New project to support local businesses
Hi everyone! Some friends and I wanted to help out our local businesses (restaurants, small stores, barbers, ... ) that have been impacted by the reduced foot-traffic and lockdowns.
That's why we built a completely free platform (except for Stripe fees) to help those businesses sell gift cards online. If they have a website they can embed our widget, if not we host a custom page for them on our website.
Here's our landing page: https://www.localbailout.com/
We would love some feedback on that landing page and what you think about the project in general. We are now in the processes of getting some businesses onboarded. If you know any in your area that might be interested, maybe you can tell them about it as well.
Looking forward to your feedback!
I had the same idea, but like @shahroozme mentioned, you need to do a better job explaining why a business owner would want to this. IMO, it should be the first thing under the hero.
Here's why, for those who don't understand.
Many businesses that depend on interacting with others and cannot do a contactless/delivery option are really struggling. Think hairdressers, stylists, barbers, spas, etc. They have clients who come in weekly/monthly/whatever, that simply can't come now. But of course, those businesses still need income. A smart way to get around that is to contact your "regulars" and offer a "lockdown gift card" that's only available while they can't be open for business. That way they are able to get some income and spread it out over the next few weeks/months. Here's an example for a barber that had to shut down his shop:
"Buy your next 5 haircuts for 30% off, only available while the social distancing protocol is in place".
Now that barber is able to get some income from people who know they'll need a barber after lockdown, but simply can't come to his shop. People who want to support their favorite barber can purchase the gift card now and also know they're getting a good deal. It's kind of a win-win (although I'm sure people would still be willing to help with a 0% discount gift card).
Yes you're absolutely right. From what I've seen a lot of business owners already realized that themselves and are asking customers to buy gift cards (but on location). We just wanted to take it online and make it simpler. Right now we're mostly doing direct outreach so the website mostly serves as an aid.
Great idea, Felix. What strategies are you using to acquire traffic/ users?
We've been trying cold outreach but haven't seen a lot of success. So instead we're trying a public directory to get the consumers interested first. Then we're hoping that'll help get the word out to businesses who want to get listed (if they are selling already) or helping them start selling.
Love this idea.
This comment was deleted 5 years ago
I think @yj already explained that pretty well above. In short it's a way for businesses to generate income without having customers in their store since a lot of places in North America are limited due to the lockdown. A gift card just holds holds the value the customer bought it for e.g. $20 and then they can use that to buy from the business later on.