Summer is the time for fun and relaxing vacations, but if you’re a business owner, you know that taking a vacation can be more stressful than staying at work. While you’re trying to take in the sights of a beautiful new city or unwind on the beach, you’re constantly worrying about what’s going on at home and if your storefront is safe and operating smoothly. You might consider shutting down for a short period of time while you take your trip, but depending on your business, this might not be feasible, and can pose a greater risk of theft or damages than remaining open while you’re away. Worrying about your business is just something that comes with the territory, but you can help to alleviate your fears by taking the proper precautions to protect your business while you’re on vacation. Here are some that you should consider!
Take a Test Run
Being away from your business is a little bit like being away from your baby– the first time or two, don’t go too far. Before you commit to a vacation that’s a long car ride or plane ride away, try taking a few short days off and going somewhere nearby. There are probably plenty of nice hotels or AirBnBs no more than a short drive from your storefront. You will have the opportunity to test the waters by seeing how your staff functions without you there, doing a trial run of a security system, and making sure there are no fires you need to put out. This also gives you an excuse to take a quick break for a few days and unwind a little, which is a bonus!
Choose Your Time Wisely
Every industry has its busy seasons and its slow seasons, and the best thing you can do when planning your vacation is to schedule it in accordance with a slow period for you, or at least to avoid scheduling during your most hectic times. For example, if you own a bakery or flower shop, mid-February is going to be just about the worst time you could go away! Hair salons, on the other hand, typically have a huge rush in December followed by a slow period in January. Knowing when you’ll have the most freedom to take a week or so off will help you to plan your vacation in advance.
Name a Second in Command
While you’re away, there will need to be someone on site who can ensure that things go smoothly. This isn’t just someone who will manage the operations of your business while you’re gone– it will also be on them to respond to alarms or emergencies, so make sure you choose someone who’s nearby and can be ready to head to the store if needed, and who understands the workings of your business well enough to keep the ship sailing.
Get Serious About Your Security System
If you don’t have a security system in your store, now is the time to install one. If you do have one, it’s a good idea to run through a test of the system to ensure that it’s working properly. Above all, make sure you or someone else you trust responds to every single alarm, even if you’re sure it’s nothing. If you make a habit of not responding to alarms, it can pose a risk for break-ins or robberies down the line.
Have Insurance In Place
Even if you take the best precautions possible, sometimes something bad will happen to your business while you’re away, be it theft, vandalism, or accidental damage, and there won’t be anything you can do to prevent it. In these cases, having proper business insurance in place is the way to help yourself. With business insurance coverage from YMI Insurance, you won’t have to worry as much about what happens to your business while you’re away. If you’re interested in learning more, contact YMI today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members!
