Helix Digi Labs
How you manage sales can be crucial to your success, whether you run a new or existing retail business. Today's POS systems handle much more than just transactions; when utilized properly, they may completely change how your retail business runs.
It might be challenging to choose the best retail POS because there are so many options available when looking into a free POS Software for retail, therefore learn what features to look for like:
When choosing a retail POS system, ensure it's intuitive and simple. The software resides in the cloud, and the hardware is usually plug-and-play. This will lower the time you spend learning how to use it yourself and help you onboard new staff faster as well.
We recommend signing up for a free trial of any retail POS system you're considering. This ensures you're comfortable with the interface and enjoy using the POS before making any financial commitments.
To optimize sales, you should support your customers' preferred payment methods. For some, that's credit cards; for others, its debit cards. Moreover, many customers now prefer contactless payments and digital wallets. Choose a POS system that supports as many of these payment methods as possible.
The easier it is for a customer to pay you, the more they tend to buy and return to your store. Select a POS system and payment processor that lets you accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Most POS systems accept several payment methods, but some take it to the next level by letting users pay with gift cards and split the payment among different payment methods. The more flexibility you offer your customers, the better.
You can handle several store locations with a retail POS system rather than requiring multiple systems.
A retail POS system should make it simple for you to transfer inventory between stores or from your warehouse to a store without having to change stock levels after the inventory has been received manually.
A retail point-of-sale system may manage the inventory you already have and also use your sales data to suggest the products to include in your next purchase order.
A good retail POS system will have CRM capability that supports you to build solid, authentic relationships with your customers – and will capture the customer information you need without much work from you. Look for a POS system that creates customer profiles automatically, syncs customer sales history across in-store and online channels, and lets you add custom notes to each customer profile.
Look for a point-of-sale system that gives you the ability to manage your team from your POS. Productivity tracking can be a valuable function in maintaining a secure and financially sound work environment. Managing your staff using the same software you use to manage your sales will reduce your administrative burden, allow you to improve your rostering, and give you comprehensive insights into staff performance.
Data and analytics help you spot trends, capitalize on opportunities, and make decisions with confidence. Your retail POS system should come with built-in data and reports that help you track your inventory and revenue, which products are selling or languishing, your customers' purchase history, and your staff performance.
Instead, choose a system that unifies your in-store and online data into one place. This will help you understand the big picture—how each channel influences the other, how customers shop on both channels and your store's impact on online revenue in the surrounding area.
It's incumbent on you to protect your customers' payment data. One breach can easily spell your business's demise. When using a cloud-based POS system, you don't have to worry if your server is secure, because your data is stored securely in the cloud. All you have to do is set strong passwords and use two-factor authentication when available.
Data helps you make educated decisions, take advantage of opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. Similar to your business activities and aspirations, we suggest listing the data you need to run your business.
Whenever a customer buys something from your brand, there's a paper trail. Your POS system records what they bought, where and when they bought it, the total value of that transaction, and more. But you also want your POS system to record who bought it.
Ensure your POS system lets you create customer profiles that unify a customer's contact information and purchase history for what they buy both online and in-store. This will help fuel your email marketing, as well as loyalty programs—both of which help increase retention, repeat purchases, and customer lifetime value.
A POS system that integrates with other programs can add a customer management aspect to your business without requiring you to introduce a new production process to accommodate an additional program.
Integrating with third-party software lets you adopt new functions, such as recording customer information, maintaining loyalty programs, and offering targeted promotions. Some POS systems have built-in customer relationship management features, and some offer a series of readily integrated software applications.
Your retail store is unique. What's best for one merchant may not be a fit for you. That's why we recommend listing your current and future needs to the best of your abilities, testing different systems, and asking potential POS providers questions before making any commitments.
