Closing Your Seasonal Business for the Winter

Seasonal businesses face a unique challenge of opening and closing during certain months. Closing your business for an extended period of time not only requires the proper planning, but the proper execution. In this article, you can find information regarding some of the recommended steps to take when closing your seasonal business for the winter.

wide view of local businesses during winter

Make a Plan

Planning the steps necessary to ensure a smooth closing, and eventual reopening, of your business is one of the first steps in the process. Some steps you may want to consider include:

  • Clean your store and storefront
  • Secure all entry points
  • Turn off and unplug any unnecessary equipment
  • Prep your business for colder temperatures
  • Winterize the outside of your business

Preventing Accidents While You’re Away

As the weather becomes colder and the conditions around your business become more difficult to navigate, it is important to keep your storefront and walkways plowed, shoveled, and sanded. . Remember, even though you may be closed seasonally, accidents at your business may possibly still be deemed your responsibility. Contact one of our agents to discuss commercial general liability insurance, which can potentially help in the event a third party claims they were injured on your property due to the negligence of you, your company or your employees in connection with your business.

business owner shoveling storefront

Theft Prevention

While closing your business for the season can provide you with downtime, thieves are relentless. Theft and vandalism are always a threat to your business. Installing security cameras, leaving lights on, removing merchandise from windows, and checking in on your business can help deter theft and vandalism.

Storing Equipment for the Season

Depending on your seasonal business, you may keep equipment and other furniture outdoors, which makes finding an area to relocate them important. Doing so can help prevent items from being lost, stolen, or damaged during the colder months. If your business has company vehicles, these too should be stored properly and out of the cold weather.

Continue Engaging with Your Customers

Even though your business may be closed temporarily, continuing to engage with your customers throughout your downtime is important. Typical ways you can continue to communicate with your customers are through your website, social media, and newsletters.

Prepare for Your Re-Opening

 Your seasonal downtime can be a good opportunity for you to do things that you may not have the time to do during your busy season. For example, checking and planning your inventory, making renovations, repairing equipment, or educating yourself on a new skill can help you get ahead for the following season.

woman business owner preparing for store opening

Review Your Insurance Policies

Another item that should be on your offseason checklist is reviewing your business’s insurance policies. The following are just some of the common coverages seasonal businesses may be interested in.

  • Commercial General Liability
  • Commercial Property
  • Commercial Auto
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Cyber Insurance
  • Professional Liability
  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Insurance Quotes for Seasonal Businesses

If you are looking to compare coverages and pricing for commercial insurance for your business, you can reach out to one of our local offices here. At Cross Insurance, we work with many different insurance carriers, from local companies based out of New England to nationally recognized names.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.

 

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