Bringing small businesses into more homes starts with getting set up with an online store, the right products, and shipping supplies.

“Shop small!”
“Buy local!”

These phrases have become staples in our world over the past few years and for good reason. Spending our dollars in locally-owned businesses keeps more money in our own community and fosters a stronger sense of connection that can’t be found when buying at big box stores, retail chains, or online. For the past 10 years, ever since American Express started Small Business Saturday, customers have increasingly taken to the movement. Embracing the businesses that they know, trust, and love continues to be on an upward trend.

Unfortunately the pandemic threw us a curveball. Local businesses are finding themselves severely challenged. Stores have slowly reopened but with new guidelines and related expenses. As we head into the fall and holiday season we are facing a completely different landscape with new questions to ask. Are customers going to feel safe enough to shop in person? Are we going to have to shutdown again if we see another increase in cases?

What can small businesses do to continue giving their customers the opportunity to support them now and during the upcoming fourth quarter?

Although it may seem daunting and perhaps futile to try to compete with companies who have been online for years, it may also be an ideal time for small businesses to take the dive. This year has not surprisingly seen a drastic increase in online sales as customers have been shopping from home more. Adobe has reported that by October 5th of this year, online sales will have surpassed last year’s. Small businesses should be sharing in the fruits of this trend in a way that’s comfortable, affordable, and sustainable. Adding eCommerce will also give customers an opportunity to support their favorite local businesses. Last but not least, business owners may find that having an online presence creates a feasible new revenue stream. In the future they can continue to maintain or grow once our lives return to normal.

In this article, Burris Computer Forms® would like to offer a few thoughts and pointers about taking this plunge.

Keep it simple

You only need one product to get started selling online. Pick something that customers identify with your store or business. It’s also good to choose items that won’t break the bank for you to stock and ship. Products that can be branded with your logo are also a good option. They have the potential to spread the word about your business near and far. They can become gifts that can give a gift in return – more customers!

Choose an eCommerce platform

There are many choices when it comes to platforms you can use to serve as your online store. The folks at ecommerceCEO have done a fantastic job of putting together an article that discusses them all. We recommend starting there first to get a good overview and comparison of some of the options. Or if that’s too much to process at once, check out what Shopify has to offer. They seem to be one of the more widely used eCommerce platforms that can help you take care of all of your needs, from giving you a visually appealing online marketplace all the way through producing the shipping labels for customer orders.

Speaking of labels, if you need any help with ordering forms and labeling supplies, feel free to contact us at (800) 982-FORM (3676) or click here to request samples. We have products, including our popular PeelOut!® Shipping Label Sheets™, that are specifically designed to work with many of the eCommerce platforms and that are sure to speed up order processing and reduce errors.

Get going and start spreading the word

Once you have everything in place and you’re ready to start accepting orders, shout from the rooftops that you have something to offer your customers online. Get them excited about the opportunity to support you in this new way so they can become cheerleaders for you and your business, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

It’s been a whirlwind these past few months, challenging everyone to stay flexible and creative. Until the pandemic is over, let’s do what we can to keep providing the magic that small, local businesses have to offer. Who knows? The changes we make today to keep ourselves viable may serve us well, even when this crazy time is just a memory.

If there’s anything we at Burris Computer Forms can do to help, let us know!



How to Mail Merge with Microsoft Word 2016

by Chelsea | Last Updated January 3, 2020

Mail Merge is a great time saver if you need to create documents that are mostly the same but unique in some way. For example, name tags for an event or envelopes with each person’s name and address.

Read More…


Address Labels Design in Microsoft Word

by Chelsea | Last Updated March 29, 2019

When designing and printing address labels, whether you’re printing an entire sheet or a single label, using a template helps simplify the job as well as quickly produce results. Some versions of Microsoft Word® 2007 and 2010 do offer built-in templates, but using these require step by step instructions for correct measurements. They also have various print options that many may find time-consuming.

Read More…


Design and print your own price tags

by Chelsea | Last Updated March 25, 2019

As a small business, printing your own price tags lets you to create and modify while avoiding the hefty prices that come with special ordering. When it comes to inventory, retail products, and identification tags, customers often see the price tags first. Whether it be to price check or see the products name/company, the key is to design them simply and effectively.

Read More…


Burris Computer Forms® announces the release of Peel Out!® Shipping Label Sheets for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) users. SFP Sellers now have the option to print their shipping labels on 8.5X11” sheets enabled by the accurate placement of the built-in 4X6” Peel Out! shipping label. If sellers don’t have a thermal printer that prints the 4X6” labels, Amazon Prime Sellers may have to print onto a full 8.5X11” sheet and cut out their label and tape to the packages. Burris’ goal when creating this was to offer Seller Fulfilled Prime merchants more printing options, along with cutting down on time spent. Here’s what Burris Computer Forms’ President Jerry Guzi said about the new product release.  Read More…



Customer Focus: KCCDD uses Note Cards in Art Expression

by Amy | Last Updated January 12, 2017
KCCDD printed cards 3

Knowledge, Creativity, Caring, Development, Dedication (KCCDD) has been a long-time customer of Burris Computer Forms®. KCCDD customizes blank printable note cards with unique images. The following is about KCCDD’s clients and experience printing note cards in-house. Read More…



Promoting Your Fall Festivities

by June | Last Updated September 30, 2016

It’s that time of year again: crisp cool autumn days, hot apple cider and spiced pumpkin lattes! It’s also time to start thinking about advertising your upcoming autumn activities, fall festivals and trunk-or-treat events. Here’s how you can put an autumnal twist on your promotions with postcards, door hangers, and more.

Read More…



Door hangers help local health department, police tackle Zika

by Outside Source | Last Updated August 15, 2016

Door hangers have many uses beyond “do not disturb.” A local health department, in conjunction with help from their police force, found them beneficial to spread the word about the Zika virus.

The Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes, became an issue of concern in Martinsville, Virginia in 2016. Therefore, to inform citizens on how best to protect themselves, the health department distributed informational door hangers along the streets.

Read on to see an excerpt from the Martinsville Buletin with greater detail. Also, check out our Create-N-Hang Door Hangers to tackle issues of your own.

Read More…


Print Your Own: Improve HOA Communication

by Amy | Last Updated August 9, 2016

Good communication can be challenging with a homeowners association. Blank printable doorknob hangers can help with customization for different messages, and even different languages. Being able to personalize so well with their communication can help to bring community members and board members closer together.

Read More…



PrinTable Tent Card

Burris Computer Forms® announces the addition of PrinTable ™ Place Cards and Tent Cards to its product line. PrinTable ™ Cards allow for customization and printing of each card by the user. Read More…