Everyone knows that the best retail POS system must include features that support a positive guest experience, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. It’s essential to have a provider that offers robust applications that keep up with the changing times. It should also allow you to expand your customer base — both online and offline. Here are the must-have features to look out for on your search for your point-of-sale solution.
An Omnichannel Presence is Paramount
If your business hasn’t hopped on the eCommerce bandwagon, now is the time; the best retail pos will support an online store. Consumers are online more than ever, using their devices not only for entertainment, but for online shopping as well. In fact, by the end of 2021, it is predicted that 73% of eCommerce sales will take place on a mobile device.
The reality is that customers crave options; the more you can offer, the better. Although there will be customers itching to return to in-store shopping experiences, many have grown to prefer online shopping, so much so that global ecommerce sales are projected to increase 26.7 percent year-over-year to $4.891 trillion in 2021. Further, online sales are expected to continue growing and hit $6.388 trillion – nearly twice that of 2019’s total eCommerce sales.
An omnichannel presence allows you to cater to an audience wider than those local to your brick-and-mortar location, potentially expanding your customer base. Having an online presence is especially important in order to reach younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z, who are known for taking advantage of online resources more than older generations.
Bottom line, the more people you can reach online and offline, the better return on your investment. It’s important to work with the best retail POS provider to deliver a simple, easy-to-use application to set up your online store.
Small Business Support Surges
In recent years, the desire to support local small businesses has boomed. Customers love to give back to their communities by supporting businesses run by locals, family, and friends. The pandemic only strengthened this desire. Thirty-seven percent of consumers prefer to shop with independent businesses to support them, which is more than they did during the pre-COVID-19 era.
The stats don’t lie. Consumers have made a massive shift when it comes to shopping preferences, and it’s clear that shopping small is the best route. Although this is exciting news for small business owners, it’s important to keep up with larger brands when it comes to providing options. Here are some that small businesses should look out for when shopping for the best retail POS solution:
Digital Payments
Does your point-of-sale system accept various payment methods? If not, it’s time for an upgrade to keep up. The truth is, fewer people are paying with cash every day and instead opting for digital payment options. While your business may already be able to accept credit/debit cards, supporting only traditional cash and card payments may no longer be enough to cater to customer preferences.
The rising popularity of mobile wallets has led to customers using their mobile devices to pay at checkout. Many larger brands now support EMV “tap” support for accepting digital wallet payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even cryptocurrency. You want to be sure to provide as many options as possible so that your customers don’t become frustrated and take their business to another store who accepts their preferred form of payment. The best retail POS will allow you to accept multiple forms of digital payments so that you can let your customers pay their way.
Loyalty and Marketing Integration
Consumers are always on the lookout for a brand they can stick with. However, customers can easily get bored. If you have customers that have become regulars, it’s important to think about how to hold onto them. The solution? Reward your dedicated shoppers so they keep coming back for more! Offering an exclusive rewards program will give you access to learn more about customer preferences and how you can best nurture the relationship.
The more organic this is, the more likely you are to experience an increase in sales. Make your customers feel special and appreciated with a unique experience. Forty-eigth percent of consumers spend more when their experience is catered specially for them, so making personalization a priority is key to higher profits.
Yes, your brick-and-mortar shop can elevate the customer experience without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little research to find the best retail POS provider. Osprey Retail has been working with retailers in various industries for over 30 years. Our solution can help you navigate any challenge to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Want to learn more about our system? Contact us today or request a demo to see our solution in action.