In the days when a can of soda or ice cream were 25 cents, owning a grocery or convenience store was simpler. With less competitors, with easy-to-track daily loyal foot traffic and limited inventory, it was sufficient for a small business to have a simple cash register at the checkout counter. Cash registers have, in the past, traditionally offered only basic features; the ability to ring up customers, open and close a cash drawer, end of day “z” report and if advanced, provide some kind of printed receipt for customers upon request. In more recent years, as credit card usage increased, in keeping up with the times, retailers have added a credit card terminal to their counter. It can be a daunting task to reconcile an old cash register with credit card processing. Customers can grow impatient waiting while a cashier rings them up on the register and then separately coordinates swiping their card for payment.
In today’s fast-paced era, keeping up in running a successful business requires a lot more effort on many fronts. With fast emerging competitors, online and large chain stores taking over, on the front end, a business needs to be able to attract customers, offer a larger assortment of products at the most competitive pricing, and keep the customers coming back. On the back end, a business needs to be efficient with tracking sales, managing inventory, knowing what sells best, who did they sell it to and when to reorder.
Rapidly increasing competition in the retail world is making it harder and harder to stay afloat. To make the most out of their business, small and mid-sized business owners need to upgrade their cash register to modern technology. Unfortunately, many small businesses operating on a limited budget cannot afford equipment like that which larger stores use, particularly a powerful point of sale system.
The National Retail Solutions advanced POS system offers affordable technology to help retailers face challenges of the market and increase customers and revenue. It provides efficient checkout, tracks sales, manages inventory, and captures customer loyalty with a free, built in loyalty rewards program. Easy access to backend information via the NRS merchant portal and remote app, plus daily reports emailed to the retailer, can help store owners identify the most popularly selling items and know when to restock. The NRS POS integrates seamlessly with NRS PAY (or other) credit card processing. NRS recently launched its newest exciting POS addition, its exclusive delivery app. Retailers now have an option for customers, via the delivery app, to shop and order ahead for pickup or delivery.
Here are a few reasons why small businesses must invest in modern technology in order to succeed:
Checking Inventory
Advanced POS technology helps small businesses and retailers keep track of their inventory. If there is a shortage of certain goods, they can be restocked immediately. This feature helps a small business avert over-purchasing. Via the POS, the retailer can even directly reorder inventory. The NRS POS’ powerful software helps the business owner identify more-demanded goods, monitors inventory and keeps track of the store’s stock.
Tracking Sales
Sales management becomes easier with a strong POS system and modern cloud technology. If a store is running a customer loyalty rewards program, the customer’s opted-in details get stored in the POS system. This way, the store can provide a personalized sales experience for customers. A POS system that helps track purchases, returns, customers’ preferences, suppliers’ information and sales information, can be extremely valuable in helping the business grow.
Tasks Automation
Another great feature of the National Retail Solutions POS, is its ability to automate the sales and purchase reports and inventory reports. It manages customer purchases, goods purchased from suppliers, and discounts offered. It can also help tabulate important information for tax preparation, eliminating the need to hire an outside bookkeeper. Business owners do not have to execute manual tasks of filling in information, as the POS system can interact smoothly with other software for running the business. For example, credit card processing seamlessly integrates with the NRS POS system. Ideally, store owners can access their store’s back-office remotely, with a user-friendly mobile app and/or web portal.
Customer Loyalty Rewards and On-Screen Advertising
The NRS POS doesn’t just help retailers save on expenses. With its exclusive BR Club loyalty program, the NRS POS lets retailers offer loyalty rewards and discounts to customers, comparable to programs offered by larger retailers. In addition, eye-level, customer facing on-screen advertising works in conjunction with the loyalty program. Retailers can also optionally run their own in-store ads and promotions. The NRS POS, with its affordable technology, attracts and excites customers and retailers alike.
Overall, by upgrading from an old cash register and investing in a modern, technologically advanced point of sale system, grocery and convenience stores can survive and thrive by being more organized, attracting more customers and making more money.