How to Become a One-Stop Shop in Business

Do you have a business you go to for practically everything? Whether it’s a particular service, product or miscellaneous request–there is often one business that has it all. These businesses, known as one-stop shops, are an entrepreneur’s dream. How can you make your business more of a one-stop shop for your customers’ needs? One-stop shops are usually in high demand and can adapt quickly to changing circumstances. If your small business is looking to expand its service offerings to meet your key customers’ growing demands, here are three tips for doing so:

Evaluate opportunities for new services to provide

As a small business owner, there are often a variety of ways to expand current services. With the advancement of technology and increasingly complex consumer needs, small businesses have had to learn how to adapt and evolve over the past few years. However, for those looking to become more versatile, it is particularly important to evaluate opportunities for additional services to be added to their resume.

One way to do this is by looking at top competitors or other local businesses. Often, the most competitive small businesses offer a wide variety of services to their customers. Whether it is a clothing store that offers personal customization, a pet care service that offers more than one treatment, or a grocery store that offers home delivery–there are a plethora of ways to increase your services and reach a broader audience. By taking a page from different businesses, you may be inspired to see the areas where your business can expand. 

When considering new services, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes, those ideas can lead to breakthroughs in customer service and profitability.

Review existing services and update as needed

Other key considerations for becoming a one-stop shop in business are the areas where you can update and potentially revamp your current services. For small business owners who have been operating for a long time, your services may have naturally shifted due to technological and cultural advancements. However, for others, it can be challenging to reinvent the wheel. Amid the day-to-day hustle, taking time to review ways to refresh your existing services is a great way to work toward the goal of becoming a one-stop shop.

At The UPS Store, we are constantly looking for ways to do this. One example of this is our self-serve Time Saving Kiosks available at participating locations. As part of our shipping services, we expanded this service to help customers run errands faster with consolidated returns, drop-offs, and pre-packaged mobile shipping and returns. In reviewing our current services, we identified this area as one to grow and expand, which is just one example of updating offerings to better meet customer needs.

Survey and communicate with customers to ensure you are adapting to their needs

Lastly, one of the most effective ways to become a one-stop shop in business is to survey your customers on what they need. In small business ownership, sometimes the best way to solve a fix is to go directly to the source. By asking your customer base what ways your business can improve, you will be better equipped to update or add services as needed.

One method for consideration is to simply send a survey email to customers after a transaction. This is a simple, yet powerful way to gather feedback and respond accordingly. If you have regular customers you interact with daily, you can also ask them informally through a conversation. Regardless of the technique, surveying your customers is a great way to identify ways you can further adapt to their needs.

There are many ways in which you can become a one-stop shop in business. Some of the most effective ways include adding new services, updating current ones and surveying customers about their needs. The most important thing to keep in mind is that listening is key, and small business owners know that customers are the number one priority when it comes to being their “go-to.”