Technology in Retail Business

The manager rushes to a patron in his busy restaurant, concerned as he asks, “Sir, I just wanted to check if everything is okay with your meal, as I couldn’t help but notice… that you haven’t photographed it yet?” This manager understands that the meal his patron is enjoying has the potential to extend beyond this dining experience. He recognizes that this customer can serve as a vehicle for electronic referrals, potentially generating future sales with new customers. It all comes down to how he integrates technology into his service offering and how he gently persuades customers with efficient service that encourages recommendations and repeat business.

We live in a time when technology is not just a part of our daily existence; it is fundamentally facilitating it. Retail is no different. In today’s tech-savvy world, apparel is no longer tagged; it is hashtagged, and even if you are dining alone, friends can follow you to dinner. With this new reality, retailers need to abandon their role as bystanders in the bricks-and-mortar space and embrace the 21st century.

For traditional retailers, this transition can be intimidating. There is a common assumption that only Millennials understand the technical know-how required to make this change. Fortunately, today’s technology is designed with the technophobe in mind, and upgrading your retail system to incorporate tech-driven services doesn’t have to be complex, impractical, or expensive. In fact, small tech-focused decisions can be highly effective, simple to implement, and can save you money in the long run.

Tap into Mobile

Empower your customers to incorporate your business into their personal brand by providing them with tools such as a hashtag. This allows them to connect with your brand and market your services for you. By increasing your social media presence and inviting customers to follow your Facebook or Instagram pages, you enable them to engage with your offerings and ultimately become brand ambassadors.

Simplify their customer experience with a branded app or by joining an ordering platform like Uber or Zulzi, which can quantify orders, increase revenue, and expand your customer base. Tech upgrades can even include a reservation confirmation SMS sent to customers, complete with Facebook links and calendar syncing. These tools are particularly effective for restaurants, hairdressers, and beauty salons. With incremental changes like these, you can bring your business directly to your customers’ devices.

Streamline Communications

Voice Over IP (VoIP) systems may require initial capital to implement, but since they operate over the Internet, they cost almost nothing to run after installation. VoIP systems provide a consistent, professional first point of contact that can efficiently direct customers.

Eliminate human error by implementing a Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) system as your establishment’s ordering device. With this tool, internal systems become centralized. For example, a waiter can take orders on a tablet, which then automatically syncs with the kitchen, improving service time and updating stock levels in real time. This reduces the likelihood of illegible handwritten orders reaching the chef, increases order accuracy, and encourages repeat business through consistent service.

Enhance Customer Experience

Data from electronic profiles can provide valuable insights into spending behavior. For instance, it can reveal whether a customer is new or returning, their drink preferences, and their experiences since their last visit. This information can be used to analyze customer behavior, inform targeted marketing campaigns, and ensure overall customer satisfaction.

However, once you operate in the tech space, it’s essential to consistently analyze your data, remain active on your social media pages, and ensure that service quality meets expectations. In an electronic world, bad news travels fast! If you maintain consistency and offer something valuable and enriching to your customers, your business will flourish.

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to tag it, does it really exist? This question is particularly relevant in a tech-focused market. To ensure that your business truly exists—and thrives—embrace the changes that will improve service, sales, and visibility, ultimately enhancing your business.

This article is proudly brought to you by Merchant Capital, providers of tech-driven small business funding. For more insights into this important topic, view here.

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