In partnership with the Board Retailers Association, we take an inside look at how you can manage risk
Surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding… Boardsports are inherently risky, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop doing them. And for a business, it doesn’t mean the risk can’t be managed.
Outdoor Sports Insurance is led by experts in managing such risk. We’re insurance agents, but we’re also outdoor enthusiasts who are intimately familiar with the activities we cover. Outdoor Sports Insurance has partnered with the Board Retailers Association to answer questions about best practices, handle unforeseen risks and manage your exposure to 3rd party liability. To get you started, here are a few topics we recommend as areas of focus for any retailer in the outdoor sports space.
Rentals & Demos
Rentals and demos are undoubtedly one of the most important tools in your toolbelt when allowing customers to experience new gear they’re interested in purchasing. Whether a customer is spending $200 or $2,000, we understand the desire to “try before you buy.”
Product demos are one of the leading drivers of injury, and subsequent lawsuits against retailers in the board retail space. From catching the board’s edge on the slopes to taking a SUP into dangerous waters, a simple product demo can quickly turn into a litigation nightmare. This is where Outdoor Sports Insurance comes in. In addition to providing you with insurance coverage designed specifically to meet these unique exposures, we extend our service offerings to include reviews and recommendations of your rental and demo processes, equip you with the most current and comprehensive waivers and release of liability forms, and provide continued education around latest trends and emerging hazards so that you are prepared when a face-plant becomes a frivolous lawsuit.
Special Events and Clinics
Rentals and demos aren’t the only way to find new customers. Special events and clinics are a perfect place to promote your business and attract novice consumers to expert buyers.
When running a special event or clinic, it’s a necessity to make sure your staff is trained correctly. Outdoor Sports Insurance has partnered with Sparc Retail to create Outdoor Sports University: an online interactive series of training modules designed to ensure store employees are current with best practices protocol to further cultivate a focus on safety for your customer experience.
Transportation
Maybe you’re transporting boards from the warehouse to the shop. Maybe you’re bringing a fleet of gear to one of the demos or special events mentioned above. Maybe an employee is just running errands in a company vehicle. No matter where you’re going or what you’re moving, accidents happen and it’s an absolute necessity your business is prepared to handle them when they happen.
In addition to helping your business run smoothly with staff training, documentation, waivers and forms, Outdoor Sports Insurance can make sure you have the right auto policies in place that will respond in the event of damage or injury sustained in a crash.
Network Security
For years, Network Security Insurance (commonly referred to as Cyber Liability Coverage) was widely regarded as a boutique coverage needed only by large corporations who store and process large volumes of consumer credit card information. In the later part of the last decade, however, this perception proved inaccurate when cyber-attacks on small to midsize businesses increased nearly 600% and cost companies an average of $3.92 Million per event.
Gone are the days of headline-making credit card heists. 2020 marked the dawn of a new era in cyber-criminal activity where cyber extortion targeting small businesses reigns supreme. The good news is, Outdoor Sports Insurance has access to a wide array of insurance markets that write cyber policies specifically for the small business owner. These policies are both comprehensive in protection and breach response services, and affordable in premium.