We're all a bit fatigued after a full year of the Pandemic. There's been so much bad news everywhere we turn.
The team here at Drogheda Chamber have supported and celebrated the resilience, creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs over the last year. And now it's time to celebrate those that have been nimble in adapting to the changing situation. Those that have pivoted. That have used the lockdowns as opportunities to future fit and develop their businesses further.
Over the coming weeks we will interview some of these businesses and share some of the positivity and good news that we see.
This week we are talking with Garrett Gunn and Gavin Duffy - from Tapit.
Tell us about your pre pandemic Business status
GG/GD: We were just beginning our journey in March 2020 - right as Covid was starting to take hold. Our initial goal was to encourage customers to transact with more local businesses in their area - simply and easily, by using their bank card to get cashback on each transaction.
While this still is the case, when the economy reopens fully it is even more important that Irish people spend locally, to keep local businesses thus leading to more vibrant local economies where we all support each other.
What was the initial impact on your business & how did you react?
GG/GD: Initially in March 2020 we chose to delay our launch until June 2020 thinking there would be one lockdown that we all would have had to experience.
To launch when we did, looking back it has been hugely positive experience and we would not have changed this. In the time since 'Go Live' we have received very positive feedback from both customers and businesses alike and this feedback is leading us to refine Tapit features and benefits to make it an even stronger proposition.
It’s fantastic to see and hear of customer reactions when they are surprised and delighted as they get an instant cashback notification after spending with a Tapit partner business.
Feedback from businesses is very positive also - as they are seeing more frequent returning custom from customers and those Tapit customers are spending more on average per transaction than regular customers which is a huge advantage for businesses in adopting Tapit.
What changes did you make in order to cope or pivot / and to adapt to the situation?
GG/GD: Whilst initially we intended working with brick and mortar businesses only - As the year progressed and more and more business moved online, we decided to adapt also.
We encouraged local Irish eCommerce sites onto the Tapit app also.On hearing the startling fact that 70% of online spends leaves Ireland each year is something that we in Tapit set out to help address. Tapit app users can simply pay on a Tapit partners website with their VISA card and get rewarded instantly for doing so. It’s simple and easy and this helps you keep the spend in Ireland.
Version 2 of Tapit app will show online v offline offers and this update will be released once development has completed - (follow our social channels to find out when)
What supports, grants, aids helped the most?
GG/GD: We have worked with Louth LEO since the start and they have been instrumental to help bring Tapit from concept to being a leading start-up Fintech business in the North East. We’ve also had remarkable mentors and guidance especially from Robert Murray and Miriam Simon in Drogheda Chamber. The chamber really see the positives in how Tapit helps businesses to easily grow their customer base and increase revenue. In turn, Drogheda has a high tech fintech app to help create that vibrant community and thriving business economy.
How are you feeling about business as we begin to plan to emerge from the lockdowns, and as vaccinations roll out?
GG/GD: Very positive – As restrictions are lifted and all businesses reopen there will be a huge ‘Be Irish, Buy Irish’ campaign to support Irish business and get the Irish economy back humming again. At Tapit, we will be there to support forward thinking businesses who want more regular custom, and want to increase their revenue quicker whilst helping delight their customers as they do so. [I would encourage all readers of this article to keep thinking Irish and local] You can download Tapit from www.tapit.ie and spend with your local businesses. In turn they'll reward you for your custom - with instant cashback!
This is an opportunity to create that vibrant local community and economy that we can all be proud to be part off.
Finally … What's your top piece of advice for other businesses?GG/GD: Take the time now to build your business offering and to be ready for the reopening of Ireland and the ‘Be Irish, Buy Irish’ campaign. Those who are ready and prepared will come out of this pandemic stronger.
If you'd like to be featured in this series - We'd love to hear from you @Drogheda & District Chamber.