10 Tips for Closing Your Small Business for the Winter

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1. Create a closing checklist

Develop a comprehensive checklist that outlines all the tasks needed to close your business correctly. This could include tasks such as securing all windows and doors, disconnecting and draining water systems, and removing any perishable items from the premises. Consider your company’s building and winterize it to prevent damage from the harsh winter weather. 

For instance, disconnect and drain outside garden hoses, close the shut-off valves that allow water to travel to an outdoor faucet and drain the line. Also, keep the thermostat consistently set to the same temperature during the day and at night. It’s also worthwhile to hire a roofing contractor to check your building’s roof for loose or missing shingles to prevent high winds and heavy snow from damaging it further and leading to interior leaks.

2. Prevent the risk of slip-and-fall accidents

Hire a snow removal contractor to keep your business’s driveway, walkways, and parking lot free of snow and ice to prevent anyone who steps onto your property from falling and suffering an injury. Even in the off-season, you’re responsible for third-party bodily injuries to people on your premises.

3. Deter theft and vandalism

Thieves and vandals operate year-round; long winter nights give them perfect cover. Install a monitored security surveillance system and adequate lighting that operates 24/7. Remove any valuables from display windows or inside the building and secure them elsewhere. Frequently visit the property for signs of a break-in (and to check on the general condition of your store, office, or warehouse).

4. Relocate outdoor materials and equipment

Think of the materials and equipment you typically have outdoors on your property. The extreme cold and icy conditions could damage them. Relocate them to a secured heated warehouse or garage, and ensure the facility has automated fire protection. Likewise, park your business vehicles in a secure garage with video surveillance.

5. Minimize off-season expenses

Analyze your business’s expenses and look for ways to trim unnecessary costs in the off-season. Avoid making short-term decisions and stay focused on long-term goals with your money. Don’t spend money you don’t have or hope to earn later. You can also leverage a line of credit in the off-season if required, but be prepared to pay it down once revenue flows back into your pocket.

6. Maximize your business’s cash flow

Maintaining a healthy cash flow is critical for your small business, doubly for a seasonal business. The key in this scenario is to allocate a portion of your revenue earned during the peak season to a reserve fund. Keep at least two months’ worth of business expenses in your bank account to pay utility bills and support marketing initiatives. Working with a professional accountant or bookkeeper can make this task easier.

7. Engage your customers year-round

Although your business may be closed for a few months in the wintertime, you will re-open again, and keeping your customers and prospects engaged in the off-season is like planting seeds for growth when you do. 

By staying in touch with your customers, you can maintain brand loyalty, keep your business top of mind, and potentially generate off-season revenue. Therefore, don’t let them forget you by cultivating those relationships throughout the year. Create a customer email list and send monthly newsletters year-round. Use email and social media to stay on their radar and to send them special offers or ‘welcome back’ discounts on your products and services when you re-open.

8. Offer off-season discounts

If you close your physical store or location for the winter or your business slows down during wintertime but continues to sell products online throughout the year, give customers and prospects discounts or special offers to incentivize them to buy your goods during the off-season or make reservations for your services when you’re up and running again. 

Also, consider partnering with other local small businesses that are also seasonal. For example, by teaming up with a business that is open when you’re closed and vice-versa and offering coupons to both companies’ customers, you can help each other drive future sales.

9. Optimize your downtime

Plan for when your peak season arrives, and you’re ready to open for business. Use off-season times to spruce up your property or make renovations, repair equipment, and conduct routine maintenance on your building to identify and fix minor issues from becoming severe problems later. 

It’s also an excellent time to plan for the inventory you’ll need and stock up before opening day so you’re ready to roll. Furthermore, use the downtime to sharpen your skills by taking business administration courses or attending industry-related workshops.

10. Review your business insurance policy

Speak to a licensed insurance broker about your existing policy and ask them to review it. Ensure you have adequate, year-round coverage that accounts for the risks you face during the peak season and off-season. If your commercial property will be vacant for more than 30 days, it’s worthwhile to consider adding vacant property insurance to your overall policy.

Get Low-Cost Business Insurance for All Seasons

Even seasonal businesses need year-round protection against damage and loss. Fires, water damage, the impacts of severe weather, and the risk of theft or vandalism can upend your finances without warning at any time of the year. A business liability insurance policy from Zensurance customized to suit your specific requirements can shelter you from these unexpected expenses.

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Our knowledgeable brokers can quickly get the low-cost insurance your business needs from one of over 50 insurance providers in our partner network and advise you on what coverages your policy should have.

– Updated November 18, 2024.