How North Carolina bars, restaurants, hotels, and other on-premise retailers can lean on industry resources for better connectivity, support, and operations. 

In the wise words of Bill Withers, occasionally in life, “we all need somebody to lean on.” Especially in business, the twists and turns of the last several months have shown that even the most successful and influential retail chains across the country are not immune to hardship. Throughout it all, the support of customers, employees, and partners can make a world of difference as we adjust to new regulations and operating restrictions. 

For businesses, retaining customer loyalty and gaining employee support is vital in overcoming new challenges, so clear and honest communication pays dividends here. Using social media to drive customer engagement and ensuring location-level management is guiding and participating in PPE and cleaning efforts are just a few ways to get started. In large, the challenges lie in navigating the often complicated and seemingly ever-changing regulatory complexities that are now a requirement of operating in our industry, especially when it comes to buying and serving alcohol. Now, it’s more important than ever to have that someone to lean on that Bill Withers wrote about – and that’s where Fintech and the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) fit. Utilizing industry associations like NCRLA and business partners like Fintech gives retailers trusted allies that simplify regulatory and even operational obstacles. 

By expanding on the value they provided before COVID, NCRLA took quick action to aid members with resources and training materials that help owners, operators, managers, and wait staff stay informed and ahead of changes impacting business.

By expanding on the value they provided before COVID, NCRLA took quick action to aid members with resources and training materials that help owners, operators, managers, and wait staff stay informed and ahead of changes impacting business. Their website hosts press information and reports from the NC Office of The Governor, general guidance documents for safely reopening under new restrictions, and memos indicating new laws that will impact operations. They’ve even created a portal for restaurateurs and hoteliers to “Take Action” through an online petition to Congress. Additionally, they are working hand-in-hand with the North Carolina Restaurant Workers Relief Fund to provide financial support for workers displaced by the pandemic. 

For operational support, Fintech is serving retailers with free, automated alcohol invoice payments that take the headache out of managing regulatory compliance and bring enhanced operational efficiency. Through our no-cost Distributor Autopay program, invoices are paid electronically on the invoice due date without the need for cash, checks, or money orders for all alcohol purchases, keeping retailers in compliance and off the no-sale list. Automated payments also speed up deliveries of beer and wine, and even help facilitate quicker trips to the state agency stores for liquor, giving retailers more time to focus on initiatives that rebuild customer experience. Fintech also delivers a daily email notification of upcoming payments, so retailers can better understand and manage their total alcohol spend. Beyond payments, Fintech serves as a regulatory resource for clients, providing legislative updates, informative panel webinars, and connectivity through industry partners like NCRLA. 

For operational support, Fintech is serving small business retailers with free, automated alcohol invoice payments that take the headache out of managing regulatory compliance

For further support, retailers can also enroll in Fintech’s full payment and data solution, which provides access to digital invoice management, powerful purchase analytics, and data integration into back-office systems. Today, nearly 50% of alcohol retailers in North Carolina trust Fintech for automated payments and data for their business.  

During uncertain times, it’s even more imperative to align your business with partners who bring true value to your company. Resources like NCRLA and Fintech have proven invaluable to bars, restaurants, hotels, and other retailers for years, and will continue to serve members and clients long after our industry recovers from the pandemic. To learn more about the partnership between Fintech and NCRLA, and learn what we can do for your business, contact us today.