As a seasonal business in Maine that may only operate during the warmer months, closing your business properly is an important process. Closing your business for an extended period requires both planning and execution. In this article, you can find information regarding some of the recommended steps to take when closing your seasonal business for the winter.

Make a List

One of the first steps that should be taken to ensure a smooth temporary closing of your business is to make a list of tasks that need to be completed. Making a list or outline will help keep you focused on the task at hand and help prevent you from forgetting any steps. Some of these steps should include a cleanup of your store and storefront, securing all windows and doors, turning off and unplugging any unnecessary equipment, prepping the business building for colder temperatures, and winterizing the outside of your business.

Accident Prevention

As the weather becomes colder, the conditions around your business may become difficult to navigate. Keeping your storefront plowed, shoveled, and your walkways sanded can help prevent unwanted accidents. It is important to remember that even though you may be closed for the season, accidents at your business may still be deemed your responsibility. Contact one of our agents to discuss commercial general liability insurance for third-party claims such as injuries caused by the negligence of you, your company, or your employees in connection with your business.

Theft Prevention

Closing your business for the season can provide the opportunity for thieves to steal and vandalize your business if the proper measures aren’t taken. Installing security cameras, leaving your business’s lights on as if it is occupied, removing merchandise from windows, and visiting your business regularly to check in can help prevent theft and vandalism.

Store Equipment

If your business typically keeps equipment outdoors during operations, finding an inside area to relocate them is important so they are not lost, stolen, or damaged during the colder months. If your business has company vehicles, these too should be stored properly and out of the elements during the winter.

Continue Customer Engagement

Even though your business may be closed for a brief period, you should still continue to communicate and engage with your customers. Doing so through social media by posting regularly and sharing quality content is a great way to continue engagement with your customers. Other methods such as creating an email list, putting out newsletters, and promoting your re-opening, will help remind your customers that your business will be returning.

Prepare for Re-Opening

The downtime of your offseason presents a great time to not only prepare for your reopening, but to do things you may not get to do during the busy part of your season. For example, checking and planning your inventory, making renovations, repairing equipment, or educating yourself on a new skill.

Review Your Insurance Policies

The downtime of winter is also a great time for you to review your business’s insurance policies. The following are just some of the common coverages Cross Insurance can help you learn more about.

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

Insurance Quotes for Seasonal Businesses in Maine

If you are looking to compare coverages and pricing for commercial insurance for your seasonal 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.