Though large retail stores are all about volume, small retail shops are all about the personal touch. Even though the human connection is vital to the success of small retail stores, that doesn’t mean they can’t invest in technology that can help improve their operations. In many cases, these investments will improve the customer experience and help improve the bottom line. To show what types of investments are worthwhile, here are four ways that small retail shops can upgrade their tech for better efficiency.
Security
Even small retail shops with small inventories still face a threat from theft. Theft can shake your employees, cause higher prices for your customers, and generally cause an inefficient mess that you have to deal with. That’s why it’s so vital to employ technology to help limit theft and to catch thieves when they do decide to strike. Innovations such as web-enabled cameras, internet-controlled alarm systems, and RF tags on merchandise can all help greatly reduce the theft you experience.
Cash Handling
As a small business owner, you may think that a network-connected cash register is out of reach. However, app-based money-handling programs have made it possible to have a touch screen cash register for small business that also helps you track inventory and sales. Rather than manually filling out sales reports and inventory records, you can track everything automatically and in real-time by using a digital cash register.
Inventory Accuracy
Though a digital cash register can help track the known inventory, there are discrepancies that can occur, especially when you factor in theft and loss. That’s why it’s important to invest in tools to check inventory accuracy so that you know your financials are 100% accurate. Whether you rent a centralized scanning system that you use for an annual inventory or you rely on an app-based solution to do more frequent counts, the value of having extensive knowledge of your inventory cannot be overstated.
Payment Options
Another thing that you can add to your retail store to make it more efficient is by offering your customers more payment options, i.e., via card, cash, and coins. Nonetheless, to stay protected from counterfeit, you must get counterfeit detectors. Likewise, you can also consider investing in bill and coin counters to ensure proper money management. It will help you save time consumed in counting and also improve your customer service. For more information, you can visit the URL here.
Improve Customer Relations
If your store is having a busy day, the last thing you want to do is have customers fall through the cracks if they have a question or concern. That’s why it’s a great idea to employ beacons in your store to help guide your customers when you’re not available. These devices utilize Bluetooth to connect with the phones of your customers to help answer questions, give directions to products, and even offer in-store coupons to help increase sales.
As mentioned, technology in small businesses is not meant to make the experience impersonal for your customers. Instead, it’s intended to make your job easier so that you can focus more on the customer experience. With these solutions in place, your customers will notice a dramatic improvement in service, and you will enjoy a more fulfilling work environment.
