5 tips to boost your checkout conversion rate
Learn how to boost your checkout conversion rate with our 5 easy tips!
2018-05-07
For a long time, classical cash registers dominated retail. But tasks such as billing and inventory took a lot of time and resources, making them are difficult to manage for small, low-staff companies. Digital point-of-sale systems, also called POS systems, solve these problems.
When a purchase is made, a modern cash register automatically updates the inventory data. In addition, goods receipts are transferred digitally to the cash register. The dealer then has a precise overview of his products inventory and make sure supplies are adequate – notably by automating the ordering process. Furthermore, it is almost impossible for a retailer to know the popularity of all its products by heart. A digital business goods system offers the possibility of a continuous recording of sales. The dealer thus saves time and costs and can perfect the use of his warehouse or the sales area.
Modern POS systems attach great importance to simple and fast usability. Employees usually do not need much computer literacy - a quick introduction is all they need. Complaints, cancellations and returns are easily made and private withdrawals and deposits are possible. Another advantage of digital POS systems is the creation of individual sales profiles. The turnover of each individual seller can also be recorded. Time can also be saved during the inventory process by dividing articles into several groups and areas and eliminating the need to collect goods individually. In addition, different user profiles can be created. This means that several sellers can work with a tablet and open different shopping carts. Once a customer is done shopping, it can be cashed. Thanks to the time savings and the optimized business processes, dealers or sellers can focus better on customer service.
Cash register software often offer various price promotions. The dealer can appeal to new customers with special discounts. After his first purchase, the customer receives a discount coupon for the next purchase. If the customer is convinced to make a new purchase, he can afterwards be integrated in a self-designed loyalty program. This may be a loyalty card, e.g. Loyalty benefits such as promotions or other discounts.
Modern POS systems usually include a compatible card payment module. Debit and credit card payments are now almost standard. However, many retailers still lag behind in this area. Other popular payment methods such as direct debit or e-wallets might be beneficial to include. In general, a larger payment offer also covers increase the customers coverage and thus potential sales.
Retailer wanting to sell their goods online and offline benefit from many additional services offered by a modern online cash register system. Via a centrally managed product catalog, goods can also be offered on the online platform. Stocks are updated automatically, and the workload is enormously dismissed, compared to a classic online store.
If a retailer wants to integrate a modern POS system, he must choose between an online and an offline system. Here is a list of the most important differences.
The basic requirement of an online cash register system is a permanent connection to the Internet otherwise the system does not work.
A big advantage is the flexibility in the selection of the hardware. Online cash register systems usually run in a web browser. This allows cash register programs to run across platforms (iOS, Windows, Android). In addition, one does not have to install the POS system and it is always worked with the latest version.
Ongoing costs are a negative factor of the online cash register system. In addition to the monthly fees of the cash register software, there are also costs for the DSL connection. Due to the permanent Internet connection, the system is increasingly exposed to the risk of malicious programs. That's why security software is essential. In addition, the device should not be used for off-site surfing or downloading from other apps.
Unlike the online POS system, the offline POS system does not need an Internet connection for registration or operation.
An offline POS system is usually cheaper. This is mainly because only a one-time purchase price (plus possibly cash software license) is incurred. The absence of an Internet connection also reduces the risk of virus attack. Furthermore, all sales data are exclusively store locally. So this is not dependent, if problems should occur with the POS system provider.
Often, setting up an offline POS system requires more time, as the merchant must make the basic setup and installation himself. If this leads to problems, the provider can offer no direct support, since the device is not connected to the Internet.
A current POS system "trend" is the use of iPad POS systems. Regardless of the type of shop, iPad cash register systems are gaining in popularity.
iPad POS systems have the advantage that the POS is freely selectable and flexible. In addition, an extension of the cash register system is relatively simple and does not require much effort for the dealer. If the dealer owns an iPhone, he can also access the POS system and control sales on the go. In addition to these practical factors, design also plays a role. As a rule, iPads visually leave a good impression with the customer.
First, a cash register software is needed. These are supplied by iPad POS providers. Integrating this software turns the device into a touchscreen POS system. Further required devices are connected to WLAN or Bluetooth. The basic requirement for a functioning system is WLAN. As a rule, entire hardware "packages" can be purchased from iPad POS systems providers. These include iPads, wireless router, receipt printer, etc.
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