10 Intentional Ways to Get a Jump Start on Holiday Revenue

Published: November 18, 2025

Suppose a customer asks to pay for a $200 order with cryptocurrency. Can you accept it? How would you know you’ve been paid? And would $200 still be $200 by the time the money reaches your business account?

You don’t need to know how to buy Bitcoin to ask those questions.

They’re the same questions you probably asked when you first signed on with Stripe or any of those new payment methods: What does it cost, when do I get paid, and what happens if something goes wrong?

But if you’re scratching your head wondering who’s paying in crypto and how, it’s not as far away as you think.

What in the World Is Cryptocurrency?

Crypto is a broad term for digital assets that can be transferred through a computer network called a blockchain. Think of a blockchain as a shared record of transactions. Instead of a bank maintaining the only record of a payment, the network records it according to its own rules.

A business can use a payment service to handle much of the technical work, just as it uses a processor to accept credit cards.

There’s a distinction worth knowing: Bitcoin and stablecoins serve different purposes. Bitcoin’s price can change substantially. A stablecoin, like the name suggests, is designed to maintain a steadier value, commonly by tracking the U.S. dollar. “Designed to” is the kicker. A stablecoin still depends on the company issuing it and the arrangements behind it. It isn’t the same as having dollars in your bank account.

That difference helps explain why digital payments have entered the small business and government conversation. At a September 2026 House Small Business subcommittee hearing, lawmakers examined whether these tools could lower payment costs, help businesses get paid sooner, and make transactions with customers or suppliers in other countries easier. The hearing also raised the questions owners need answered about conversion, taxes, and fraud.

Where Could Crypto Payments Help?

Before you start writing this off as science fiction, there might be some real advantages to at least entertaining the possibilities of alternative payment methods. These include:

Payment costs. If you make hundreds of small sales, processing fees add up. A digital payment option might cost less for certain transactions. Compare the full cost, though, including the provider’s fees, conversion rate, and any charge to move money into your bank account. The lowest advertised fee may not be the lowest final cost.

Payment timing. Some digital asset networks operate around the clock. That could be useful if your business routinely waits for funds, particularly from international buyers. But the network’s speed is only part of the story. A payment provider may have its own processing or withdrawal schedule. Ask when the dollars will be available for payroll, inventory, or bills.

Customer choice. If customers have asked to pay this way, offering the option might remove a barrier to a sale. If no one has asked and your current methods work well, the added setup may bring little benefit.

Cash flow makes the timing question an important one. In the Federal Reserve Banks’ 2025 report on employer firms, 51% of respondents identified uneven cash flow as a financial challenge. Faster access to a particular payment could help some businesses, though it won’t solve the larger causes of uneven revenue or late invoices.

Just like other payment methods, the decision of whether to accept crypto as payment is up to you. If you’re considering it, you should understand next steps.

What Happens After a Customer Pays?

What happens depends on the service you choose. One provider may convert the digital asset to dollars and send a deposit to your bank account. Another arrangement may leave your business holding the asset until you decide to convert it. Those are different decisions with different risks and recordkeeping needs.

Before signing up, walk through one ordinary sale and one refund.

Ask the provider:

What will the customer send and what will my business receive?
What’s the total cost on a sale at my typical price?
When will funds reach my bank account?
How are refunds handled if the asset’s price changes?
What records will I receive for bookkeeping and taxes?

Tax implication note: The IRS says businesses must account for the U.S. dollar value of digital assets received as payment. Selling or exchanging assets later can bring further tax reporting requirements, so review the proposed setup with your accountant before using it for regular sales.

Take security seriously, too. Crypto payments generally don’t offer the familiar reversal process of a credit card payment. The FTC also warns that scammers may impersonate a supplier or other trusted contact and demand payment in cryptocurrency. Verify any unexpected request to send funds using a phone number or contact method you already know.

Your Experience Belongs in the Policy Conversation

This is an ongoing conversation. Federal rules for digital assets continue to develop, including rules related to payment stablecoins. Small business owners should have a say in whether those rules are understandable and workable for a company without a compliance department.

That’s where your chamber can help. Tell your chamber what you’d need before considering a digital payment option. Is your concern the cost of accepting payments, the time it takes to receive them, fraud protection, or the work of keeping tax records? If you’ve tried one of these services, share what happened in practice.

Your chamber can bring those examples to lawmakers and help members get straightforward answers as the rules take shape. You don’t have to be ready to accept crypto to have a useful voice in the conversation. You already know what a payment system needs to do for your business.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

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Medium: @christinametcalf

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

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Traditionally, marketers at this time of year are busy trying to attract Black Friday and other shoppers in the days right after Thanksgiving. But thanks to the uptick in pre-Black Friday sales, today’s customers are shopping earlier than ever, spreading out their spending and looking for ways to avoid the December scramble. In fact, nearly half of U.S. shoppers now begin their holiday shopping before Black Friday.

That means November isn’t just the warm-up. It’s your time to shine. With a few smart strategies, you can pull in customers before the big-box stores roll out their doorbusters and get a head start on holiday profits. Here are a few ways to catch shoppers’ attention:

Create a “Pre-Holiday Perk” Campaign

Position early shopping as something special. Give early birds their own exclusive event—like “Thankful for You” week or a “Pre-Holiday VIP Preview.”

Offer perks such as:

An early access sale with limited quantities
Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases before Thanksgiving
Bonus loyalty points or small freebies with purchase

Use phrases like “Avoid the rush—shop early and save more” or “Holiday magic starts now” to build urgency and show shoppers what’s in it for them.

Partner With Neighboring Businesses

Join forces with nearby retailers, restaurants, and service providers to create a walkable or online “Shop Early, Shop Local” trail.

Each participating business could offer something small (like a $5 coupon or treat) for visitors. when customers visit.

This drives traffic as it reinforces community spirit and keeps dollars circulating locally.

Launch a “Grateful Giving” Promotion

People love to feel generous in November. Tap into that with a cause-driven sale. Donate a percentage of early purchases to a local charity, food pantry, or school project or participate in a toy drive and give a special discount to those who donate to it.

For example:

A bakery could donate a loaf to a shelter or needy family for every dozen cookies sold.
A restaurant could give a portion of sales on one night to a nonprofit.

When shoppers know their purchase gives back, they’re more likely to buy early and buy more.

Bundle for the Busy Buyer

Many shoppers are looking for quick, ready-to-give solutions. Create themed bundles that save them time and make you stand out.

Think:

“Cozy Night In” kits (candles, cocoa, and socks)
“Local Taste Tour” boxes with hometown treats
“Grill Master” or “Self-Care Sunday” sets

Display them prominently and promote them as limited pre-holiday offers. Bonus: they make for great social media photos.

Host an Experience, Not Just a Sale

Before the crowds hit, give people a reason to linger. Host a small in-store event, tasting, or workshop tied to the season:

A “Holiday Decorating Tips” night at a home store
A “Sip & Style” event at a boutique
A “Pie Pairing” session at a café or winery

Offer special pricing to attendees or a first look at holiday items. Events like these encourage people to shop early and to shop locally again later.

Reward the “Early Elves”

Give a little something extra to those who shop before Thanksgiving. A small thank-you, like a coupon for their next visit in December, keeps them coming back.

For instance: “Shop in November and get a $10 gift card to use in December.” It’s an easy, low-cost way to extend your holiday revenue window.

Promote Your November Hours and Offers Early

Don’t assume customers know you’re ready for the holidays. Tell them! Use every channel you can: social media, window signs, email, and your Google Business Profile. (Don’t forget to tell us too!)

Include photos of gift displays, new arrivals, or holiday décor to set the mood. And if you’ll have special hours around Thanksgiving week, post them early. One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make during this time of year is not communicating hours (or assuming because you posted once, that was enough). Many people shop online because they simply assume their favorite local store isn’t open when they want to shop. While that may be the case some of the time (no one in retail is staying open until 1:00 am just in case someone feels the need to shop), if you are extending your hours for the holiday season make sure everyone in town knows.

Lean Into Gratitude Messaging

November is naturally about giving thanks so it’s a great marketing theme. Share posts thanking your loyal customers, featuring favorite local places or other businesses, or highlighting team members.

People are more likely to support a business that feels human and heartfelt. Gratitude builds trust, and trust leads to sales.

Offer Early Access to Gift Cards or Experiences

Gift cards are the unsung hero of early holiday marketing. Promote them as stress-free gifts before Thanksgiving with a small incentive: “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 for yourself.”

Restaurants, spas, and service businesses can pair cards with small add-ons—like a dessert, a product sample, or a digital thank-you card featuring local art.

If you don’t have your own gift card program, become a participating merchant in ours. <chambers with a local gift card, insert your info here>

Market to the “Planners and Procrastinators”

Create messaging that speaks to both types of shoppers. For planners: emphasize peace of mind and avoiding the rush. For procrastinators: highlight easy solutions and limited availability.

Example captions:

“The best gifts don’t wait until December.”
“Plan ahead, shop now, and then relax while everyone else stands in line.”

November is full of potential for small businesses willing to act early. That’s why we started Small Business Season on November 1^st. Remember, we’re here to help promote your events, amplify your message, and connect you with other local businesses doing the same. Together, we can make Small Business Season the highlight of the year.