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There’s no doubt that offering mobile point of sale technology is becoming increasingly more necessary in order to compete in today’s market. It also gives VARs an opportunity to sell deeper into clients who already have a traditional point of sale solution in place. But how do you convince your retail clients that it’s time to consider adding mPOS to their business strategy? Here are three surefire signs that your client needs Mobile POS:
Sign # 1
High Checkout Wait Times
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, there’s no time like the present for retailers to evaluate checkout wait times. Even a few extra minutes in line gives shoppers the opportunity to “shop” around for better deals on their smartphones or rethink their purchases. The high anxiety of peak-time shopping seasons can lead already agitated customers to abandon their haul altogether if they perceive your checkout wait-time to be too long. Along with lost revenue from abandoned purchases, long lines and wait times can cost customer-conscious retailers their reputation.
Retailers shouldn’t wait until they’re already experiencing the negative consequences of long lines to consider an mPOS solution. If your retail customer is hesitant to supplement their existing POS with mobile POS, hit them with these numbers gleaned from a recent study by Omnico Group: More than three-fourths of American shoppers said long queues in-store would make them less likely to return. Shoppers surveyed said they were likely to abandon their purchases and leave the store after 8 minutes of waiting in line.
Sign #2
Long Return Lines
The benefits of mPOS for line busting extend beyond the checkout. After the holidays and other peak shopping seasons, retail stores typically see an increase in returns. Avoiding backups at the return counter is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction. Often, returns take longer than purchases and are inherently loaded with the potential for negative experiences. A mobile POS allows stores to add extra return stations when necessary and let store employees move beyond the counter to offer more personalized service. With the advent of mobile receipt features and customer data capture, the need to hold onto a paper receipt is becoming less necessary, eliminating the headaches that come with lost or damaged receipts.
Sign #3
Showrooming
Shopping around for better deals (showrooming) has never been easier for customers. One study suggests that 67 percent of shoppers check their smartphones to compare prices on the spot. Mobile payment technology has been a key for retailers to combat this behavior by making the buying process altogether easier. Retail associates armed with mobile devices can consult with and incentivize customers to buy in-store by offering coupons and rewards. They can even close the deal on the spot, accepting credit card and mobile payments right on the floor.
Even if customers aren’t actively showrooming, data indicates that retail shoppers are more inclined to make a purchase after being helped by a store associate; mPOS technology increases the likelihood of making a sale.
Mobile POS enhances the retail environment by allowing your retail customers flexibility and scalability, allowing them to accommodate customers during even the busiest times of year. If your retail customers are aiming to increase revenue, deliver a stellar customer experience, and promote customer loyalty, encourage them to consider all of the benefits that an mPOS solution can deliver.
