Tablet POS Systems That Help Mobilize Retail Store Associates
The retail industry has been showing strong signs of recovery in recent months. Worldwide retail sales are poised to grow 5% year-over-year to exceed $27.33 trillion by the end of 2022. And despite the increasing popularity of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar stores are proving resilient: in-store sales rebounded by 8.2% in 2021.
Whether you’re going into a busy holiday season, are low on staff members, or just have a lot on your plate as a store manager, you need retail technology that can help you work more efficiently and profitably. And to make sure shoppers keep coming back through your doors, you need to provide outstanding customer experiences. That’s where the right point of sale (POS) system can help you shine, and a tablet POS system is one of your most versatile options.
These tablet solutions features can help maximize your time and productivity.
Take the Checkout With You
The rebound of in-store sales is the good news; the bad news is that the retail industry continues to experience labor shortage issues. The retail industry has always had a high turnover rate and a need for extra workers to handle the holiday shopping season. But the problem is increasing. Nearly 4% of retail workers quit their jobs in June 2022, as the phenomenon dubbed “The Great Resignation” continues. So if you’re scrambling for staff coverage, you’re not alone.
Going into a holiday season can be hard; but without enough staff, it can feel nearly impossible. Fortunately, retail technology can help you make the most of the employees you have. A tablet POS system that can be both stationary and mobile can boost productivity, even when you’re short-staffed, by enabling employees to work anywhere throughout the store.
Line Busting
Nobody wants to wait around in long lines. If the wait becomes too long, customers may choose to simply abandon their carts — which means that not only have you lost those sales, but now your staff will have to use valuable time to reshelve the items. When the checkout line is winding in and out of aisles and you need to get customers on their way, a cashier can address that challenge with tablet POS. . Your employee can meet customers in line to start the checkout process or manage it start to finish with payment and receipt printing. A speedy, easy checkout is an important element of customer satisfaction, and line-busting with a tablet POS system can create more positive experiences.
Inventory Checks
In addition to providing mobile checkout, a tablet can allow your staff to assist shoppers in other ways. Have a customer looking for a product that isn’t on the sales floor? An associate can use your mobile tablet to check inventory on the spot without having to rummage through boxes or run back to the stockroom. Prompt, helpful interactions build customer rapport and loyalty, which is always good for the bottom line.
What to Look For in a Tablet POS System
When you’re ready to mobilize your retail workforce, look for these tablet POS hardware features:
- Durability: With technology that’s on the move, you run the risk of drops and other mishaps. Make sure you’re equipped with ruggedized hardware that can withstand falls, spills, and more. Look for the Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which will indicate the level of resistance to damage to both solids (such as dust and dirt) and liquids.
- Processing Power: Tablets should have a fast processor so associates aren’t waiting for screens to load. Whether you’re using it for mobile checkout or stationary, speed increases customer satisfaction.
- Connectivity Options: Along with a powerful processor, strong connectivity is important so associates can use the tablet anywhere on the sales floor to assist customers and accept payments.
- Accessories and Peripheral Options: A base that allows your POS to convert easily from stationary mode to a mobile tablet and back again will give you the most versatility. The tablet should also integrate seamlessly with tools such as a barcode scanner and card reader to facilitate mobile checkout.
Find the Solution That’s Right for Your Business
While in-store sales should continue to rise, retailers will still be facing heavy competition for both customers and employees. Leveraging retail technology can give you the advantage. A mobile tablet POS system will help you make the most of what you have, increasing the productivity of even the smallest sales crew and providing a superior customer experience.
Don’t let the holiday season or a lack of employees overwhelm you. Give your workers the tools they need to do their jobs more effectively, and you’ll increase their satisfaction as well as the customers’ — which is how your business grows.
Want to learn more, contact us today!
