Bring in extra traffic with some trick-or-treat action

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Small business owners in many communities offer downtown trick or treat events. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your business reputation. Involvement in local events goes a long way with both existing and prospective customers—indicating a vested interest in your community. Find creative ways to make your business stand out this trick-or-treat season. We hope the following suggestions will spark fun promotional ideas:

  • Offer a wide variety of treats for the kiddos. All kids are unique, so have a variety of goodies on hand. Mini chocolate bars, Smarties and gumballs are among fan favorites. If you do offer candy, have special-needs alternatives on hand. Hand out sugar-free candy for children with diabetes and nut-free treats for those with nut allergies. Plastic spider rings, rubber bouncy balls, and Halloween-themed novelty toys are wonderful alternatives to sugary favorites.
  • Keep it fun and age appropriate. Try to keep decorations acceptable for varied ages. Too scary, and the little ones might be too terrified to walk by your storefront.
  • Research community involvement opportunities. Check into a booth at the fall carnival to promote your business, or set up a photo op area for parents to snap pics of their children in costume.
  • Have a promotional item for each child. Order paper pirate hats and princess crowns printed with your company logo. Wearable items may provide added advertisement for days after Halloween!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Steven M. Ellard, CPA

Steven M. Ellard, CPA, owns Steven M. Ellard, CPA, an accounting firm on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He has more than 30 years of accounting and tax experience. His firm handles bookkeeping, payroll, tax and accounting for local businesses, with tax planning that runs all year instead of only at filing time. In 2015, Intuit named the firm one of its 20 Firms of the Future in the country.