While most customers have explored online shopping, many still find it a habit to visit retail stores and make their purchases there. If you have a retail business, you will want to make the retail payment experience a breeze for your customers so that they will come back as return customers. You do not want them getting stuck in long queues nor will you want them complaining about a very cumbersome payment transaction process. Here are tips to help you in this regard.
New technologies will help
As much as possible, you will not want to be left behind in terms of technology. You do not want a slow-paced system that can be ‘unattractive’ to your customers and prospects. You will need to revamp your POS system as well as your card reading machines to make the whole experience better for customers. This will allow you to accept digital and mobile payments too.
Include versatile payment options in your store
Many customers choose between making online purchases and visiting retail stores depending on which is most comfortable with their hectic schedules. Whether they choose to do business with you through the Internet or they want the whole local retail store shopping experience, you have to provide them with a payment option that will suit their needs. You can even choose to have an option where they can order online then pick-up the item from the store when they have the time. This will also depend though on the product they are buying.
This system requires a faster turnaround and yes this is possible. All you need is a POS system that is capable of integrating inventory updates and payment processes in one go. This can lessen the wait time thus allowing your business to be on top of the list of your customers whenever they feel like buying something.
Make the shopping experience more personalized
A personalized shopping experience is one where you can interact with your clients anytime, anywhere. Do not just rely on doing business with them through the actual retail store. You can integrate a system where your customers can transact with you through their mobile devices. You can also send them messages regarding current promotions and special deals for your store. A geographic location targeting system can be used to make sure you are contacting interested customers near your store’s location. Expect many people interested with special deals thus you must make sure you can make the checkout process simpler for them too.
Avoid in-store data breaches
Customers always want to make sure they are making a purchase in the most secured environment. You can always post your PCI compliance and let your customers know more about the security measures you are using. Technologies such as two-step verification, biometrics as well as tokenization are very popular these days. If you do not have these yet, make sure you integrate them in your system the soonest.
There are a variety of merchant services that will guarantee easier retail payments for your customers. All you have to do is browse for options and see which ones will work for your retail business.