Nobody’s perfect. It’s a classic idiom, signifying that we all have flaws. As a result, we can’t always expect things to run smoothly. As a business owner, you’ve likely run into a number of challenges over the years. We’re talking about such things as power outages, supply chain delays, system failures or even extreme weather, as we’re currently experiencing. So, of course, being prepared can help you to minimize downtime and recover quickly.
Here are four practical solutions for handling business interruptions:
1. Invest in backup power solutions.
Needless to say, a power outage can cause significant problems in the world of retail. Depending on how long your store is without electricity, it can halt sales and even damage inventory. Of course, it can frustrate customers too. By getting a reliable backup power source, you can ensure that your operations continue during outages. Invest in a portable generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to keep your essential devices running.
“Having a backup power generator on hand to keep some systems in your place of business running can be helpful,” notes Brandon Bowie of Zensurance, “For example, if you run a restaurant or grocery store, a backup generator can keep your refrigerators and freezers operating to prevent the loss of perishable goods.”
2. Diversify your sales channels.
Do you rely solely on in-store sales? In 2025, that can be considered “risky business”. When you expand your brand into the world of online sales and social media marketplaces, you offer your customer base a way to make purchases all around the clock. No power outage can prevent an online sale on a mobile device. In addition, you can offer such services as curbside pickup to help maintain your cash flow.
A 2024 report from the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) explored the sales practices employed by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) nationwide. The survey found that brick-and-mortar stores were the preferred sales method for 50 percent of SMB sellers. It contributed to 31 percent of their revenue on average. E-commerce ranked as the second most popular method at 41 percent, contributing to 15 percent of sales.
3. Develop a business continuity plan.
This plan should outline any and all procedures for dealing with disruptions. Emergency contacts, supply chain backup plans, employee communication strategies and financial recovery steps should all be on that list. Regularly update and practice your business continuity plan. This will ensure that everyone on your staff knows their roles during a crisis. It’s also a good idea to incorporate cybersecurity protocols to prepare for data breaches or payment system failures.
According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), “getting a plan in place shows your employees, shareholders and customers that you are a proactive organization; it also improves overall efficiency in your company and helps you allocate the right financial, human and technical resources to keep your firm up and running during a serious disruption.”
4. Make use of a virtual terminal!
Get in touch with Unity Payments to learn all about how our Virtual Terminals can help you to eliminate all interruptions. When things go wrong, your virtual terminal can serve as a backup to your primary point-of-sale device. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email info@unitypayments.ca.
