The Idea Hub
45 ideas for small local businesses
Low-cost promotions you can run yourself, each with steps, a budget, a lead time and what to count. Free to read, print and share.
8 ideas match · clear the filters
Ready-made bundles
Put three things that go together in one bundle at one price, so the bigger purchase is the easy one.
Under $50 ~2 hours 1 wk ahead Open the idea → Raise the average saleOne add-on at the counter
A single small, useful add-on placed by the register and mentioned once lifts the average sale without pressure.
Under $50 ~1 hour This week Open the idea → Raise the average saleGift cards, offered early
Put gift cards on the counter well before the holidays and make them easy to buy as a last-minute present.
$50 to $250 ~3 hours 4 wk ahead Open the idea → Raise the average saleOne delivery day a week
A fixed weekly delivery run lets busy or less mobile customers keep buying from you.
$50 to $250 ~6 hours 2 wk ahead Open the idea → Bring customers backA limited seasonal item
Something available only for a few weeks gives regulars a reason to come back before it is gone.
$50 to $250 ~4 hours 3 wk ahead Open the idea → Bring in new customersA trade-in day
Take an old item in for credit toward a new one, and pass the old ones to a local cause.
$50 to $250 ~4 hours 3 wk ahead Open the idea → Raise the average salePrice tags that tell a story
A one-line story on the tag ("made four miles from here", "the one we use ourselves") helps people choose.
Under $50 ~3 hours This week Open the idea → Bring in new customersA paid beginner series
A short series of paid beginner sessions turns curious people into confident regulars.
$50 to $250 ~10 hours 4 wk ahead Open the idea →