Rainbow City McClellan Family Chiropractic is happy to offer a Chamber Member exclusive discount of 50% off your first new patient visit. Category: Chiropractors $100.00 OFF Servpro of Etowah County - Gadsden Servpro would like to offer this exclusive deal to all fellow Chamber Members! Receive a $100 discount at time of scheduled work for any residential or commercial duct cleaning after estimate of job. Category: Cleaning & Restoration 10% Off Total Garden Shop Purchase FLD Landscaping & Garden Shop - Southside We are pleased to offer Chamber members a 10% discount off their total purchase at our garden shop. Just tell us you want our Chamber Member to Member discount. Category: Landscaping 10% OFF Total Purchase Baker Piano and Music Co. - Gadsden 10% OFF total purchase! Category: Musical Instruments-Dealers 10% OFF Total The Fish Market Restaurant - Gadsden 10% OFF Check Total Category: Restaurants 20% Off Regularly Priced Merchandise With Corporate Discount Card Joseph A. Bank #879 - Gadsden 20 % Off With Corporate Discount Card Category: Retail Be prepared to be Pampered Studio 244 on Fifth - Gadsden Come see us and "Be Prepared to be Pampered." We are offer the following specials for Chamber Members: Massage Therapy - $10.00 off any 30 or 60 minute service and $20.00 off any 90 or 120 minute service Manicure or Pedicure - $5.00 off either service or $10.00 off both services Waxing - $5.00 off waxing services over $20.00 in value Contact us at 256-467-4811, and enjoy being pampered while receiving benefits for your membership. Category: Salons/Day Spas 15% OFF Professional Service Fees! Lyons HR, Inc. - Gadsden Lyons HR offers 15% OFF Professional Service Fees for the 1st year for all new PEO Pro and PEO Prime agreements! This is a Chamber Member exclusive deal. Be sure to inform the representative at Lyons HR and receive your discount! Category: Staffing and Employment Services Special Offer on Pet Wellness Plans! Animal Health Care - Rainbow City Would you like your dog or cat to live longer and be healthier? Sure! Animal Health Care has a special offer ONLY for Chamber members and their employees. Category: Veterinarians     Would you like to see your Member to Member Deal here in our E-blast? Check out the program details and guidelines here and let us know by contacting info@gadsdenchamber.com or calling 256-543-3472                                                              We would like to invite you to click the bold business name links below to be transported to the Facebook page of your fellow Chamber members. Please take a moment to "LIKE" these member pages and look for your Facebook page to be featured in the future! THIS WEEK'S "LIKE IT UP" MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:  (click the member business name below to be transported to Facebook page) Acrux Investigation Agency, Ltd. AllState- The Kemp Agency Arby's Belk Cherry Creek Village  DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND FOLLOW THE CHAMBER BY CLICKING BELOW! I LOVE THE CHAMBER    Job Postings Click Here!   Member Advertisements