Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

High gas prices are a reality that is going to be around for a long time to come. We must face this issue and deal with the hard realities.

Probably the greatest effect upon businesses are those that have offered fast delivery and same-day service; especially small businesses that make this one of their competitive advantages.

You're faced with this decision: either keep offering it, offer it with increased delivery charges, drop some of your delivery times or quit delivering. I'm not aware of any other options.

It is a hard decision, but most businesses have taken these steps:

First, there has to be an increase their delivery charges. When customers ask about it, as long as it's explained to them about the high gas prices, almost all understand completely.

Second, the great majority must drop some of their delivery schedule. Some have said they've lost a little business this way, but what are the options? You can't hold to deliveries that lose money over a long period of time, it isn't sustainable.

Third, a number of businesses outsource their deliveries to drivers and they also refuse to do those special deliveries that don't offer enough business to pay costs. Again, all you can do is cut back on those services.

Fourth, a number of businesses fight the decline in service through offering discounts or adding low-cost added value to their customers like adding something to the product or offering a higher quality item included with the purchase.

How have you handled this problem if gas prices have made a huge impact on your business? Anybody have a horse?