6 ‘Must-Haves’ When Choosing a Tablet-Based POS Solution
Over recent years, there have been many different types of tablet-based point-of-sale solutions introduced to the retail industry. As a modern-day retailer faced with many choices, you'll want to make sure that your future tablet-based POS does the following:
1. Operates on a cloud-based solution: When choosing a tablet-based POS for your store, make sure the system is cloud based. Reliability and security are the two most important factors for your POS, which is the gateway to all your transactions, customer data and inventory. PC-based systems are more prone to viruses and corruption, posing a huge risk to your valuable data.
Another benefit from using a cloud-based POS software solution is that it will allow you to have real-time access to your data at any time and in any location (e.g., on your tablet, smartphone, desktop, etc.). Whether you're ordering directly from suppliers, processing payments or capturing customer data, you'll be able to do it from anywhere at any time with a cloud-based solution.
2. Intelligently organizes inventory: If your business is inventory intensive, it needs a POS solution that can effectively monitor product stock and get quick inventory updates. A POS system that places emphasis on inventory management should be able to painlessly organize products on your tablet or smartphone. This should make it much easier to search for all the products you carry. As a busy retailer, you should also be able to receive instant reminders when stock is running low, enabling you to purchase directly from suppliers while having your inventory automatically updated shortly afterwards. Inventory management shouldn't be the crux of your business, customer engagement should.
3. Powerfully integrates CRM and customer loyalty programs: The most important part of your business is your customers. You have to be able to do anything it takes to know them and remember them. There are so many customer relationship management (CRM) tools out there that it might be difficult to weed out which one is right for you. A CRM tool built into your POS system is more beneficial as it's able to capture your customers' information as they swipe their credit card and pay for their purchase. I'm not just talking about information such as email addresses or telephone numbers; I'm talking about knowledge on what their most purchased items are and at which location.
4. Sells your products online and on mobile: As a small retailer, you likely haven't figured out how to put your products online or create an engaging website to entice shoppers. This is where a tablet-based POS system comes into play. You need to find a solution that will allow you to easily sell your products both on the web and on a mobile site. You don't have time to operate an online store and a mobile store and a physical store as three different channels. That's precisely why a POS system that allows you to operate all sales channels seamlessly is absolutely necessary.
5. Operates multiple stores: As your business expands, you want a POS that expands with you — whether that's storing more customer data or being able to manage more stores without adding burden to the process. Retailers need to understand how all their stores are doing at all times from any location. You'll also want to effortlessly switch between your stores to compare performances and know what was bought from each store. After you expand your store count, you'll need a system that recognizes your best customers when they enter any store. This will keep them feeling like VIPs. A POS that has CRM capabilities as well as the ability to operate in multiple stores is crucial if you plan to expand your business.
6. Provides excellent customer service: A POS system is like the heart of your store — if it stops working or experiences problems, operations for your store are going to become unstable. Knowing that you have a team to back you up and answer all of your questions in case anything happens is crucial. Test the customer service of any tablet-based POS solution that you're considering. Speak to the company's customer service representatives and ask yourself if this is the kind of person you'll want to speak to when you're frustrated with your POS.
Michelle Yuan is the director of sales and marketing at Bindo (bindopos.com), a cloud-based iPad point-of-sale with a web and mobile storefront. Michelle can be reached at michelle.yuan@bindo.com.
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