Gone are the days when retailers could simply put products on shelves, spend a certain amount on advertising, and watch the customers flow through their doors. Today’s consumers are more discerning and demanding than of old. And no wonder – they don’t have to shop in a store any more. They can get everything they want (and more) online.
So when people do ‘go shopping’ in the traditional sense, they are looking for more than just products to buy. They want a pleasant, convenient, straightforward and even enjoyable shopping experience. And that’s why customer experience (CX) is such a hot topic.
Nearly three quarters of consumers say their loyalty to a particular business or brand is tied in with the quality of the experience they get. And retailers that go all-out to deliver the best CX bring in 5.7 times more revenue than those that lag behind on quality of experience.
Good CX involves pulling lots of different threads together. One of them is POS. Modern POS systems aren’t just there to churn through sales. They can act as a powerful weapon in your CX arsenal. Here’s how.
Faster Checkouts, Happier Customers
The most obvious CX-related benefit of modern POS systems is their speed. Gone are the days of tedious manual entry and clunky interfaces. Modern systems boast flexible scanners and intuitive touchscreens, leading to lightning-fast checkouts. This translates to shorter queues, reduced wait times, and ultimately, happier customers. No one enjoys being stuck in line, and a quick checkout experience is fundamental to a positive shopper experience.
Convenience is King (and Queen)
Modern POS hardware is built to deliver convenience. An obvious example is contactless payment options which allow customers to pay with a simple tap, eliminating the need to fumble for cash or cards. Additionally, self-service kiosks empower customers who prefer a more independent shopping experience and are also proven to reduce wait times. Mobile POS tablets also introduce more flexibility in terms of where service and transactions can take place on the shop floor.
Empowering Employees for Better Service
Talking about service, modern POS systems don’t just benefit customers; they empower employees as well. And the better the service your staff can provide, the better the experience your customers get.
Intuitive interfaces and real-time data help staff answer queries quickly and efficiently with confidence. And going back to mobile POS again, handheld tablets allow employees to engage with customers anywhere and look up information on the spot, without having to leave them waiting where they head off to check the systems or ask a colleague.
The Future of Retail is Connected
Modern POS systems often integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, creating a unified omnichannel experience. Customers can browse products online, check stock availability in physical stores, and even initiate a purchase online for in-store pickup. This level of connectivity eliminates silos between online and offline channels, providing a smooth and convenient shopping journey regardless of the starting point.