Business hours: What is it and how does it work?

Business hours refer to the stipulated operating hours for each type of business, aiming to provide convenience to customers. This allows customers to know when they can visit the store, and employees to be aware of the business hours.

In our article, we address several issues related to business hours, explaining how they work and highlighting the importance of companies adhering to established hours.

What are the business hours?

It's important to note that there are no standard business hours, which vary depending on several factors, such as the type of business and municipal regulations. Hours are often established through agreements between merchants, associations, and unions.

In general, the most common business hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, applied in various commercial establishments, such as computer stores, among others.

On the other hand, in shopping malls, opening hours tend to start around 10 or 11 am and last until 8 pm.

In some Brazilian cities, the so-called "English week" is adopted, where business hours begin at 1 p.m. on Mondays. Typically, businesses in these cities remain open until 7 p.m.

In markets, it is common for this time to be much longer, starting around 7 am and going until 8 pm or 9 pm.

Therefore, everything depends directly on the type of business and the rules established by the municipality for its operation.

What are business hours for?

Business hours are crucial for the organization and operation of all establishments. This is because they allow retailers to know when they can operate, customers to know when they can visit the store, and employees to know when they will work.

Here are some important reasons to establish business hours:

Communication and customer service

If a customer visits a business and likes its operation, they'll want to return. So, when you have established business hours, you build customer loyalty and let them know when to return.

With this clear communication, the customer will always look for the store for their purchases at the right time and will be sure to find it open, which is good for both the purchase and the salesperson.

Setting work schedules

Business hours play a key role in defining working hours, both for business owners and employees. Establishing business hours allows you to create a routine and have clarity about work periods.

For employees, business hours are essential for organizing their daily lives, enabling them to carry out other activities outside of working hours and ensuring compliance with the hours stipulated by law.

For business owners, it's a way to stay organized and know when their establishment will be open, as well as having a more flexible daily routine. It's also a way to establish schedules for customer service and personal life.

It's a way to keep commerce running

Simply put, when business hours are established, the business is creating a relationship with the customer, defining the time when it will serve each customer and that it has the obligation to provide what the customer needs.

This type of relationship makes business work, creating better conditions and letting the customer know when they can count on the service.

For commerce, there is also the issue of this schedule bringing better predictability in relation to consumption, investment and all the financial issues involved in having a business established.

See main business hours

As mentioned above, there aren't just one business hour; there are several that are determined by each type of establishment. It's essential that you know the main ones for when you need the services they offer. Check them out!

Supermarket Business Hours

One establishment that has different business hours is the supermarket. This is because it needs to establish a schedule that's convenient for everyone when shopping for essential items.

Generally speaking, business hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, it's important to note that these hours can vary depending on the region and type of market. In some areas, for example, establishments may close at 9:00 PM. Additionally, it's common to see different opening hours on Sundays, with closing times occurring around 2:00 PM.

On special dates, this time may extend until midnight or later.

Bank Business Hours

Banks have different business hours when serving the public, which can cause confusion, especially for those who are not used to it.

Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm for general service, Monday to Friday.

In addition, it is possible to carry out operations at self-service terminals (ATMs) during extended hours, from 6 am to 10 pm.

Post Office Business Hours

The established business hours for post offices throughout the country are Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

In some municipalities, specific agencies may also operate on Saturdays, from 9 am to 1 pm.

Lottery Business Hours

According to the law, the business hours of lottery outlets in the country are from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturdays.

However, there is flexibility that allows some establishments to operate from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays or extend their hours to 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

Some precautions regarding business hours

For both merchants and customers, there are necessary business hours to consider to ensure proper operation and consumption. Here's what you need to consider.

If you are a business owner

• Always publicize your opening hours everywhere (website, flyers, customer service channels, etc.). It's also important to have a sign advertising your hours at your business.
• Always notify us if there are any changes to our business hours, such as holidays and other days that may be necessary.
• To ensure your business runs smoothly, set operating hours based on your region, customers, target audience, and the type of service you offer.
• If you need to close early on any day for any reason, issue a statement on all channels explaining the incident.
• Be clear with your information. State the days and hours of operation, as well as whether or not the business will be open during lunch hours.

If you are a customer

• Always check the company's communication channels for opening hours.
• Check that there have been no changes to business hours before going to the store.
• Check how it operates on weekends, holidays, and other occasions.
• If you're not sure about the opening hours, go to the location and ask about their opening hours. This way, you'll know your visit will be more productive.

Frequently asked questions

[faq]