5 Ways to Make Your Canadian Green Business Even More Efficient
So you’ve got a marvelous store that sells the latest and greenest gadgets/clothing/home items etc. You’re off to a great start! What can you do now to make your business greener?
Move closer to your customers
If you’ve been at your location for a few years, you’ve probably got a good idea of where your customers are living. Don’t know where they live? Find out! Gathering this information will make it easier for you to see where your customers are. Moving closer to them may increase sales (you’re more conveniently located), and you’ll cut down on your customer’s driving distance.
Offer delivery
Can’t move? Won’t move? Bring the goods to your customer. I’m not advocating renting or buying another gas-spewing vehicle here. I’m suggesting getting a good bike trailer and taking goods to them. You might even have a local business like Local Food Peddlers (web site - listing) that will do the peddling for you. If you do regular deliveries, maybe team up with some other local green businesses and save time. Not only will you be offering a premium service, you can probably realize a little extra money.
Drop off goods in your neighbourhood
So regular delivery is out. Is there anything stopping you from dropping things off on the way back to your green home? Probably not and it will save your customers the trip.
Take advantage of the EcoEnergy grant
Got a big wasteful water heater in the basement? Use a ventilator? Have to run an air conditioner? The EcoEnergy grant is for you! Save money on various green retrofits that you probably want to do anyway. Pair it with the Home Renovation Tax Credit save even more.
Bundle online orders
Amazon does this all the time. Let’s say your online customers orders three items. Two are on your shelf and the other has to be ordered in. Ask the customer (on the order form if you can) if it’s OK if you wait until the third item is in your hands. If yes, send all three items at once.
There are plenty of ways of squeezing green $ out of your business. I’ve missed many, I’m sure. Got a tip? Send it in.
posted by: Steve | posted on: 24 02 2009 | categories: EfficiencyTips