Business Matters Reduce the Mess to Lessen Your Stress

Heartland - Online Sales Approach

Social distancing has increased the adoption of online shopping as people spend more time at home. Thus, having an ecommerce presence has never been more important to reduce the distance between you and customers.

Yet, many small businesses are still not using the internet to conduct business. In fact, 36% of U.S. small businesses don’t have a company website, according to Small Business Trends. Now is the time to get online or to refresh your ecommerce presence if you already have one.

Remind consumers they can still shop with you, even from a distance A website is a must-have for any business right now. Consumers spending more time at home still need to shop. And you need to be able to accept payments for purchases online.

Break down physical walls Whether connecting via a mobile-friendly website or a mobile-ordering app, consumers are increasingly engaging with businesses from their sofa. A website makes your business accessible from anywhere in the world via potential customers that have an Internet connection.

Create another marketing channel Whether connecting via a mobile-friendly website or a mobile-ordering app, consumers are increasingly engaging with businesses from their sofa. A website makes your business accessible from anywhere in the world via potential customers that have an Internet connection.

Interact with customers in the way that they choose According to the National Restaurant Association, 54% of adults order directly from a website or mobile app because of the customer experience it provides. Joan can pre-order meals from her favorite restaurant on her mobile device and simply pull up to the curbside parking spot to pick up. Zack will pick up his meal in-store, but pre-ordering helps him bypass the line. Ted can order food delivered to the comfort of his home and avoid crowds altogether.

Stay in contact with customers. A website provides two-way communication with potential customers. If you have just added delivery as a service, be sure to talk about it. Encourage your customers to leave feedback on your products and service. Your customers may be on self-quarantine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected and continue providing excellent service.

An online presence can keep your business going when people are practicing social distancing and cities are enacting stay in place. When fears pass, your website will continue to be a valuable asset that can change and improve your business in the future.

40 SPRING 2020 FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION PHOTO BY FIZKES / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Hemp Food Establishment Permit Rule Now Promulgated

CBD now legal in Florida to add to food

Pursuant to Section 581.217, Florida Statutes, and Rule 5K4.034, Florida Administrative Code, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now authorized to issue food permits for the manufacturing, processing, packing, holding, preparing or selling of food consisting of or containing hemp extract and CBD at wholesale or retail.

Retail hemp food establishments are food establishments that prepare and/or sell prepackaged food consisting of or containing hemp extract, which includes CBD or other cannabinoids to the end consumer.

Wholesale hemp food establishments are food establishments that manufacture, process, pack, hold or prepare food consisting of or containing hemp extract, which includes CBD or other cannabinoids and sell that product to other businesses.

To learn how to apply for a food permit, please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at fdacs.gov/BusinessServices/Food-Establishments/Retail-Food-Establishment-Permit. A summary of Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed here: fdacs.gov/content/download/89947/file/FDACS-Hemp-FoodEstablishment-Guide-Dec2019.pdf