VARs: Enable Small Retailers To Act Big
By The Business Solutions Network
In many cases, it’s large retailers who drive the adoption of the latest technology innovations. After all, they’ve got deeper pockets and the capability (i.e. personnel and expertise) to tinker with things. That said, smaller retailers have some things going for them as well. While many are short on IT budget, free time, and in-house expertise, there’s a willingness to gamble on something without fear of how shareholders will react or how competitive retailers will respond.
The fact is, small retailers are a great fit for many of the latest tech innovations. If you’re a VAR who thinks, [insert new technology] is only for big retailers who can afford it, you might be holding your SMB customers back.
In reality, you can find a host of affordable feature-packed solutions today. These are technology solutions that can help transform an SMB retailer and give them capabilities previously reserved for the big box retailers.
Customer engagement solutions? There a so many ways to get this functionality now. Many ISVs are adding such functionality. Payment companies are adding it. There are cloud-based offerings.
Video surveillance and analytics? IP cameras have hit record low prices while continuing to add functionality. People counting and heat mapping can give retailers amazing insight into their stores and is very affordable now.
Digital signage? You can go the ultra-cheap route and use a standard flat panel TV or buy a purpose-made digital display. Either way, prices are dropping. Software and templates are available to remove a lot of the guesswork and necessity for a graphic artist.
All of the above solutions are not only priced for SMB retailers, they’ve been shown to increase sales. They pay for themselves! Rather than be accused of promoting companies or products, I’ve been purposely vague about exactly what to buy. Contact your preferred distributor and ask them how they can help you use IT to make your SMB retailers act like big ones.