An all-in-one web based virtual queuing, people counting, and contact tracing solution to meet social distancing protocols in the winter months is now available to Cowichan businesses at a subsidized cost.
Community Futures Cowichan, along with local chambers of commerce, business improvement associations, and Tourism Cowichan, have partnered with Kuusoft to provide local businesses access to the WAIT Queue Management System, considered the most cost-effective and safest way for retailers to automate lineups during COVID-19 with contact tracing built in.
The WAIT system automates business lineups and wait lists, therefore improving the customer experience while enhancing business performance.
This is an opportunity to implement the latest technology for a very small fee.
The project supports small businesses by covering the licensing cost and most of the messaging service for participating businesses.
Cathy Robertson, general manager of Community Futures Cowichan, said the customer-service sector in the Cowichan region is a significant player in the local economy.
She said that collectively, these food services, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses make up Cowichan’s “Main Street” of amenities and service providers that create the character and charm that are so valued in rural communities.
“Many of our smaller businesses just don’t have the time or the money to survive the pandemic on their own, so a number of local business agencies came together to see what resources we can access to assist the businesses,” Robertson said.
“Winter is coming and it will be cold out, so we wanted to find technology for our businesses to have for their customers to use to ensure they have a reserved spot and not have to wait outside. All the customers have to do is punch in a few things on their Smart phone and organize their shopping day.”
Robertson said that to support these business, Community Futures Cowichan assessed funding from Western Economic Diversifications Rural Opportunities Fund to help cover the cost for businesses who could benefit from using this technology.
“This project is a win-win,” she said.
“Businesses who are struggling because of COVID get the support they need and customers can safely and efficiently visit their favourite stores and service providers. Interested businesses should contact their local chamber of commerce or business improvement association for more details. It’s as easy as getting you a licence code to be a user. And you’ll be connected with the support team where they will get you up and running.”
To learn more check out the website www.kuusoft.com/wait/cowichan