As a small business owner, you’re facing unprecedented challenges and an economic slowdown for which there is no magic bullet. How you respond in this time of crisis will help determine how well your business recovers.

Even in these uncertain times, there is hope. Consumers went through with their lawn care. They ordered takeout. They hired an HVAC company to install an air purifier in their system. They went to the grocery store to find toilet paper. They ordered new sneakers from their local running store, as they now have time to walk in the morning. They visited the local bike shop to get a tune-up. They hired a maid service to sterilize their house. Life continues on and consumers need to know your business is open and ready to serve them.

What Are the Steps to Take to Sustain Your Small Business?

As millions of Americans work from home and practice social distancing, your business must adjust to the new norm. Businesses that stay aggressive during a time like this can gain market share when competitors take their foot off the gas. Here are some suggestions to market your establishment to an at-home audience.

Communicate with Your Customers

Communication is key. Communicate via social media, email and your website regarding the status of your business, the steps you’re taking to ensure the health and safety of your employees and customers and any changes to your hours, products or services. Pay attention to your tone in these messages as, like you, consumers are struggling to cope with heightened fear and anxiety. What once was clever or humorous may now be inappropriate or offensive. When in doubt, ask a trusted colleague or friend to review your message before you hit send.

Test out or increase your video marketing. You don’t need fancy equipment or editing software to send video updates to your customers. Shoot a video with your phone and post it on your website or social pages. You could even try Facebook Live if you’re feeling brave.

Adapt to the Needs of Your Customers

“The species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” – Charles Darwin

There’s no manual for responding to coronavirus. With each news conference or regulation, another small business is forced to adapt to survive. Some are required to shut down altogether. If you’re still up and running, there are some marketing strategies that seem to be working:

• Extending promotions and offer expirations
• Changing your offerings for an at-home audience
• Promoting online ordering and pickup
• Increasing your distribution delivery radius
• Explaining your safety precautions (in-home services)
• Advertising that features your product/service menu
• Special discounts and hours for seniors to shop

Industry Specific Ideas for Business Continuity During Coronavirus

Restaurants
Many local and state governments have put restrictions on the food/beverage industry, forcing restaurants to reduce hours and/or eliminate in-house seating. But there are ways you can move past these hurdles, especially while consumers are seeing bare shelves at the grocery stores:

• Emphasize delivery (and do it for free!)
• Promote curbside pick-up
• Extend kids eat free promotions
• Offer a free appetizer or dessert with purchase
• Add family meal deals to your menu

Home Services
Some home service businesses will be relatively untouched by the coronavirus pandemic. Others, however, will feel a crunch as homeowners start to make the tough decisions of what is a necessity and what is a luxury. Here are some ways to push through:

• Promote deep cleaning and disinfecting
• Emphasize free service calls and estimates
• Lift same-day service fees
• Discount annual maintenance packages
• Advertise energy-efficient home products

Beauty / Health / Fitness
Due to an emphasis on social distancing, businesses that rely on close contact with customers need to get creative:

• Provide paid online makeup and hair tutorials
• Accept only one client at your salon or spa at a time
• Offer personal training videos online or via Skype

Entertainment
Like beauty/health companies, entertainment businesses need alternatives to operating under “business as usual”:

• Limit reservations to less than 10 people
• Sell gift certificates without expiration dates
• Waive private instructor fees for current clients

Accounting Services
Many Americans will be counting on tax refunds to pay the bills. Accounting businesses can provide services that help:

• Offer previous/current clients a discount for tax filing
• Delay tax preparation fees until clients receive their refunds
• Provide a free courier service for documents

Retail Businesses
While groups of people are limited, retail businesses can keep their doors open if they make a few adjustments:

• Take appointments
• Provide free shipping/delivery
• Promote online ordering
• Offer curbside pickup

Why Should I Advertise During Coronavirus?

While small business owners everywhere are concerned about their budgets – and rightfully so – advertising is not something to stop doing without serious consideration. During periods of economic downturn, studies have shown that short-term sales growth from direct mail advertising increases. Consumer confidence WILL return, and communicating with customers now will position your business for growth when that occurs.

The American Business Press analyzed 143 companies during a prior U.S. recession and found the companies that advertised during this period had the highest growth in sales and net income for two years after the recession ended.

Why? Several reasons. If you advertise when your competitors don’t, all eyes are on your business. When communities begin to recover financially, you’ll be top of mind. New customers you acquire during a downturn can turn into loyal customers. And loyal customers may become even more devoted because your business provided what they needed when others didn’t.

Review your budget and adjust as needed. Find a balance between spending money and pulling back to keep your business going. Understanding your business’s cycles and numbers will help. Invest in marketing products that enable you to stretch your dollars for extended periods of time, like direct mail.

If your business is struggling with cash flow, visit SBA.gov to find out if you qualify for a financial relief program. The Federal Reserve has slashed interest rates too, currently matching the all time low. Lenders will also be more flexible for small businesses, who make up 99% of businesses in the U.S..

Your Business Health with Direct MailYes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have stated the likelihood of COVID-19 contaminating shipping goods (like paper and cardboard) is low. From the CDC Coronavirus FAQs:
“In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.”

At Valpak, our printing, packaging and distribution systems are highly automated. So much so, that the first human hands to touch the ads in our Blue Envelope are the household recipients. From restricting access to our manufacturing facility to increased cleaning protocols, we have taken proactive steps to stay ahead of any potential health and safety issues. Our priority remains the well-being of our employees and customers. At this time, we remain fully operational and you should expect to receive your Valpak in the mail as scheduled.

Valpak is here to help you navigate the rapidly changing environment. Direct mail is the measurable media that could help to sustain your business now and maintain your brand awareness for the future. When consumer confidence bounces back, you’ll be ready.

Things seem to be changing so fast lately, and we’re right there with you. At Valpak, we’re doing our best to take care of our families, friends and co-workers and know that you’re doing the same. But if you’re reading this, here’s some good news: We have the power to help each other through this unprecedented time, starting in our own neighborhoods.

From the healthcare industry to grocery stores to delivery drivers and countless others, we’re lucky to have had so many step up in our communities to guide us through an experience that seems unreal. If there was ever a time for superheroes like them, we’re living in it. But did you know that you also have a superpower? Yes, you! It’s helping small businesses in your community.

We’ve all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing recommendations, and small businesses are no exception. Luckily, there are still things we can do to shape our response and be the superheroes they need, when they need them the most.

As small businesses ourselves, Valpak offices across America understand this and are activating to help others face the challenges they’re up against. We’re here to support them by lending an ear, brainstorming real, out-of-the-box marketing plans and connecting them to the superhero customers they depend on. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies. Let’s suit up and stand up for them!

Ready to go on your superhero’s journey? Ditch the disguise, grab your cape and start with these 10 ideas:

1. Local eats, delivered! Do something delicious to support your local eateries. Food delivery services are still operating, working with businesses in your area to keep them up and running. Download apps like Noco Nosh, Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash for contact-free delivery and pickup options in your neighborhood. Hungry for more? Click here to find coupons for local restaurants and give yourself a break from leftovers.
2. Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. Invest in your local businesses and show them you know they’ll make it through this, stronger than ever. Purchasing a gift card, certificate or voucher helps free up cash flow for the business and is a great option for any local restaurant or retailer. Let them know: “You’ll be back, and so will I!”
3. Shop local online. You don’t even have to leave your home office (i.e., couch) for this one, superhero! Hit the Web to see if your local favorites are open for business online. Buying goods (or gift cards… hint, hint) online and having them shipped to your door is another way you can support businesses, all without getting out of your pjs. Sheltering at home or don’t feel comfortable in a crowded market? Hit up apps like Instacart or use King Sooper's Clicklist for grocery delivery and get more for your money with grocery savings in your area.
4. Get vocal for your local. Write a glowing review for your neighborhood standby on Facebook, Yelp or Google and let the world know how phenomenal they are. You can also promote businesses on social media, an awesome option if you can’t afford to spend a lot of cash. Word of mouth is free and you can really come to the rescue of a struggling business this way.
5. Prime (home improvement) time. With so many people staying home, now is the perfect time to update your space. From home offices to long-neglected projects around the house, you can help local businesses that are still open by purchasing materials or services that don’t require contact. Think furniture delivery, no-touch automotive services, pet grooming, home and garden services and more. Click here for some super savings on professional services.
6. Get personal. We’ve been checking in with our advertising partners to see how they’re doing and what we can do to help. You can do this too! Drop a personal note or make a call to a local business to find out how they’re holding up. Taking the time to ask about their needs can help give them the strength they need to persevere. What a super way to show you care, neighbor!
7. Rebalance the budget. If you had to cancel a vacation due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, use the money to tackle a big-ticket project. That hair or nail appointment that was already accounted for? Can you pay for it anyway? Saving money on gas by telecommuting? Allocate the funds for an online shopping spree to stimulate the local economy.
8. Keep moving, keep supporting. Local gyms, fitness clubs and yoga studios are adapting, offering streaming classes to the public (often at no cost). Don’t let a home-bound schedule keep you from your fitness goals – check out a class and consider donating to the business, then promoting them to your network. They keep us healthy, so let’s return the favor!
9. The power of communication. Talk to local businesses about options. Many are adjusting on the fly, offering services and products that you may not be aware of yet. Get flexible with reservations and cancelling services, helping them preserve cash flow as much as possible. Valpak is working with small businesses to keep their advertising current and responsive to their needs; you can help on your end by taking them up on new offers.
10. Support local employees. Know your barista by name? Local pizza place got your order memorized? With many establishments struggling or closed for business, their employees may be in trouble. If you’re in a position to help, call around to find out which have set up crowdfunding campaigns for their employees – our neighbors – and donate what you can. Also, some delivery services are hiring shoppers and delivery drivers to keep up with surging demand. Pass the word along to out-of-work employees!

Ok, maybe we can’t leap buildings in a single bound, but we can still be superheroes for small businesses. Valpak stands with our local advertisers and you, our valued customer and neighbor, as we work together to maintain the health of our families and communities. We urge you to join us and continue to “Open the Neighborhood”, doing all that you can to buy local and support economies in your area.
​
While you’re out saving the world, we’ll be here keeping you connected to local businesses so you can check in, find deals and show your support. Valpak is the original stimulus package, and with you as our partner, we’re an unstoppable small business booster. Thank you to all the superheroes out there – keep yourselves and your neighborhoods safe and healthy!

Right now, all businesses are feeling the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in some way or another. The recent statewide order requiring the closure of non-essential Colorado businesses through April 30 inevitably leads business owners to wonder: “Should I cancel my Valpak contract and other marketing campaigns?” The answer is, not necessarily!

Crisis Brings Innovation
These unique circumstances provide opportunities for your business to change up its marketing strategy and message to keep your brand top of mind and ready to hit the ground running when life begins to return (closer) to normal.

For example, with more people working from home and practicing social distancing, you can expect a surge in online activity. Turnaround time for online messaging is nearly instantaneous, and costs may be lower than normal during these uncertain times. How can you pivot your marketing efforts to make the most of this change?

Valpak.com, social media, and search engine marketing are great examples for on the fly marketing. Let your customers know what you are doing to keep them and your employees safe, notify them of hour, procedural, or inventory changes, and promote special offers specific to your customers’ needs during this time.

Your Valpak Marketing Advisor is eager to help you remain flexible to ensure your business bounces back when the market does. 

Think Long Term
Although it's important to adjust your marketing strategy short term to accommodate the changes COVID-19 is forcing you to make as a business owner, it is also important to think long term. This crisis will pass (although maybe not as quickly as we would like), and people will return to the streets and your business. Now is the time to fortify your brand and keep it in front of your audience as they wait and plan for sunnier days ahead.

Your Valpak Marketing Advisor has likely been in touch with you to make changes to your ads or to possibly move your ads to future mailings. Your Advisor has your best interest at heart and will continue to make recommendations based on your business, current contract, executive orders, etc.  Remember, in addition to spending time online, your customers are still checking their mail and Valpak wants to make sure they see you and make their way back to you once this is all over.

Please reach out to your Valpak Marketing Advisor today for suggestions on how to make the most of your marketing during the COVID-19 crisis.

Please find the updated hours and information for these awesome local businesses. If you want to add your business to this list email Katie@valpakcolorado.com with your current information. 


​FORT COLLINS

Music Lessons with Natalie
https://www.nataliesara.com
Is still offering music lessons during this time but all lessons have been transferred to online lessons via Skype or Google Hangouts. Openings between 10am and 8pm Monday through Friday

Black Bottle Brewery
970-493-BEER
1611 S. College Ave Suite #1609
Fort Collins, CO 80525
https://blackbottlebrewery.com​

• Closed: Monday and Tuesday
• Open: Wednesday – Sunday (12pm-6pm)
• Take-out food
• Filling growlers (1/2 price fills on Black Bottle beers, excluding specialty beers and guest beers)
• Filling crowlers (32oz cans)
• Selling packaged beer (6-packs/bombers/etc.)

Paninos Fort Collins
We've adjusted our hours to reflect the following:
M-F 11am-8pm & Sat-Sun 3pm-8pm
310 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526; (970) 498-8292

Fort Collins Dentist - Dr. Jordan Humbert
We are closed until April 14 at this time.

Locality Kitchen and Bar
Currently closed but selling gift cards! Don’t forget to take advantage of our discounted gift card sale, we can’t wait to see you soon. www.localityfoco.com

Wing Shack - All Locationshttps://wingshackwings.com/
Contact free curbside pickup & delivery is still available as usual.

Pizza Casbah
126 W Laurel St, Fort Collins, CO 80524; (970) 221-9144
INTRODUCING! Our new 10” TAKE-n-BAKE frozen personal pizzas! Easy to make Casbah at home! Available for delivery or pick up. We have four options: Cheese OR pepperoni for just $4.99 and a meat OR veggie combo for just $5.99.

Buy as many or as little as you’d like and keep them in your freezer to cook in your own home at your own convenience! Starting 3/20. Call us at 970.221.9144 and set up your delivery or pick up and stock up on your favorite pizza. Stay great everyone!

3 Margaritas Fort Collins
4010 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Good news! you can enjoy your favorite Food & Drinks from our Delicious Menu. You can order by phone: (970) 225-3811 

Our delivery partners are: http://bit.ly/3margaritas-fortcollins-delivery GrubHub; http://bit.ly/3Margaritas-Postmates; http://bit.ly/3MargaritasFortcollins-delivery - Doordash

Thank you, Fort Collins, for your continued support of local restaurants during these unprecedented times. Stay healthy and positive! 


Hunan Chinese Cuisine - Fort Collins
Open and offering curbside takeout and delivery.


Ryan's Sports Grill
NOW INTRODUCING RYAN'S DELIVERY! Call 970-229-0017 to place your order and we will bring it to you! We will be doing "no contact" deliveries, so therefore we encourage paying via credit card over the phone when your order is placed.**Visit rsportsgrill.com for the full menu and we can't wait to bring Ryan's to YOU!**925 E Harmony Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525;(970) 229-0017


TCBY (both Fort Collins locations)
Open for business and encouraging customers to call ahead and carry out, and use delivery services Door Dash & Grub Hub. Flavors are posted on social media as well as on our website. 

Brothers Pet Nutrition
Open regular hours.
2101 S. College Ave., Unit B, Ft Collins CO 80525(970) 568-8280

Turtle Mountain Fermentery 
https://www.turtlemountainfermentery.com/
513 N. Link Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524. 
We are currently offering Home Delivery 7 days a week visit www.TurtleMountainFermentery.com to order through our website.  Currently our taproom is open for pick up only Thursday and Friday from 3-6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm the number to call or text for curbside pick up is 720-446-6170.  We are offering to go kombucha in cans, prepackaged sauerkraut and kimchi, and loose leaf tea for delivery and pick up. Kombucha growlers can still be filled in the taproom. 

FOOTHILLS INTERIOR MALL WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY BEGINNING MARCH 24th.  However, you can still support the College Ave. restaurants & shops!

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Offering take out at the roll up garage window & delivery with DoorDash from 11am-8pm daily. 

Smokin Fins
Offering 25% OFF curbside pickup, & take out orders.  Delivery available through Grubhub and DoorDash.  Open 11am-8pm daily.

Longhorn Steakhouse
Offering curbside pickup & take out for food and alcohol Sunday-Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm.  Delivery coming soon!  

Torchy’s Tacos
Offering takeout and delivery for food and alcohol with DoorDash from 10am-8pm daily.  

Crumbl
Offering delivery through the store & DoorDash Monday-Thursday 8am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 8am-midnight.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Offering store delivery.  Place your order online or call 970.226.5550.

Mary's Mt Cookies - Front Range Village.
Now closed.  Hope to reopen soon!  Keep updated on our facebook page!

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Mon-Sat 12pm-4pm in bakery/curbside and home delivery
Offering curbside pickup & take out Monday-Saturday from 12-4pm.  
970-229-616 
www.nothingbundtcakes.com

Loyalty Liquors 
1630 S Lemay Ave #7, Fort Collins, CO 80525; (970) 482-5967
We have made the following changes:
1. New Hours are noon-8pm
2. We are accepting orders by phone for pickup (970) 482-5967, we are not delivering at this time but hopefully will be soon!
3. No cash payments, credit/debit cards as well as apple/andriod pay are ok
4. One customer only in store, a staff member will take your order and bring it to the front.  
5. Check facebook @Loyaltyliquors or online at www.loyaltyliquors.com for updates
6. We are as of today (3/25) now offering home deliveries to any Fort Collins address!  Customers need to call the store at 970-482-5967 to place their orders.  $20 minimum or $5.00 fee if under $20.00.  Payments must be made over the phone by credit/debit card only, no cash.  

Rush Bowls 
2 locations; Harmony Commons (Hours Mon-Sat 7-7, Sun 8-7) and Campus West (Hours Mon-Sun 10-4.) Walk-in, phone in, Rushbowls.com, Doordash, Grubhub, Postmates & UberEats.

Les Schwab Timnath
Open regular hours.
970-493-9585; 4560 Weitzel Street, Timnath, CO 80547

Poudre Pet & Feed Supply
Is open and also offering delivery and curbside or takeout service. Phone orders can be placed by calling any of our six locations: FORT COLLINS North (970) 482-2741; FORT COLLINS West (970) 682-2585; FORT COLLINS East (970) 226-0277; FORT COLLINS South (970) 225-1255; LOVELAND (970) 800-3967; WINDSOR (970) 686-5547. 

We have reduced our open hours to Monday - Friday 9:30a.m. - 6p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10a.m. - 5p.m. but are performing deliveries seven days a week.https://poudrefeed.com/

Spine Correction Center of the Rockies 
Remaining open although reduced hours (Mon, Wed, Fri mornings and Tues., Thurs afternoon). We also can offer immune boost/nutritional iv's. 2244 E. Harmony Rd. Ste. 110, Fort Collins, CO 80528phone: 970-226-1117

Timnath Beerwerks
"Open" from 12-7 pm  for To Go Beer in Crowlers (32 oz cans) and a limited supply of special release bottles. We are also able to fill growlers.  We are unable to fill kegs at this point.Currently we offer delivery Mon, Wed, Friday. Check website ( www.timnathbeerwerks.com) for menu and text orders to 970-214-3229 or email info@timnathbeerwerks.com4138 Main Street, Timnath, CO 80547; 970-999-5751    

CHEYENNE

Hambone's Pizza
www.hambonespizza.com
415 W 17th St #180, Cheyenne, WY 82001; (307) 514-0748
We are offering free delivery right now to help with anybody stuck at home, or self quarantining.
Use the coupon code COVID19 at checkout for free delivery (ONLINE INCLUDED)
We are still offering curbside service for all pickup orders. Thank you Cheyenne, we appreciate all of the support during these crazy times.

Qdoba
Open daily 11am – 7pm
-Call in for curbside pick up
-Order online at Qdoba.com or with the Qdoba App
-Delivery with DoorDash (Cheyenne and Laramie) or GrugHub (Cheyenne only)


LOVELAND

Pizza Street
1475 N Boise Ave, Loveland, CO 80538; (970) 622-0707
We are still here for your carry-out and delivery needs during these crazy times!
http://pizzastreet-loveland.com/

Rocky Mountain Quick Lube
875 S Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 669-7290
https://rockymountainquicklube.com/
Open regular hours and are following the CDC and Government guidelines for keeping our employees and customers safe in these trying times!

Pizza Ranch
3451 Mountain Lion Dr, Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 619-8787
https://pizzaranch.com/locations/co/loveland/3451-mountain-lion-drive
Available for Carry Out and *Delivery to respect social distancing.Contactless Delivery & Curbside Carryout. We're even offering FREE delivery through the end of March, when you order online! We're waiving the delivery fee  (up to $4 discounted)

Stan's Auto Service Inc.
Fully open, with regular hours. 7am-6pm Monday - Friday; 24 hour towing

Christian Brothers Automotive
Open regular business hours.
(970) 619-8401; 5542 N. Garfield Ave., Loveland, CO 80538www.cbac.com/lovelandco

Curves Loveland
Curves is closed. Jenny Craig is operating. People can contact us by phone at 970-669-9400 - Ken Amundson. 

Breakaway Cycles
2237 W. Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, Co 80537; 970.663.1726
Open regular hours.  https://www.breakaway-cycles.com/



LARAMIE

Toppers Pizza Restaurants
Open for Delivery & Curbside Pickup! Limited hours. 
www.toppers.com

Qdoba
Open daily 11am – 7pm
-Call in for curbside pick up
-Order online at Qdoba.com or with the Qdoba App
-Delivery with DoorDash (Cheyenne and Laramie) or GrugHub (Cheyenne only)​


GREELEY

Gourmet Grub Scratch Kitchen
Open for takeout/curbside pickup and delivery via Noco Nosh2118 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634;  (970) 573-5374
http://gourmetgrubkitchen.com/

Work Of Art Greeley
5750 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634; (970) 673-8472
Open and also doing live classes online, pottery to go kits and canvas painting to go kits!
www.workofartgreeley.com

TCBY 
Open for business and encouraging customers to call ahead and carry out, and use delivery services Door Dash & Grub Hub. Flavors are posted on social media as well as on our website. 

Roma West
Open 11am - 9pm Daily
Offering Carry Out Food and Alcohol
Menu: http://romarestaurantco.com/

Roma Evans
Open 11am - 9pm Daily
Offering Carry Out Food and Alcohol
Menu: http://romarestaurantco.com/

Quality Lube
3303 23rd Ave, Evans, CO 80620; 970-506-9161
https://www.valpak.com/coupons/printable/quality-lube/40538
Open regular hours and are following the CDC and Government guidelines for keeping our employees and customers safe in these trying times!

WINDSOR/SEVERANCE

Roma Windsor
Open 11am - 9pm Daily
Offering Carry Out Food and Alcohol and Delivery on DoorDash
Menu: http://romarestaurantco.com/


Rojitos Modern Mexican Cantina
Open 11am - 8pm Daily
Offering Carry Out Food and Alcohol
Menu: https://rojitosco.com/

Windsor Brick Oven Pizza
12-2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Delivery to Windsor, Severance and Timanth and pickup.
https://www.windsorbrickovenpizza.com/
(970) 686-9967

Asian Pearl Bistro
4pm - 9pm 
Delivery available and pickup
https://www.asianpearlbistro.com/



SERVICE BASED BUSINESSES - OPEN FOR BUSINESS 

Window Well Covers of Colorado 
970-217-7687 www.windowwellcoversofcolorado.com

E & H Painting
office@eandhpaintingllc.com
(970) 472-1790; 316 Commerce Dr, Fort Collins, Co 80524

Black Diamond Roofing
3602 Empire St, Evans, CO 80620-2229; (970) 573-6959
https://www.blackdiamondroofingllc.com/

Mosquito Joe of Northern Colorado
Open and scheduling treatments for the upcoming season!
Office:  970-316-0770
noco.mosquitojoe.com

TimberRock Landscape Center
Monday - Saturday 8-5:30 & Sunday 10-3PM.  We are observing all of the social distancing and protocols set forth by the Colorado Governor’s office and health care professionals.
28629 Weld County Rd 17, Windsor, CO 80550
https://www.timberrocklandscapecenter.com/
(970) 686-0442

1st Action Plumbing, Heating & Air
Operating under new Covid-19 Protocol for your safety and ours offering "non-contact appointments" for the higher risk customers.
2424 N Lincoln Ave. Loveland CO 80538
970-775-7321
https://www.1stactionpha.com/

Colorado Materials, Inc.
We are doing our best to stay open and serve our customers. We are happy to set up deliveries, take orders, and process payments over the phone. Customers are also welcome to come to the yard and take a look at the products we have available in person before placing a delivery or pick up order over the phone. Additionally, once in the yard we can answer questions over the phone or in our scale house where we are practicing social distancing. 
1541 Boston Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Please give us a call at 303-682-2314 before coming in!
www.coloradomaterialsinc.com

Our Fort Collins office is temporarily CLOSED to the public until further notice, thank you for understanding. If you need a Valpak envelope, please look on Valpak.com for digital coupons.

Although our office is closed, we are still working and here to assist you. If you need to contact us, here's how!
​
Main Valpak Line: (970) 223-6245; info@valpakcolorado.com

Marty Thomas - 970-213-5027; marty@valpakcolorado.com

Barry Howell - 970-213-9489; barry@valpakcolorado.com

Holly Kuntz - 970-657-7173; holly@valpakcolorado.com

Jordan Branch - 970-568-6500; jordan@valpakcolorado.com

Danny Breed - 970-631-3152; danny@valpakcolorado.com

Anna Lane - 307-365-0504; anna@valpakcolorado.com

Shannon, Operations Manager - 970-692-1527; info@valpakcolorado.com

Katie Krull, Online Marketing - 970-889-1632; katie@valpakcolorado.com

Dee, Operations Assistant - 970-692-1525; dee@valpakcolorado.com

Danny is a native of Durango, CO and graduated from Colorado State University in 2008 with a degree in Business Management. He began his management career as a business owner in the wireless industry, and then moved on to other various sales leadership roles within the beer distribution industry. After 9 years in the beer business, Danny shifted his focus toward advertising and helping small businesses grow with Valpak. His experience in working with numerous small businesses around Northern Colorado has been a valuable asset in his new role as a Marketing Advisor. 


When he's not at work, he loves spending time with his wife Nikki, and three kids; Beau, Baylee, and Brynlee. Danny enjoys coaching his son's competitive baseball team, and traveling with his family. Danny is also a member of Northern Colorado United For Youth, a local non-profit raising money for at-risk and underprivileged youth in Northern Colorado. ​

Valpak of Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming is testing a new product for the US Postal service called "PlusOne".  It is a stand alone post card that is mailed separately from the Valpak envelope with significantly reduced postage.   

Valpak has been working with the USPS for the past 2 years developing this program and it is finally being rolled out to our national network.  We will start mailing this in our market next month.


For more information please read this article and contact a marketing advisor today! 
https://www.postaltimes.com/postalnews/usps-to-launch-market-test-for-plus-one/

Have you ever wondered who’s on the other side of Valpak’s Blue Envelope, eagerly ripping it open and searching through/using those awesome local coupons?

We thought you might, so we went digging and unearthed some very interesting information. Then we took that information to create a visual story (infographic) about the real Valpak consumer… just for you!

Whether you’re a veterinarian, pet supply store owner, pet photographer, pet sitter or pet services provider, there has never been a better, more prosperous time to be a part of the pet industry. U.S. consumers are spending more than ever on the care of their pets—what millennials refer to as “starter children.” Pets are also influencing where consumers live, work and even what kind of vehicle they buy. Direct mail marketingcan help your marketing to pet owners by reaching them in your community and turning them into “furever” customers.
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According to the 2017-18 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 4 people in their 30s own dogs and over half of those also own cats.

For most Americans, pets are family. In that vein, people want to give their pets the same high-quality care they would provide to their own human children. Veterinarian care expenses in 2017 hit $15.95 billion.
Even though the pet industry is in the best position it’s ever been in, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to market your business. In fact, you may have to market your business more and in a more strategic way to get consumers to try you out while keeping your current customers.

​ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Big word, right? Anthropomorphism is the humanization of something inhuman, like a pet, for example. It’s what more pet owners are doing these days and why Fido and Lassie are as important as John and Sally to some.

You wouldn’t just throw bread at your own children for each meal, would you? Neither would today’s responsible pet owners. Your pet supply and service marketing will have to appeal to today’s pet owners who are looking for high-quality, “real” food, treatment and products for their furry children. Pet lovers are notoriously environmentally sensitive, so any product that also saves the planet while being safe for their pet is a winner.

Pet food is closer to the human diet in more ways than ever before. It’s no longer acceptable to use grains and byproducts in pet food. The proteins need to be high quality and gram-sufficient and the sub-ingredients should be geared toward optimal health, such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, green vegetables and the like. And when we say “protein,” we don’t mean horse meat, but salmon, turkey, chicken, lamb, venison and beef.

VACATIONING WITH ANIMALS
It’s not unusual for pet owners—especially dog owners—to take their pets with them wherever they go. Restaurants, workplaces and shops have loosened their stringent no-pet policies to entice consumers and employees. Likewise, consumers would rather take their pets with them on vacation than board them or leave them with a sitter, so pet-friendly destination vacations are popping up everywhere.

This also means that pet owners will need the gear to keep them safe and their vehicles clean.

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR PETS – “YOU HAVE ONE FIDO NOTIFICATION”
When a pet owner can’t be with their pet, there are gadgets galore to keep them connected. From mobile apps synced to a pet’s collar to automatic treat feeders and video monitors. Pets have their own social media profiles—nay—their own social media platforms where they…social petwork. Check out Petzbe.com, a pet social network where there’s “no humans allowed.” Who can blame them?

PET HEALTH INSURANCE
According to Canine Journal, pet health insurance is booming. Because pets are now more like family, health insurance is only natural. And smart. Pet insurance is reasonably affordable and statistics show that at least half of pet owners file one claim each year. The pet insurance market is expected to reach $1 billion by 2019. Becoming informed about pet insurance and even partnering with a pet insurance company will add value to your business and increase loyalty.

WHERE DIRECT MAIL COMES IN
Using direct mail to promote your pet-related business is a pawsome idea. Naturally, pet lovers will respond to adorable images of pets on a printed piece. Use emotive direct mail to target pet owners in your neighborhood—your ideal customers. Based on the increasing value of a pet’s worth, pet owners are always—even subconsciously—open to ways to give the best to their pets.

Promote discounts on pet toys, food and other pet care items. During flea and tick season, offer coupons on products that prevent infestation. Stay informed about trends in the pet care industry, whether it’s new nutrition discoveries, holistic health care, or supplements. Keep your community informed through a blog or even a direct mail newsletter that features a coupon.

Use direct mail to invite your pet owner community to special events at your store. Consider hosting dog training events or grooming specials. Connect with your customers and their pets to create familiarity and confidence. For pet owners, being able to trust their pet supply and care providers is key.

Direct mail offers you response. The DMA asserted that, year over year, direct mail customer response rates were up by 43% and prospect response rates were nearly 4 times that at 190%. For every $167 you spend on your direct mail campaigns, you will generate as much as $2,095 in revenue. No begging.

Even if you love your digital marketing, direct mail will complement your efforts and put you at multi-channel level marketing, which is the best way to reach consumers today.

Valpak loves pets, too! If you’d like to learn more about how direct mail marketing can unleash your pet business in your community and fetch more customers, contact your local Valpak representative today.

As a small business owner, you’re probably focused on attracting new customers. While new customers are important to your business, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: there’s more value in focusing on your current customers than attracting new ones. Customer retention marketing can cost up to 7 times less.

WHAT IS CUSTOMER RETENTION?
Customer retention refers to a series of actions a business takes to keep their current customers coming back. It’s important to understand that customer retention begins with the very first contact you make with a customer and continues throughout their entire relationship with your business.

WHY CUSTOMER RETENTION MATTERS
Increasing customer retention by as little as 5% can lead to profit increases of 25-95%. Plus, the likelihood of converting an existing customer into a repeat customer is 60-70%. The probability of converting a new lead? 5-20% at best. With numbers like this, it’s easy to see why retaining customers should be a top priority for your business.

3 CUSTOMER RETENTION STRATEGIES USING DIRECT MAIL
We know that direct mail is effective for attracting new customers, but what about retaining them? The key here is to know your customer and to tailor your message to meet their needs. Check out the 3 best ways to create customer retention using direct mail advertising.

1. TARGET
You’ve likely collected information on your customers and their purchases. Now it’s time to use this information to create a strategic direct mail campaign. Targeting customers who have purchased from your business in the past can boost sales up to 35%.

Let’s say you own a heating and cooling business. You wouldn’t want to send a customer who just had a new HVAC unit installed a coupon with an installation offer. Instead, focus on what comes after the installation. Target these customers with a maintenance plan special or quarterly reminders to schedule their maintenance service.

2. DRIVE LOYALTY
Loyal customers are a major asset to your business. Nearly 80% of a business’s revenue is generated by the top 20% of their customers. Direct mail is a great way to keep your most loyal customers happy while growing your fan base.
Again, the key here is messaging. Target your biggest fans with an exclusive offer that inspires them to act or push customers to that next level of loyalty with an incentive. A flyer is a great way to feature all the awesome things about your business with enough room to include a special offer.

3. REACTIVATE
Winning back dormant customers is easy with direct mail. The first thing you need to know is why they’re no longer buying. Was it a bad experience or is it a matter of seasonality? Use a Business Reply Mail card or drive consumers to a unique URL printed on your piece to motivate them to respond to a survey. Don’t forget to thank them with an exciting reward.

Once you know why customers aren’t buying, you can work on re-establishing your relationship. Use a highly targeted direct mail campaign that addresses the reason they left and includes a motivating offer to return. Entice customers with special offers throughout the year, or simply use direct mail to stay in front of your customers, so that when they’re ready to buy again, you’ll be top of mind.

To sum up direct mail’s role in customer retention, check out this short United States Postal Service video. For more ideas on how you can drive customer retention and loyalty, contact your local Valpak representative.