Better customer service; quick, contactless payments and processing; greater store associate versatility — there are lots of reasons for small and medium-sized businesses to use mobile point of sale (mPOS) solutions. But choosing the best mPOS option for your business in a fast-changing world can seem like an overwhelming task. As you search for the right solution, answering these questions can help narrow your options.
How will this solution better serve your customers?
With mobile devices, your staff can freely roam the sales floor while also serving customers. They can use tablets to check inventory, suggest cross-sells and upsells and ring up sales. That freedom also allows customers to check out even faster and receive the personalized service they want.
Ensure the solution you choose improves customer service in reliable and obvious ways. Do you run a small store with limited staff? An mPOS system frees you from having a stationary register, so you can redesign the store space to showcase and sell more merchandise while redirecting in-store flows to maximize social distancing.
Can you use mobile devices that match your business type?
Do you work outside, such as at farmer’s markets or festivals? Do your employees meet customers at their homes or places of business? If so, you may need a rugged mobile device, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro or XCover Pro, for your mPOS. Rugged tablets are designed to work in dusty or wet conditions and survive drops.
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For devices used in the field, it’s also important to look for built-in security for always-on protection. For example, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro allows facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor to make it easier for only authorized employees to access the device. It also offers defense-grade security and close integration with leading mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
Can your business go paperless?
Going paperless provides many benefits for your retail business. In the back office, you can modernize processes, eliminate redundant data entry and save money on paper and ink. With an all-digital workflow, you no longer need physical file storage or shredding services. Employees can focus on customer service rather than on printing, scanning and filing papers.
On the store floor, the same devices you use for mPOS can also enhance inventory management, so associates can perform cycle counts, inventory and e-commerce support digitally, instead of printing count sheets. Look for an mPOS platform that offers integrated inventory management support.
Will this solution improve your cash flow?
For every business, cash flow is crucial. Before choosing an mPOS solution, understand how quickly you get paid and if there are added costs for faster payments. There are mPOS vendors that allow same-day funding at no additional cost to you, while some charge a percentage of your total transactions. With standard same-day funding, funds transfer from your merchant account to your bank account quickly and without the added fees.
How quickly can you reach customer service?
No small business can afford to lose time to a tech issue, especially when you’re trying to close a sale. Look for mPOS vendors that offer live support that you can reach quickly, 24/7. This is a critical feature especially when your sales occur outside of standard business hours or if you must work across multiple time zones. Some vendors also include training to help you and your team get up to speed quickly on using the mPOS solution.
Does the solution enable social distancing?
Popular pre-COVID payment trends like proliferating self-checkout and virtual payment capabilities are now precautionary necessities in brick-and-mortar retail. Some POS vendors, like eHopper, support online ordering and contactless digital menus that enable customers to minimize personal interactions for their safety and comfort. Quick, contactless payments also move in-store traffic along more quickly, allowing you to bring more consumers through your doors while maintaining a reduced capacity.
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